Five Tips for Combating an Afternoon Slump

Most mornings, I'm up early with enough energy to do most of my work before lunchtime. But, too often, I find myself dosing off any time after 2 PM if I don't take necessary steps to fight my afternoon fatigue.

Do you fight afternoon fatigue? If so, you're not alone. Here are some practical tips to boost your energy in the afternoon.

Drink More Water---Tip #1 for Fighting Afternoon Fatigue

When you don't drink enough water you can become dehydrated, which can make you tired. By drinking at least six 8-ounce glasses of water each day, you'll not only improve your health, but will also increase your energy in the afternoons. Besides drinking water, choose water-packed fruits and vegetables such as celery and oranges. If drinking water isn't something that comes easy for you, add lemon or lime juice to give it flavor. Also, a cucumber can also add zing to plain water. Just be sure to get in more water, instead of sugary drinks and sodas.

Eat More Protein at Lunch Instead of Carbs---Tip #2 for Fighting Afternoon Fatigue

Whereas carbohydrates tend to drag you down, protein gives you energy. Instead of a lunch of sandwiches, choose chicken or tuna salad, along with an energy bar. Besides eating more protein at lunch, choose a protein based breakfast such as eggs, cheese, and bacon, rather than bagels, donuts, and muffins. The more you load up on chips and other empty carbs, the more likely you'll run out of energy as the day progresses.

Take Catnaps---Tip #3 for Fighting Aftenoon Fatigue

You don't have to sleep for even half an hour. Just 20 minutes of rest and you should feel refreshed, infused with new energy for the afternoon. In fact, even a 5 to 10 minute afternoon catnap is enough to refresh you to get through the rest of the afternoon. However, be cautioned that napping more than 20-30 minutes may lead to not falling asleep quickly at night, so make sure you take just a catnap and not totally fall asleep.

Listen to Music--- Tip #4 for Fighting Afternoon Fatigue

Musical notes produce energy in us. In fact, listening to background music while I work is one way I fight fatigue in the afternoon. Besides radio music, I also tune into my favorite Sirius Radio music stations, where I take a memory, as well as a dancing break, thanks to my favorite golden oldies stations. Just listening to the hits of the 50s, 60s, and 70s allows me to take a vacation into the past when I was young, boosting my energy. When we feel fortified by listening to music, we can actually feel waves of every as they vibrate in our body. It's also been proven that listening to music arouses the flow of our body's endorphins. This process increases our energy when our body is tempted to snooze. Just be sure to select music which stimulates you, rather than "elevator" music played in nursing home.

Exercise More---- Tip #5 for Fighting Afternoon Fatigue

Start the day out with some form of exercise before you start work. Then, give yourself an added boost in the afternoon by doing something physical to combat an afternoon slump. Whenever I feel myself dropping off to sleep in the afternoon, all I have to do is jump on my treadmill (which sits right next to my desk) and I'm alert, again. If you're able to walk at work, don't spend your entire lunch break sitting. Instead, allow about 15 minutes to walk or do whatever exercise you're able to do at work. If you can't walk outside, then walk up and down the halls as I sometimes did when I was a substitute teacher, fighting afternoon fatigue.

By applying these, as well as other helpful tips, you can overcome afternoon fatigue. What's more, you'll also be improving your overall health, as you'll be taking better care of your body.