5 Healthy Tips & Tricks To Beat That Midday Slump!
How does a work afternoon usually look for you? Does this sound familiar…
It’s 2PM – you’ve just had lunch, still have countless emails to get through and that second (or third) cup of coffee is calling your name, but you know there’s better options than that. Did you know that afternoon cup o’ joe is hurting your performance? Excessive caffeine consumption can significantly disrupt sleep patterns which will make you more sluggish the next day and in turn wanting to up your coffee intake even more!
So, to make sure you’re putting your health first, and being as productive as possible – we’ve put together some of our favorite things that you can do at your desk to help you push through that midday slump!
1. Breathing
Did you know that breathing actually helps energize your body?By really focusing and getting deep breaths of oxygen into yourself you are getting in tune with your body and ready to work! Here’s one of our favorite techniques!
-
The 4-7-8 technique: First, put the tip of your tongue against the ridge behind your upper teeth. Next, exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound. Then inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven, and exhale through your mouth for a count of eight. Repeat for a total of four breaths. This should leave you feeling focused and ready to go!
2. Essential Oils
Start by picking peppermint oil because it is known as an energy-enhancing scent. You can choose to smell the oil or you can rub it on your temples or wrists to help awaken your senses and get your back in work mode!
3. Stand
Moving your body in any way tells your brain that it is not time to sleep. Studies have shown that even short bursts of activity can keep you alert and boost your fitness. Stand up every time you get an email. Instead of calling colleagues, stop by their desks when you need to talk to them (and get a social break 😜)!
4. Snack…Wisely!
If you are hungry and wanting to snack on something, go for for a snack that combines protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates (such as whole-grain crackers or raw vegetables). These snacks will also help raise your blood sugar levels steadily and keep them up instead of preparing for a crash like sweets would do!
5. Go Outside
Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for your body. Choose to have a walking meeting or make a call for work for minimum of 10 minutes. Better still, have your lunch outside and divide your break between eating and a walk. It will help reset your internal clock, wake up your body, and give you a valuable boost of beneficial vitamin D (which we can all benefit from)!
