You can stay alert without drinking caffeine - try these science-based tricks the next time you feel tired

Even after a good night's sleep, all it takes is one rough commute or frustrating meeting to majorly wear us down.

That's probably why countless people reach for an afternoon cup of coffee, tea, or - god forbid - tiny bottles filled with foul-tasting herbs and a megadose of caffeine.

But there are plenty of science-backed ways to stay alert using just your mind, body, and surroundings. And some of them are actually kind of fun.

Read on for 10 tips and tricks that can help you make it through the day without that habit-forming caffeine hit.

Julia Calderone wrote the original version of this post.