There cant be an office worker alive who hasnt felt the late afternoon office slump. No matter how productive you might like to think you are and how pumped you might be on caffeine throughout the working day, sometimes those eyelids get a little heavy, the brain gets foggy all you want to do is nap.
But the good news is that the afternoon office slump is not an inevitability. There are a few simple changes you can make to keep you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed throughout the working day.
- Make the sensible choice for lunch
As much as that macaroni cheese might look like your perfect lunchtime companion, all those carbs will prove disastrous for your post-lunch efficiency. Instead, opt for proteins thatll give you a slow release of energy to keep you performing for the rest of the day. Simple changes, such as picking the tuna salad rather than the tuna sandwich, will really make a difference when the clock strikes four. Here are a few more healthy eating tips to keep you at your best.
- Have an afternoon tea
Office workers of the UK rejoice you now a justifiable reason to get up and make yourself a cup of tea! The small amount of caffeine from a black tea, green tea or even fruit tea will provide just enough of a hit to keep you awake until home time, while a few minutes away from your desk can refresh body and mind.
- Avoid mindless scrolling
If youre taking ten minutes out then avoid mindless exercises like scrolling through your social media feed. If you cant get out for a quick walk then do an online puzzle or quiz to fire your brain back into gear. Even a quick call to a friend or family member can activate your brain, improve your focus and keep your afternoon on track.
- Awaken your senses
Having a quick whiff of something invigorating like eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil can transport you to another realm where you havent been staring at the same spreadsheet for two hours. Investing in a high quality, natural oil can also be beneficial if you suffer from headaches or migraines. A simple dab of rosemary oil on the wrists or temples can even be enough to enhance brain activity and cognitive function.
- Chew on some chocolate
If your sugar levels are falling then a little piece of dark chocolate could be just the medicine you need. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, an antioxidant which is beneficial to the brain. Its also abundant in fibre and magnesium and delivers a little hit of caffeine to keep you going. However, make sure you only eat one square as any more and youll experience the darker side of this decadent snack.
How do you keep the late afternoon slump at bay? Share your tips with our readers in the comments below.
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