How to beat the afternoon slump
Have you ever noticed your energy melting away in the afternoon? This is the afternoon slump. It is more pronounced than just a small dip in energy due to your natural circadian rhythm. Instead, it leaves us feeling sluggish and you might have trouble concentrating. But why does this happen, and how can you avoid it?
Here are 5 common causes of the afternoon slump.
Diet
Diet can play an important role in your energy levels and how you feel. Refined carbohydrates have had most of their nutrients and fiber removed. They also tend to have more sugar (be higher on the glycemic index) and are digested more quickly. A diet high in refined carbs can cause your energy to spike and then drop, leading to feelings of fatigue.
Lack of quality sleep
If your sleeping pattern has been disturbed, either by late nights or poor sleep quality, you could be at a higher risk of experiencing a mid-afternoon slump. If you are feeling drowsy in the middle of the day it might be a sign that your body requires more quality rest than it’s getting.
Excessive Stress
Being chronically stressed can put your body in a constant ‘fight or flight’ mode. When the body perceives stress, it starts to break down more glucose stores to produce more energy. This can leave you feeling tired. When you’re stressed, it can also affect your sleep, which further perpetuates the negative effects.
Dehydration
When you’re not drinking enough fluids it can cause you to feel tired and make it harder to concentrate. Sip water throughout the day.
Medical Conditions
Certain health conditions can cause you to feel sleepy or weak. If lifestyle modifications do not address your fatigue, speak to your healthcare provider.
Avoiding the mid-afternoon slump
Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce this post-lunch tiredness.
- Plan your meals and snacks throughout the day to include protein, fibre and healthy fat to maintain stable blood sugar levels
- Stay active and take a walk on your break
- Get outside in the fresh air
- Create a great night routine for a good night’s sleep
- Drink enough water throughout the day
- Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce your stress levels
Try the tips above so the mid-afternoon slump is less likely to catch you off guard!