5 Ways To Beat The Afternoon Slump And Stay Energized At Work

Whether you work from home or in an office space, it’s safe to say you spend a considerable part of your work week sitting down, plastered in front of a computer screen, while you complete one tedious task after another.

Heck, simply making it through the *entire* work day alert and full of energy is a task in and of itself because right around 2 o’clock, the afternoon slump sets in and you become sluggish, sleepy, and unable to concentrate.

5 Ways To Beat The Afternoon Slump And Stay Energized At Work

So, what’s the cause of your midday grogginess? Well, for starters, your body’s natural sleep cycle could be to blame. Your circadian rhythm (an internal “clock” that regulates your sleeping and waking hours, among other things) tends to dip between 2:00-4:00 am and 1:00-3:00 pm — the latter of which occurs right-smack-dab towards the tail end of your work shift.

Of course, there are other factors that can influence your energy levels throughout the day, such as whether or not you got a good night’s rest or ate a nutritious breakfast to help fuel your body throughout the day. Thankfully, there *are* ways to thwart the onset of your midday blues. Keep reading to learn of five energy-boosting tips that are sure to help you banish afternoon fatigue!

5 Ways To Overcome Afternoon Slumps And Stay Energized

1. Stay nourished

Along with eating a nutritious breakfast, make sure you have a well-balanced lunch to help you power through your workday. Eat an energizing, high-fiber, protein-packed lunch containing vegetables, healthy fats, and grains that will help your body stave off hunger, stay energized, and maintain steady blood sugar levels. You should avoid processed foods and carbohydrate-rich meals containing the likes of breads and pasta because they can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and then plummet, resulting in fatigue and drowsiness.

Also, make sure you practice portion control when preparing your lunches because overeating will almost always lead you down the path to sleepiness and brain fog — food comas are real. And keep a few energy-boosting snacks handy in your desk drawer like these mouthwatering No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Bites or these Goji Berry Energy Bites.

5 Ways To Beat The Afternoon Slump And Stay Energized At Work

2. Stay hydrated

While you may opt for caffeinated beverages to get you through the workday, drinking adequate amounts of water is one of the best ways to boost your energy levels.

Since your brain is made up of about 75 percent water, dehydration can greatly impact the way your brain performs. When you don’t drink enough water, you can suffer from fatigue, poor concentration, and even headaches! So, do yourself a favor and nip your brain fog in the bud with a glass of water. (You can also try one of these caffeine-free coffee alternatives to help get you through the day with serene energy!)

3. Get your body moving

Energy-boosting activities like stretching or walking around your office are another terrific remedy for your horrible case of sluggishness.

Recharge your body at work by walking a few sets of stairs, by trying some of these seated yoga poses, or by doing this quick, 5-minute workout right at your desk!

5 Ways To Beat The Afternoon Slump And Stay Energized At Work

4. Practice the 20-20-20 rule

Staring at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time can lead to eye strain, resulting in painful headaches, fatigue, and poor concentration.

Help prevent digital eye strain by giving your eyes time to rest with the 20-20-20 rule: take a 20 second break, every 20 minutes, and look at something 20 feet away from you.

5. Use energizing essential oils

Help fight an afternoon slump with energizing, pick-me-up scents like lemon, peppermint, jasmine, or rosemary essential oils! Keep aromatherapy candles or an essential oil diffuser at your work desk, or rub your favorite oils directly onto your body for a natural energy boost.

5 Ways To Beat The Afternoon Slump And Stay Energized At Work