How many times have you started your day full of energy and
promise, only to find yourself in a typical afternoon energy slump? The slump
can creep up on you slowly, or hit you fast and hard, making it difficult to
concentrate on work and accomplish anything.
If you’re tired of fighting your way through the afternoon energy slump, and you want to find a way to stay productive all day long, then you’re going to want to read on. We’ve put together some useful tips that will banish that energy slump for good and allow you to be your most productive self.
1- Get a Good Night’s Rest
One of the best tips to offer is to ensure you are starting out each day well-rested. This means you need to get a good 7-9 hours of solid sleep each and every night. Without this amount of quality sleep, you simply aren’t giving your body enough time to recover and recharge. This means you’re essentially starting each day on a half a tank of gas, so of course, you’re going to run out of energy before the end of the day.
For those that have a hard time falling asleep and/or
staying asleep, one problem may be the actual mattress you are using. If it
doesn’t offer the correct amount of support that you need, you likely spend
countless hours tossing and turning trying to find that “right position”. So,
what should you buy?
Memory foam is probably the best option, as it
is an all-around great solution for so many sleeping issues. Memory foam works
to cradle your body, deliver support and alignment where needed, and relieve
pressure points. There are even gel-infused memory foam mattresses that are
ideal for those who get hot when they are sleeping. The gel will help to keep
your body cool and comfortable all night long.
2- Make Sure You are Staying Hydrated
Sometimes the problem isn’t a lack of sleep, rather it is
the fact you are dehydrated by the afternoon. If you’ve been reaching for
coffee after coffee all day long, hoping that would perk you up, it’s time to
think again. Caffeine is actually dehydrating, so you’re
doing the exact opposite of hydrating your body.
Instead, make water your drink of choice. Sure, you may need
that morning cup of Joe, but after that switch over to water and ensure your
body is well hydrated. A well-hydrated body will be able to function at peak
ability.
3- Get Up and Move Around
If possible, it’s also a good idea to get up and move
around. If you can take a short walk around the office it will instantly boost
your energy levels, and in turn, your focus and concentration. Even if you
can’t walk around, simply getting up from your desk and doing a few stretches can make all the difference.
4- Choose a Healthy Snack
It can also be helpful to have a snack in the afternoon, but make sure it’s a healthy one. Choose foods that are actually going to benefit you and deliver a boost of energy.
Some of the best snacks to reach for are those that contain
complex carbohydrates and protein. These deliver lasting energy, rather than a
short quick burst. Examples include raw vegetables with a hummus dip, a
hard-boiled egg, whole-wheat crackers with cheese slices, dried fruit, a
handful of mixed nuts, or a yogurt.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to banish that
afternoon slump for good, allowing you to be productive and focused all day
long.
