We’ve all experienced the midday slump, when you lose focus, feel drained, and are unsure if you’re bored, sleepy, or both.
It is just after 12 pm, your body and mind appear to have checked out of work already, but you still have tasks to complete. This is when the desire for coffee kicks in, and it’s your third cup already.
So, what’s the solution? The first thing that comes to mind is usually another cup of coffee, an energy drink, or something sweet.
Although caffeine may provide a short-term boost, it frequently results in a jittery crash, restlessness, or, ironically, difficulty falling asleep later, which only makes the slump worse the next day.
According to Health, “Caffeine or a sugary snack can be a quick fix to that mid-day energy slump if you are struggling to keep your eyes open halfway through the day. Caffeine stimulates your nervous system to boost your energy and makes you feel more awake.”
Verywellmind shares that you should drink water to stay hydrated, fight fatigue, and enhance athletic performance. Age, degree of activity, health, and ambient temperature all affect the recommended daily water intake. Every week, spend at least 150 minutes walking, preferably outside. Consume wholesome snacks such as beans, lentils, quinoa, edamame, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
The above source further adds that in order to lessen the effects of sleep deprivation and enhance both mental and physical performance, take brief naps of 20 to 30 minutes. By enhancing blood flow, promoting better sleep, and improving cell mitochondria production and delivery, regular exercise, even 20 to 40 minutes, can boost energy and reduce fatigue.
Also see: Here’s what happens when you replace your daily coffee with yerba mate tea