Ways To Push Past The Dreaded Afternoon Energy Slump
It’s a feeling we’re all familiar with: it’s 2 p.m. at the office, you have loads of work to finish up before going home. However, the only thing you actually want to do is curl up in a quiet corner and fall asleep. This drop in energy in the afternoon can lead to all kinds of mistakes and less productivity at work. If you find your energy levels disappearing every afternoon, here are some ways you can get past it – without falling asleep or drowning yourself in caffeine.
Get Moving
One way to get some energy quickly is by moving around. If you don’t have the option to work out, try and walk around for about 10 minutes or so. Whether it’s down the halls, up and down stairs, or outside, will give you that little boost you need.
Eat A Good Lunch
Try to avoid eating too many carbs and sugar. These things can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar, which will give you a little pick-me-up. However, it won’t take long for you to crash. This will leave you tired and hungry. In order to stay energized and full for longer, build your lunch around high-quality protein along with fiber-rich whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Don’t forget to include some healthy fat as well.
Chew Gum
If you’re really struggling, you can stimulate your brain by chewing on some gum. Studies have shown that chewing gum can increase periods of concentration. It works even better when you’re working on tasks that require continuous monitoring, like entering data or editing a document.
Drink Cold Water
One of the most common reasons for fatigue is dehydration. Recharge and rehydrate by drinking 12 ounces of cold water to fight off that sluggish feeling.
Take A Nap
Finally, if it’s an option for you, taking a nap seems like the most obvious solution. In fact, research has shown that a short nap can reduce drowsiness and might help combat an afternoon slump. The ideal length for a nap is 20 minutes or less. The reason for this is that longer naps can cause sleep inertia, which is a sense of grogginess that might linger after waking up.
