22 Ways To Beat The Afternoon Slump

By Laura Schwecherl.

[Hidden Blog note: I have become an especially big proponent of afternoon "naps": even if I don't fall asleep, just closing my eyes for 15 minutes is quite refreshing. And usually, I do fall asleep.]

Most of us have been there: a super-productive morning finishing projects, working towards inbox zero, and fighting the urge to tweet at co-workers. (Just us?) Then the clock strikes two and we might as well pull down the shades, throw on pajamas, and hop into bed.

It’s completely normal to feel super-tired once the afternoon rolls around. Circadian rhythms, which affect our sleep patterns, may be to blame for the midday-slump. In fact, our “sleep signals” peak at night and during the afternoon (right around 2pm!), which may explain why we want to grab an afternoon cat nap [1]. Other factors, like what we eat, hydration levels, and how much time we spend staring at a screen can also affect those tired eyes.

So to beat the mid-afternoon slump, try these 22 tips to boost energy and feel lively all day long.

Pump, Pump It Up — Your Action Plan

Think it's time to curl up in the cubicle? Here are some ways to fix the fatigue as soon as sleepiness strikes.

Quick Fixes

• Work out. A midday trip to the gym may not only boost productivity; it could ward off sleepiness, too. Stick to some light aerobic exercise before getting back to the books. Don’t have time to hit the gym? Try these deskercises to work out at work.
   
• Step back from the screen. In order to avoid eyestrain (which can make the eyes feel tired) keep a safe distance from the computer screen — about an arm’s length. That, or try a pair of snazzy computer glasses.
   
• Stretch it out. Feelin’ stiff? Stretching out can provide a quick boost of energy. If there’s no stretching station in sight, try a handful of these desk stretches to keep the muscles loose.
   
• Move around. A change of scenery may boost productivity, so do some work at a coffee shop or camp out in a meeting room. Try to park near a window for some natural light, which may keep us more alert.
   
• Grab a towel. Splash some cold water on your face to wake up.
   
• Sip some green tea. With less caffeine than a cup of coffee, a mug of green tea can give us that afternoon pick-me-up without making us stay awake all night. Plus its nutritional benefits are enough to keep anyone wide-eyed!
   
• Talk it out. Instead of emailing a coworker down the hall, take a trip to his/her cubicle and talk in person. This’ll stretch out the legs while providing a break from staring at the screen.
   
• Have a snack. Not meal time yet? Have a snack to help boost energy levels. Try an ounce of cheese, a handful of nuts, or another high-protein snack to keep alert.
   
• Try a walking meeting. Take that meeting to the streets and discuss what you would in the office outdoors. Here at Greatist, we love doing laps around the neighborhood for some fresh air!
   
• Switch tasks. Working on the same project for five hours? Try tackling something else to stay stimulated and keep things fresh at the desk.
   
• Take a catnap. Sometimes the best remedy for fatigue is to simply shut the eyes. Learn how to power nap (10-20 minutes of snooze time!) to get that midday boost you really need.
   
• Schedule an appointment. Have to hit up the dentist? Schedule an appointment during lunch for some forced activity that prevents us from feeling doze-y. This way, you avoid eating at your desk, too!
   
• Take a break. Tired? Take five to do something besides work (like calling a friend or doing a crossword puzzle) in order to give your body and mind a break! Use these tips to relax in five quick minutes before getting back to the grind.
   
• Chew gum. Afternoon energy may be as simple as chewing gum (seriously). Stick to the sugar-free kind, or be on the lookout for the caffeinated versions.
   
• Turn up the tunes. Listening to some favorite music might help us focus and feel more energized. Pro tip? Listen with headphones to really hone in on a task and side-step sleepiness.

All-day Assists

Try to get into the habit of these helpful tips in order to prevent the midday slump from happening in the first place!

• Remember breakfast. Forgoing the most important meal of the day may lead to an energy crash come 2pm. Remember to eat a healthy breakfast to sustain energy throughout the day.
   
• Eat a small(er) lunch. Supersizing that sandwich may be the reason for midday fatigue. Opt for a smaller (but satisfying) lunch; choose something with more protein and less carbohydrates to dodge drowsiness, like a salad with grilled chicken or a black bean burger.
   
• Avoid sugar. A little sugar may go a long way — in the wrong direction. Consuming some sweets may provide a sugar-high that will only lead to a sugar crash, causing us to become even sleepier.
   
• Stay hydrated. In order to avoid dehydration and its sleepy side effects, just keep sipping. Aim for 11-16 cups a day. (Yeah, we’re serious.)
   
• Stand up. Whether or not you’re Slim Shady, please stand up. Staying on our feet could help avoid drowsiness and increase focus. Grab a standing desk and work away!
   
• Skip the booze. Ease up at the office happy hour. Fatigue is a symptom of the good ol’ hangover, so avoid drinking during the week, or keep consumption at a minimum. (One to two drinks!)
   
• Get enough sleep. This may be a no-brainer, but getting enough sleep is vital to staying energized throughout the day.