Have you ever had days at work when you can’t just seem to ward off sleepiness when the clock hits 2 or 3 PM? If your answer is yes, then you’re not alone. This mid-afternoon energy slump is such a bummer, as it can kill your productivity if you don’t do something about it.
If you’re the type of person who always struggles to bring your focus and concentration back during this crucial time, then fret not because these 6 tips will help you power through awful midday drowsiness:
1. Listen to music
Listening to music is one of the best ways to help you get back on track when dealing with midday slump. There’s just something about listening to upbeat music that can make you bop your head and make you want to dance and feel the beat of the music.
Doing this works most of the time because it energizes your mind and helps you stay alert to continue doing your current task/s at hand. Also, refrain from using your headphones in full blast to prevent hearing damage.
2. Drink some water
It can be tempting to get your caffeine or soda fix when midday fatigue strikes but you’re only making things complicated for your body by doing so. Drinking caffeine this late in the day can affect the quality of your sleep at night. This cycle continues as you’ll get less shuteye and feel sleepy again at work the day after. A jolt of soda, on the other hand, can only give you a temporary boost of energy but once its effects wear off, you’ll feel more sluggish than ever because of what they call “sugar crash”.
If you’re constantly craving for some shuteye and experiencing that dreaded afternoon slump then it’s best to drink water with electrolytes instead. Not only will it increase your concentration but also save you from dehydration-related fatigue caused by drinking too much soda and other caffeinated drinks.
3. Eat nutrient-dense snacks
If you’re used to eating high-sugary snacks such as cookies, chocolate bars, and doughnuts as a way to cope up and beat midday slump, then you’re not doing your body any favors. Resorting to eating sweet food as an afternoon pick-me-up will only disrupt your energy levels after the initial high from eating these sweet treats is over.
If you don’t want to let the sugar crash get in the way of your productivity and energy levels then be more mindful about what you eat from here on out. Always opt for nutrient-dense snacks with an appropriate balance of not just carbs but also fat and protein as well.
4. Whiff energizing essential oils
Take advantage of the power of smell and put energizing essential oils like citrus, eucalyptus, rosemary or peppermint on your desk so you can smell it when the going gets tough. If you haven’t tried sniffing away the grogginess then you’re totally missing out on the opportunity to be more awake and alert.
5. Stretch and move the drowsiness away
Another way to give you a quick boost of energy without the side effects is stretching. Sometimes all you need to do is stretch and move your body to get rid of sleepiness. If stretching is not enough to wake you up then you may take a brisk walk along the hallway or on your way to the bathroom. Physical activity will help oxygen flowing so if you’re looking for a way to boost your alertness then don’t hesitate to get up and move.
6. Take a power nap
If all else fails and you can’t fight the sleepiness anymore, then it’s best to just give in and snooze. Sometimes all it takes to overcome midday fatigue and increase your focus and alertness is to take a power nap. Taking power naps is definitely a great way to feel reenergized and make you more productive during your last work hours.
Beating midday slump is easier said than done. Even model employees and CEO’s experience this from time to time. No one is really spared but there’s something that we can all agree on that we need more of and that is to get more shuteye at night.
If you really can’t get at least 7-8 hours a night, then keep these tips in mind to help you get through the struggle of keeping your eyes wide open when midday drowsiness strikes.
