Anyone who works a full day knows the pain of the afternoon slump: 3pm comes around and you feel like taking a nap instead of going to a meeting.
It can be tempting to reach for another cup of coffee, but no one wants to be kept up all night or stuck feeling the caffeine jitters. Luckily, you’re not doomed to fatigue just because the afternoon has come around.
The afternoon slump occurs for a variety of reasons. It could be what you ate for breakfast, a caffeine or sugar crash, or your body’s natural circadian rhythms.
However, just because you feel frequently tired doesn’t mean you have to be unproductive for the rest of the day. Fighting that drastic drop in energy requires picking up on some habits that can help motivate you and boost your energy levels.
If you want to beat the afternoon slump the natural way, try one of these six remedies for mid-day fatigue.
1. Take A Walk
If you find your energy levels plummeting, take a quick 20 minute walk outside. Research shows that walking can help fight fatigue and boost energy levels, and spending time in natural light also has its own rejuvenating effects.
2. Eat A Snack
Instead of reaching for a sugary treat, as many crave when their blood sugar levels drop in the afternoon, opt for a protein-filled snack or one full of complex carbohydrates. Studies show that eating complex carbohydrates can help keep you alert and energized over foods filled with fat.
3. Take Deep Breaths
Feeling more awake is as simple as taking a few deep breaths at your desk. Taking 10, slow, deep breaths per minute increases oxygen saturation in cells, which in turn can give you more energy and improve your cognitive ability.
4. Watch A Funny Video
If you’ve ever needed an excuse to head to YouTube, now you have one. Having a good laugh will not only boost your mood, but it can also help improve your energy levels, according to studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
5. Drink Some Tea
If you don’t want to hit up the coffee machine too many times, tea is a good alternative. It not only has a small amount of caffeine, but it can also help improve your mental alertness through the amino acid L-theanine.
6. Listen To Some Music
Putting on some upbeat music can help improve your arousal and decrease tiredness, according to a study published in the Journal of Musical Therapy. Music can also help productivity in the workplace.
