Energy Enhancers: Beating The Midday Slump:

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

If you’re anything like the rest of us, you’re body begins to “shut down” before you’re office or work establishment does. Even if you’re a stay-at-home parent, you can feel yourself dosing off, just about as your kids are winding up or getting home from school. It’s known as midday slump and it often leaves no doubt why the Europeans made Siesta-time part of their daily workday routine. But, as North Americans, enjoying most other life luxuries, afternoon downtime is not one of them.

According to experts, the reason most of us feel sleepy in the afternoon is because of our body’s circadian rhythm, or our natural clock, which tends to slow during midday. And, they note, that the feelings of tiredness and lethargy are only enhanced due to lack of sleep from the night before, or a lunch that was high in fat and/or calories.

However, you don’t have to let your biological slowdown, slow down your progress or productivity. Instead you take steps to perk up your attitude and your energy.

1. Work Perks: Give yourself a java jolt. According to experts it’s a safe, effective way to wake yourself up, especially if you’re not dependent on it to function. They note, that those who have several cups of this caffeinated stimulant per day can become immune to its effects and benefits and they suggest limiting your (afternoon) intake to one, eight-ounce cup of coffee.

2. Spice Up Your Afternoon With Variety: Routine tasks can lead to boredom, which can ultimately lead to increased drowsiness. Experts suggest varying your daily routine when you notice that you are becoming fatigued and “unproductive”. If it’s impossible to change tasks you may want to consider taking a five-minute break to divert your attention from the routine.

3. Refuel: It’s probably been about three to four hours since you last ate something and your resources are probably running low. Experts suggest a light snack combining carbohydrates, protein and a little fat (the good kind found in low-fat yogurt or hummus), which can help re-energize you by boosting your blood sugar. They stress however, from giving in to the temptation of sugar-packed snacks like candy bars. Professionals point out that the immediate “lift” will eventually be counteracted with an even quicker crash, leaving you more tired and weary than before.

4. Get Movin’: Exercise is key to keeping healthy, fit, and energized. But, if you don’t have time to hit the gym during or after lunch consider a short walk around the block, parking lot, neighborhood or building during lunch or when you feel that midday lull. Activity, say experts, not only wakes up your mind and body, it also burns off calories.

5. Hit The Pause Button: If possible but the work aside and close your eyes for a few minutes. Better yet, if you’ve got a very understanding employer or are a stay-at-home parent, try to take a midday nap, even for just 20 minutes. Less than 20 minutes may not be enough and more than a half an hour may be too much, placing you into a phase of deep sleep that will cause you to feel tired and irritable when you wake up…so, don’t forget to set your alarm.