Do you feel tired after lunch? You might be surprised to learn that the midday slump is caused by a physical health reason, but there are ways to avoid it. Most of us start to feel sleepy between 2:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon because our body's core temperature drops. It's like what you feel before going to sleep at night.
Still, you can reset your internal clock to keep up with your 24/7 schedule or at least an 8-hour work day. Try these quick fixes and ways to keep things from happening.
Here are a few quick ways to beat the midday slump:
1. Change jobs.
Think of your day at work as a buffet. When you're done with spreadsheets for a while, try looking at resumes or returning phone calls.
2. Turn on the light.
When you see light, you become instantly alert. Your brain is set up to wake up when the sun comes up, and so does artificial light. Get a desk lamp or sit by a window.
3. Move around.
Putting a bit of cold water on your face can also feel good. If you're worried about your makeup, run water over your wrists or wrap a damp towel around your neck.
4. Have something to drink.
Dehydration can make tiredness worse. Drink a lot of water or herbal tea.
5. Have a healthy snack.
Your blood sugar can go up and down based on what you eat and when you eat it. Lessen how much white sugar and white flour you eat. Eat smaller meals and healthy snacks between them. Nuts and seeds with cut vegetables are a good choice.
6. Play some music.
A lively soundtrack will make you want to dance when you're walking around. Play the music you like, whether it's jazz or country.
7. Nap briefly.
If you didn't get enough sleep last night, you might be able to make up for it with a short nap, if you have time. Don't sleep more than 20 minutes at a time so it doesn't mess up your bedtime.
8. Take a stroll.
One of the best things to do is to move around. Walk around the neighborhood for 10 minutes outside. If you have to stay inside, get up and stretch.
2. Turn on the light.
When you see light, you become instantly alert. Your brain is set up to wake up when the sun comes up, and so does artificial light. Get a desk lamp or sit by a window.
3. Move around.
Putting a bit of cold water on your face can also feel good. If you're worried about your makeup, run water over your wrists or wrap a damp towel around your neck.
4. Have something to drink.
Dehydration can make tiredness worse. Drink a lot of water or herbal tea.
5. Have a healthy snack.
Your blood sugar can go up and down based on what you eat and when you eat it. Lessen how much white sugar and white flour you eat. Eat smaller meals and healthy snacks between them. Nuts and seeds with cut vegetables are a good choice.
6. Play some music.
A lively soundtrack will make you want to dance when you're walking around. Play the music you like, whether it's jazz or country.
7. Nap briefly.
If you didn't get enough sleep last night, you might be able to make up for it with a short nap, if you have time. Don't sleep more than 20 minutes at a time so it doesn't mess up your bedtime.
8. Take a stroll.
One of the best things to do is to move around. Walk around the neighborhood for 10 minutes outside. If you have to stay inside, get up and stretch.
Here are some things you can do to avoid the midday slump:
1. Sleep soundly.
Find out how long you need to sleep each night and what you can do to improve the quality of your sleep. You might need to turn off the lights or block out noise.
2. Deal with stress.
Your resources may be running low because of long-term stress. Take a warm bath or do something that will help you relax, like needlework. Meditation eases stress and makes you more aware.
3. Workout frequently.
Your body and mind stay in good shape when you work out every day. You could play tennis or join a Tai Chi class.
4. Have breakfast.
Get some food in the morning. Leftovers can fill you up just as well as cereal. If you don't have much time, make a smoothie you can drink on your way to work.
5. Plan your day.
You probably have certain times during the day when you do your best work. Take on your hardest tasks when you can concentrate better.
6. Visit your doctor.
Talk to your doctor if you need more help. Simple tests can rule out any underlying health problems that could be causing your chronic fatigue or help you get treatment right away.
7. Make the most of your afternoons.
Try things that will give you more energy. Take care of your health and wait out the slow times. Soon, you'll no longer have to fight fatigue and will be able to focus on your work.
All of these tips can help us feel less tired in the afternoon. Use a few of these tips every day, and you'll feel your energy come back.
