9 Healthy and Natural Ways to Beat That Afternoon Slump

No matter what kind of day you have had sometimes that afternoon lull in energy, momentum, and drive comes on and ruins the rest of the day. If you are at work, it can really have a negative effect on the rest of your day and your productivity. If you are at home, it can make that list of chores to do rather daunting.

Often the best solution is to listen to your body and take things slowly for a second. Give yourself, your mind, and your body a chance to catch up. But, let’s face it, kicking back for an afternoon nap might not always be doable, especially if you have a job or family responsibilities.

According to The Sleep Foundation, afternoon slumps are perfectly normal. Ever heard of the siesta? Some cultures actually embrace this natural dip in energy and have nationwide naps in the afternoons.

The longer we go without sleep the more our body will want to rest. This is called our sleep drive. By the afternoon, many of us have already been awake for seven hours or more and our natural body clock, or circadian rhythm is wanting us to sleep.

Have a look at this list of gentle, natural, and healthful things you can do in an afternoon to help thwart that afternoon slump. As well, there are some practices that you can put in place to try to curb those slumps in the first place.

1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

The quality and length of sleep you get will drastically affect the type of day you have. Though the amount of sleep people need is very individual, listening to your body and getting enough is essential for mental clarity, physical health, and a well-functioning immune system.

2. Get Some Sunlight

If you can, try to take a walk in the sunlight, or at least sit by a sunny window for a moment. Sunlight inhibits the body’s ability to produce the sleep hormone melatonin and activates the brain’s release of serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone related to mood positivity and mental focus. Just what you need for a bright afternoon.

3. Avoid Sugary Snacks

Source: Dr. Eric Berg DC/YouTube

Avoid lunch or snacks that are high in carbohydrates and sugar. These types of foods cause your body to have a spike in blood sugar. It might mean that you get a burst of energy soon after eating, but this is not sustainable. That crash as the body uses up those sugars will make you feel lousy.

Instead, choose a lunch or snack that is full of greens, proteins, fruit, and nuts.

4. Steer Clear of Caffeine

That dreaded moment of feeling a nap coming on at your desk might have you reaching for the second or third cup of caffeine. But, this will actually start to make matters worse.

Continued use of caffeine causes the body to build up a tolerance. This means that the body needs more and more caffeine to get the same effect. This will in turn lead to poor sleep quality and make that afternoon slump ever more inevitable.

5. Drink Water

Even a hint of dehydration can make you feel drowsy and fatigued. It is not news that we need to stay hydrated for so many reasons. Sip water throughout the morning to help thwart that energy dip.

6. Meditate

Source: Great Meditation/YouTube

Your afternoon slump might be a result of a monotonous, even stressful, task. Take a moment for yourself to help clear your mind, refocus, and center with a short meditation. Even just some deep breaths, closing your eyes for a moment, and decluttering your mind can have a wonderous, energy-boosting effect on the rest of your day.

7. Switch Tasks

There might be something to that old adage- a change is as good as a rest. If you aren’t in a position to stop and take a break, try just changing up your task. Our minds can get bogged down when working on the same thing for hours on end. If possible, give your mind and eyes a break by doing something else for a while.

8. Inhale Some Essential Oils

There are lots of essential oil aromas that are thought to help you focus and calm your mind, destress, and even energize you. Putting a few drops of essential oil onto a napkin and inhaling it when you are feeling foggy can be really uplifting.

As well, you can mix your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your temples, and pulse points. Never apply undiluted essential oils to the skin.

Try peppermint, lemon balm, lemon, and sweet orange.

9. Do Some Exercise

Source: Two Minute Moves/YouTube

This doesn’t mean hitting the gym in the middle of the day per se, but if it is available to you, try to move your body. Take a short walk or do some mindful movement at your desk. This can just be for a few minutes. A little will go a long way.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice. Fatigue and lulls in energy can be symptoms of more serious problems, so consult a medical professional if symptoms persist. 

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