How To Beat The Afternoon Slump-Caffeine Free
We have all been there… that afternoon slump where you feel like all you need is to crawl back into bed and dream yourself into slumber? If only life was that easy! We’ve all been there, right? Having a super productive morning, have a nice little pep in your step, getting everything done on your to-do list, and then Bam! It’s completely normal to feel an afternoon slump, and your current circadian rhythm could be to blame for this.
There are many factors that could be the cause of these nap time feels. Other ways, such as diet, screen time, hydration, and movement are all factors that can decrease your energy levels. Fortunately, we’ve been there and figured out a few ways that we’ve beaten this afternoon slump. Here are 6 ways in which you can fight that fatigue as soon as it strikes!
Skip the pasta lunch!
The amount of food you eat, the types of food you eat, and the timing of your meals can all contribute to your energy levels. If you find yourself dozing off after lunch, and when you look at your meal it’s composed of mostly complex carbohydrates, chances are we might’ve found the culprit. Make sure meals are packed with healthy proteins, nutrient-rich vegetables, and healthy fats, for sustained long-lasting energy. Chances are this small switch will make a huge difference alone.
Remember everybody is different, and it’s important to study your body and take note of how you respond to certain foods. So play around with meals and see what works for you! A good starting point would be keeping a food journal, and document the way you feel after eating and go from there.
Here are a few of our favorite colorful, nutritious, and delicious go-to lunches from The Collective Ritual-
Tahini Cilantro Broccoli Salad
Tuscan White Bean Salad
Thai Crunchy Salad
Hydrate, duh?
Well, you would think this would be a given, but most of us don’t even prioritize water throughout the day. It’s so easy to get caught up in your work, to realize you have spent the whole afternoon without even taking a sip of water. Dehydration leads to fatigue because it impacts the flow of oxygen to the brain and causes your heart to work harder to pump oxygen to all your bodily organs, making you more tired and less alert. By staying hydrated you stay energized. We suggest getting a refillable water bottle, and never let it leave your side:) Check out our favorite refillable water bottle below. And it’s cute!
Move it, Move it!
One of the easiest natural ways to boost your energy is to get up and move! Although you might seem absolutely exhausted and moving seems like the last thing you want to do, we promise you, it’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to get a little pep in your step. A simple walk around the block, or a 10-15 minute stretch, will get the blood flowing, and in exchange increase your oxygen and energy levels. Stretching sends a surge of blood and nutrients through your body, providing a quick energy boost.
If your schedule permits it, or you have time, an afternoon workout is a great way to increase energy levels and productivity! Whether it’s a yoga flow, a jog around the block, or a Pilates class, they will all do the trick!
Check out this seated stretch for a boost of energy anytime/anywhere!!
Cat Nap
We get it, sometimes when your energy is so low, and no amount of caffeine will do the trick, a quick nap might just be the solution! A short nap of 20 to 30 minutes can improve mood, sharpen focus, and reduce fatigue. If you only have 5 minutes to spare, just close your eyes; even a brief rest has the benefit of reducing stress and helping you relax a little, which can give you more energy to complete the tasks of your day. But don’t confuse a brief rest with microsleep. We suggest setting an alarm, so you don’t oversleep or wake up to your boss banging on your car window! Also limiting your nap to under 30 minutes will help with the feelings of grogginess.
Magnesium
Could It Be Magnesium Deficiency? Magnesium is at work in every cell of your body. It helps convert food into energy, regulate your nervous system and create new proteins. Are the first signs of a magnesium deficiency, are tiredness, stiffness, and weakness. An easy solution is making sure your diet is rich in magnesium. The average adult needs about 400 mg of magnesium per day in their diet.
“Choose foods such as spinach or other greens, nuts, and seeds that are rich in magnesium and other important nutrients. A simple mango, avocado, and black bean salad is a delicious way to give your magnesium levels a healthy boost. Both avocados and black beans are magnesium-rich.” Check out our favorite magnesium supplement below from Ancient Nutrition.
**Discount Available for all Members of The Collective Ritual**
Aromatherapy
Different oils bring different benefits— to boost energy levels, calm the mind, or create a relaxing environment for a peaceful night of rest. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, essential oils can help you feel more energized to take on the day. Lemon, lime, orange, bergamot, tangerine, mint, and mandarin are all types of citrus essential oils that contain properties that are calming for the nerves, but uplifting for your mood.
A diffuser is a great way to uplift the mood and energy in your space when you are starting to feel the slump coming. Another common and great way to use oils is adding a few drops to the palms of your hands, take a few deep, slow breaths in through your nose. Doing this for a good 30 seconds will have a great mood-lifting effect.
Another great way to use essential oils is by adding a few drops to your water. This tip has many great benefits, depending on the oil of choice. Our favorite is adding a few drops of citrus, like lemon and also mint, for invigorating and refreshing water. Find our favorite essential oils by DoTerra Below!
