Do you often feel tired after eating at work? Yes, I am talking about the dreaded afternoon slump your lunch break. You know what I am talking about, the frequent yawning and your eyes feel so heavy you can hardly stay awake, you even feel like you just want to grab a pillow and blanket and curl up under your desk. As a Virtual Assistant and a mother of two I have many things going on throughout my day, I can’t afford to nap. It is obvious that you can’t skip eating lunch, but you can definitely control the sluggishness that is causing your work to suffer. Here are my top 5 ways to avoid the afternoon slump:
Exercise
Don’t sit back at your desk right after you have eaten your lunch; take a walk around your office, climb the stairs or do some stretches, it’s that easy! This short spanned exercise will help to increase the oxygen levels in the blood and boost your energy levels.
Daily Nutrition
Chose to eat more energising meals that include more iron, such as leafy green veggies, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates. Eating food that is rich in protein slows down your digestion and prevents you from getting tired after eating at work. Avoid sugars as they may give you an initial energy boost, but this will wear off quickly making you feel extremely tired and fatigued. Avoid the temptation to eat chocolate, instead, choose a piece of fruit. Also, pick some crackers with low-fat or a handful of almonds instead. Don’t overeat as it can easily lead to drowsiness and make you feel bloated.
Do the things you love
Write a to-do list or take some time to visualise your day. Your energy will be high when you first get into the office, so start the day with the tasks you dread most. It will make it a lot easier to get through in the morning, leaving your favourite projects later in the day. Then when that afternoon slump hits, your enthusiasm for the work you love the most will help you recover from that dip in energy.
Eat outside
Another way to avoid being tired after eating at work is to have your lunch outside (depending on the weather). Having your lunch outside will help you to reset and refresh, this will also keep down the amount of melatonin (sleep hormone) your body produces. Don’t forget to put aside some time to go for a walk or do some stretches before heading back into the office.
Keep hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for avoiding the afternoon slump. Dehydration can cause fatigue, low mood and difficulty in concentrating. Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. Keep a water bottle at your desk, and eat food that helps you stay hydrated.
I hope these 5 tips will help you to avoid the tiredness after eating at work as they have with me. There are so many ways to get through the afternoon and avoid the slump. If you are a business owner who is struggling to get through your to-do list, I can help! Send me an email at info@sageadmin.com.au to book in a chat
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