It’s 2:00pm, your day started what feels like ages ago, your to-do list is far from done and you’ve hit your daily slump.  We see you, running errands, running meetings and running out of energy. Bet you could you use a nap, right?

We’re all about those afternoon siestas, but sometimes our busy schedules just don’t allow for them. So, before you grab another cup of coffee between yawns, try some of our quick, energy boosting tips to power through the rest of your day.

1. Grab a snack. – Sometimes afternoon sluggishness can be due to a falling blood sugar so grabbing a healthy snack can help keep blood sugar levels steady so you can stay energized.  Grabbing a candy bar or chips from the vending machine will temporarily bring blood sugar levels back up, but will quickly drop again leaving you feeling just as or more lethargic as you felt before you ate them.  Instead reach for a snack that has a balance between carbohydrate and protein, with carbohydrate to help bring blood sugar levels back up and protein to keep you satiated.  Some healthy snack options include: a piece of fruit combined with a piece of cheese or handful of nuts, celery and carrots with peanut butter, or a calcium and protein charged yogurt.  Yoplait® has recently taken their Greek yogurt to a whole new level by adding whole grain oats, flax and pumpkin seed, with their new product, Plenti.  You can see the extra ingredients right there in the yogurt, giving it a heartier mouthfeel while still maintaining that delicious yogurt taste you are used to.  All of the ingredients are easily recognizable which is a must for any healthy snack!

2. Go for a walk. – Grab ten minutes to take a little walk. Whether you just take the stairs at your office, or find a nearby park to take a stroll, boosting your heart rate will wake you back up.

3. Stretch it out. – The entire day can pass you by before you realize how tense you’ve been holding your shoulders all day. Take two minutes to perform four simple stretches and a few deep breaths (you can even do these at your desk or in your car). Hold each stretch for 30 seconds.

  • Side Extension (both sides)
  • Upper Back Release
  • Neck Rolls
  • Chest Release 

4. Grab a glass of water. – When your body’s cells don’t have enough water they can’t function properly, meaning even mild dehydration can really drag you down.  Dehydration can easily be overlooked when your mind is occupied with office work or playgroup activities, so when that afternoon slump kicks in, in addition to reaching for a healthy snack and getting your blood flowing, reach for a glass of water.  Water is pure, clean and exactly what your body needs to operate at its best. Sugary drinks are just going to throw off your blood sugar levels and caffeinated drinks can actually make dehydration worse.  If you have a hard time drinking plain water, squeeze in a little lemon or lime for some additional flavor.  

5. Pop a squat. – If you can’t break free from your cubicle for a quick walk, try these easy exercises you can do in one minute right at your desk. Anytime you get your heart rate pumping, the energy will follow.

  • 10 squats
  • 10 jumping jacks
  • 10 punches
  • 10 calf raises
  • 20 seconds arm circles

Got your second wind? Good! Now go about your day, you busy bee you, you’re sure to have plenty of energy and plenty of to-dos.