Beat the Afternoon Energy Slump With These Productivity Tips
It’s normal for most people to feel more energized in the morning and super tired once the afternoon rolls around. Reasons for this afternoon slump include a lack of dehydration, foods with excessive amounts of carbs and sugar, a lack of sleep the night before, and your body’s natural response to circadian rhythms.
If your work requires a lot of focus or you’re often working with tight deadlines, this article is for you. Here are effective ways you can fight fatigue in the afternoon and get more done. These tips are great for business owners and office workers alike.
1. Make a cup of black coffee.
Caffeine in black coffee is absorbed by your brain and body, helping you to feel more alert. A helpful tip would be to make plain black coffee. Avoid sweeteners and syrups that raise its sugar content, which eventually decreases your energy. Instead of sugar, add a tablespoon of grass-fed butter to coffee for a real energy boost.
2. Know your “high energy” hours.
Some people are able to focus better in the morning while others find that they thrive in the evening. If you work at home or run a business from your laptop, it helps to know your optimal working hours. Schedule complex work during these hours — for example, writing blog posts, web design, and completing an ongoing project.
3. Stand up and move for at least 10 minutes.
Have a midday trip to the gym (if there’s a gym near your office) or do a light aerobic exercise that raises your heart rate. Any form of physical activity, as long as it’s done with intention, will help your mind overcome fatigue. As an added benefit, exercise increases endorphins that boost your mood and promote relaxation.
4. Consider eating a smaller lunch.
You might not realize it, but your heavy lunch meals are probably the reason why you’ve been feeling sluggish. This is because your body works harder to digest a huge meal. Next time, try eating just half the portion of your usual lunch. Furthermore, avoid eating large quantities of carb-rich foods, such as white rice, white bread, pasta, starchy vegetables, and desserts.
5. Switch tasks.
Focusing on the same task for hours can make you bored and tired. If it’s not urgent, why not put it on hold? Switching to a different task temporarily can keep things interesting. Just avoid the urge to work on several things at once. Multitasking leads to fractured thinking and fatigue.
6. Listen to upbeat music.
It’s no secret that the right music benefits your mood and productivity levels. If you’re feeling like you’re about to doze off, play some tracks that get you hyped up. Pull out your headphones and try these:
- ENERGY - Beyoncé
- BREAK MY SOUL - Beyoncé
- Roses - The Chainsmokers
- Can't Stop the Feeling - Justin Timberlake
- Juice - Lizzo
As a bonus tip, strive to get more good sleep at night! Sleep leads to higher energy levels and ultimately success. Have at least 7 hours of sleep consistently. Your body will thank you.