We’ve all been there. It starts around 3 o’clock in the afternoon. The yawning, the heavy eyelids. You just want to crawl under your desk and take a nap. If you’ve found yourself contemplating the George Constanza under-the-desk-sleeping-method, here are five tips to avoiding the afternoon slump.
Get Some Fresh Air
If the weather allows, try to spend your lunch break outside. A little sunshine and some fresh air are just what you need to recharge your batteries.
Stay Hydrated
If you find yourself feeling sluggish, you may be dehydrated. Water Increases Your Energy Level! “In general, dehydration leads to fatigue, which slowly eats away at your bodily functions you need to get through the day. The more water you drink, the more awake and alert you’ll feel.”
Keep it Light
Chances are if you eat a 12 oz. steak, 3 lbs of pastrami, and a loaded baked potato for lunch, you’ll be in a food coma shortly after finishing your meal. Keep it light! Try a lean piece of chicken with steamed veggies, a fresh juice, or a chickpea salad.
Keep Moving
Sitting all day isn’t good for us. So try and get out of your chair, stretch, and take a quick jaunt around the office, up a few flights of stairs, or around the block. You’ll avoid the health risks of being in a chair all dayand get that quick burst of energy to get you through the rest of the day!
Fitness
Making time in your life for an exercise routine. Working out on a regular basis can help increase your energy levels, reduce stress and anxiety, aid with sleep, and give you long lasting energy throughout the day.
Sleep
Chances are, if you stayed up until 3 AM binge watching the most recent season of Orange is the New Black — you’re going to be extremely tired in the morning. Spending the entire day in a zombie-like state sounds pretty dreary and unproductive, and no amount of coffee is going to get you back to a normal energy level. So make sure to get your 8 hours of sleep, Netflix can wait!
Call Someone You Love, Just Because
Take a moment to remember what’s most important in your life and dial up someone you care about. Hearing the voice of a best friend, a sibling, parents, or your spouse may be just what you needed to put some back in your step.