It happens to the best of us. You’re humming along through your day, focused and productive, and then suddenly 3:00 p.m. rolls around and you hit a wall. Suddenly, your energy is zapped and you can hardly keep your eyes open. Instead of reaching for caffeine or a sugar fix, there are healthier and more effective ways to overcome the afternoon crash. Try one of these energizing ideas from the health experts at Self:
Read a little fiction. Taking 15 minutes to read a chapter of a novel or a short story can help reset and clear your mind for the rest of the day. Completely immersing yourself in a fictional world allows you to change your mental state so that you can come back to the task at hand with a clear head. Reading helps get you “unstuck” from the stress at hand.
Create and enjoy a healthy snack. Instead of mindlessly inhaling a granola bar while staring at your computer, get up from your desk and spend some time crafting an artful snack, like a mini cheese board or fruit salad. Taking the time to chop, peel and arrange—then sitting down to mindfully enjoy your snack—will not only fuel you with healthy ingredients but give your mind a much needed break.
Take an organization break. Part of the crash that hits us mid-afternoon often comes from feeling overwhelmed and a bit out of control. A simple way to resolve this feeling is to take a break to organize your surroundings. Clear away empty bottles, coffee cups and wrappers, throw away or file random papers and put things back in their place, whether that be your desk drawer, your backpack or a bookshelf. This simple act will give your mind a break while setting a clean stage for the remainder of your day.
Plan a walk break. Build in a standing, 30-minute time slot for a quick, daily walk during your afternoon slump. Taking a walk will give you a much-needed change of scenery, get you into the fresh air and revive your energy with a bit of cardio activity. There is more than enough research to support the mind and body benefits of spending a little time in nature, soaking up some sun and engaging in some light physical activity. Commit to getting your walk in regardless of weather, so have the necessary supplies on hand, from a rain jacket to hiking shoes.
These few simple ideas will likely do the trick to snap you out of your midday slump. If you continue to feel sluggish, it may be time to evaluate your nighttime sleep habits and diet. Poor routines in these areas could be sabotaging your stamina and energy levels throughout the day.
