How to Get Through the Midday Slump
By Sara Butler
Many people hit the afternoon and suddenly feel as if they need a nap. Afternoon fatigue is a real thing and many turn to coffee, energy drinks, or sugar-laden snacks to help perk them up, but that may be a losing strategy for your health and your energy levels. There are some things you can do to fight the afternoon slump and boost energy that will also contribute to your overall health and wellness.
Have a Snack
While most people reach for a candy bar or other treat to help them get through the afternoon, what they should really be reaching for is protein. A diet rich in protein will help you build muscle, burn fat, regulate your blood sugar, and help you avoid an energy dip in the afternoon and all day long.
Protein-packed snacks help to restore energy by sustaining the glucose levels in your blood. Just choose a snack with at least 5 grams of protein per serving and you should be good to go. A few examples include:
- Greek yogurt
- Whole grain crackers and cheese
- Vegetables and hummus
Watch Out for Carbohydrates
It’s important to remember that not all carbohydrates are equal, especially in how they impact your energy levels. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, will impact your blood sugar rapidly, often leading to a crash after the initial spike. This can drain your energy levels, leaving you feeling grumpy and hungry.
Complex carbohydrates also impact your blood sugar but in a much more sustained and even way. That means they will provide energy for your body without the crash. Try carrots, nuts, and whole grains such as oats to deliver sustained energy.
Have Water
You may think that coffee is the go-to drink to help you feel peppier, but you should really reach for water when you’re feeling run down instead. Your body needs water to function optimally and too much caffeine can cause you to become dehydrated, leading to fatigue and headaches -- symptoms you don’t want to add to your afternoon.
Take a Break
Stress combined with long hours at work can make you feel drained. When you get a point where you feel tired and drained, take a break. Even if you don’t feel that way, it’s good practice to get up and take a short break at least once every hour. Take a short walk to the water fountain or restroom, have a small snack, or just give your brain a break so you can keep going.
Breaking out of the midday slump is not as difficult as it may seem!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. Louis, Mo.