Afternoon Energy Boosting Tips

In a previous article, I discussed ways to curb afternoon hunger and sugar cravings. But what about the afternoon blahs, the slumps where it is all you can do to not watch the clock while periodically laying your head down on your desk.

Here are a few ways to keep us energized throughout the day.

Energy boosting tips - food

Fruit! Take fruit with you to work daily as a quick energy boost. Fruit can increase blood sugar as well as be satisfying. Feeling satisfied can improve our mood, allowing us to accomplish more tasks on a daily basis. Experiment with bringing a bunch of grapes, or an apple or even a banana. See if you can notice a difference.

Yogurt and raw veggies can accomplish the same goals if fruit is not an optimal choice.

Energy boosting tips- exercise

Get up! If the in a funk mood is weighing you down- get up. Stretch your legs and take a quick walk. If you are able walk up and down stairs, or a stroll through the building. At the very least get up and stretch. Walking to deliver messages rather than emailing them to a co-worker can also provide an energy boost.

Energy boosting tips- brain power

Read a short mystery. There are several five-minute mystery books available at most public libraries. Reading mysteries increase blood flow as the excitement of sorting out clues to determine whodunit before the end can be a flow of energy. Any brain games could be helpful, as working our brain for ourselves and not for solely for others, is in and of itself a reward of personal power. Does your computer have games? Is Minesweeper on of them? Work your way up to expert and see how your energy level is increased.

Energy boosting tips- scents

As the scent of lavender can induce a sense of calm, rosemary scents can create a sense of alertness. This sweet fragrance stimulates the part of our brain that is responsible for being alert. Keep a rosemary scented candle on your desk. Light it if you can feel the funks coming on and you need to shake them off to get through the rest of the day.

Energy boosting tips- emotions

In a slump, out of energy, try smiling. Think of a happy thought; keep a snapshot on your desk that reminds you of special time. Look at it and remember. Smile. Smile at co- workers. Smile at the window. Smile at yourself. Smiling can bring most anyone out of an afternoon funk.

Remember the saying, "Smile, and the whole world smiles with you"? There is a reason this statement is true.