Do you want nothing more than to fall asleep by the time afternoon rolls around? You are not the only one. All of us have dealt with the afternoon slump at some point.

So what do you do when you are sleepy but need to get things done? Here are four ways to combat the afternoon slump at work today.

 

Make a Good Night’s Sleep Your Top Priority

 

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution. No matter how healthy your daily eating and exercise habits are, you will still feel exhausted if you are not sleeping enough.

Even an extra half-hour of sleep can make the difference between feeling alert and energetic or tired and sluggish. Try going to bed at the same time consistently to make sure that you have enough time to get a full night’s sleep. Consistency is a must, as going to bed at erratic times will prevent you from resting fully.

 

Move More

 

It might sound funny that resting can make you tired, but it’s true. If you are inactive for long periods, you are more likely to feel tired or lethargic.

Moving around more often can help your body and mind feel more awake and refreshed.

How do you get more movement into your day when you are busy with work? By including an adjustable desk in your office setup.

After sitting for about 20 minutes, stand up and adjust your desk to a higher level. Standing more throughout the day is not just good for warding off sleepiness, it’s also excellent for your joint and muscle health.

 

Let In The Light

 

While you definitely don’t want sunlight glaring straight in your eyes, blue light can help keep sleepiness at bay.

If you are working in a dim room behind heavy curtains or closed blinds, this could make you feel very tired.

Try opening your blinds a little or using thin curtains that block harsh light, but still allow sufficient sun into the room.

You can also paint your home office a lighter color to brighten the room and turn on a bright desk lamp.

 

Avoid Sugar

 

We have all heard the saying that you are what you eat. In this case, sugar can make us tired and unmotivated.

If you feel well-rested in the morning after sleeping, yet fall into a deep afternoon slump by midday, your diet could be playing a role in this phenomenon. Sweets like candy, cake, and milk chocolate are common culprits.

Other foods that you may not suspect, such as white bread, pasta, and other refined carbs, convert to sugar when digested. A low-sugar diet full of nutritious foods can give you more energy at work.

It can be hard to get quality work done at home when you feel sleepy. Improving your diet, sleeping better, maximizing natural light, and moving more can help you feel more awake in the afternoon.

 

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