How to Dodge Afternoon Drowsiness

Battle the post-lunch crash with these terrific tips and tricks!

Everyone has suffered from a post-lunch crash that makes you want to nod off into dreamland. Despite a productive morning, something sucks your energy away and drags you into an afternoon slump.

Your internal clock paired with fluctuating blood sugar levels are to blame for this normal PM response. Lucky for you, ways to combat afternoon drowsiness exist!

Bad foods and hurtful habits can have you dozing away at the office. We’ve gathered some tips and tricks that’ll help you avoid the two o-clock droop and keep your energy levels from spiraling.

1. Eat For Energy
High-glycemic foods like white bread and sugary cereal can cause the dreaded energy drop. Foods with refined carbs, especially processed foods, are digested quickly, triggering immediate blood sugar spikes followed by a dramatic plummet.

Ditch the empty carbs and opt for slow-digesting foods with a low glycemic index. They deliver a steady source of energy and prevent blood sugar peaks and dips. Check out All Day Snacks for Afternoon Energy or 8 Tasty Snacks for Lasting Energy for some scrumptious ideas!

2. Get Some Sun
Take a quick break and change up the atmosphere! Removing yourself from your work for a few minutes can refresh and motivate you. Going outside to soak up a few rays will boost your mood and get you out of that stifling office. Exposure to bright light presses the reset button on your internal body rhythms and helps convince your system that it’s time to get a move on!

3. Do Some Cardio
Ironic as it might sound, squeezing in a little exercise when you feel a crash approaching will jumpstart your energy levels and wake you up. Short bursts of energy can promote blood flow to the brain and rev up your system. Anything to get your muscles moving and your heart pumping will increase mental clarity. Try these do-anywhere workouts for a quick cardio pick-me-up!

11 No Excuse Workouts That Can Be Done Absolutely Anywhere
5 Minute Office Workout

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4. Hydrate
If you don’t drink enough water, dehydration can take a toll on your mood, ability to think, and, worst of all, your energy levels. Your body’s organs need water to function properly. Adequate hydration will improve your mental and physical performance. So drink up!

Electrolytes replenish your system and keep your body stable and balanced. Here are some energy-boosting, ultra hydrating drinks to keep on hand:

Re-hydrate with Electrolytes: Healthy Alternatives to Sports Drinks.

5. Sniff Citrus
Citrus scents stimulate alertness and revitalize your senses. Just one whiff of a grapefruit, orange, or lemon can boost your mood and kick-start your energy levels. Thanks to their high vitamin C content, these fabulous fruits eliminate irritability and fatigue while revving up your engine. For a quick energy fix, keep an orange at your desk or apply some citrus-scented lotion.

6. Go Easy on the Coffee
Coffee has its upsides, like helping you perk up quickly. Unfortunately, the beloved beverage comes with some extra baggage. The highly acidic substance acts as a diuretic, which can have a dehydrating effect on your system. The energy it gives you is only temporary. You might enjoy an initial state of alertness, but you’re bound to crash later. Limiting your coffee intake will also prevent carb cravings!

Trouble giving up caffeine? Check out these 17 Delicious Alternatives to your Morning Coffee.

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Ellie Krasner

Ellie is a full-time violinist living in Las Vegas, and a writer with an insatiable appetite for clean eating and fitness! She is a graduate of Binghamton University with degrees in English literature and violin, and loves investigating the world of healthy living.

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