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.
If I could take an afternoon nap every day – I’d be a whole lot more productive lol!!! I love going for a yogurt mid day – great snack! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
These are great tips to get through a long afternoon! Yogurt is such a good snack. There are so many things you can mix in it!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Thank Jill! I agree, yogurt is such a great afternoon snack, the possibilities are endless!
Haha, I would love to take me a nap everyday too!!
This is exactly what a need, especially after a night of battling insomnia.
http://www.racheldinh.com
I need this because my 1pm I’m dead!
~~Megan~~
http://www.poshprime.com
Hope you get some sleep tonight, insomnia is the worst!
Me too girl!
I have to try this yogurt, thanks for all of these tips! I love all of your health related posts always very helpful and good reminders!
Marta
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
I am always starving at 2:00! I really need to try these more.
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Such great tips! I often turn to a little walk (even around our building) and water or some tea. A stretch is a great idea though!
Love this post. Although ten squats at my desk might look quite funny haha! Thanks for sharing. x
Tiffany Tales – A British Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
Great re-energizing ideas. Drinking a glass of water and taking a quick walk in the open air always helps me refresh and feel awake again. 🙂 Happy Monday. XOXO, Elif
Such good suggestions for adding that extra bit of energy needed to make it through a touch Monday! Great post! XO
Anna
alilyloveaffair.com
I love yoghurts!! I haven’t heard of this before. Thanks for sharing and the tips.
http://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk
Such great tips! I like the stretching idea. Going to try it this week 🙂
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Love this post! Gotta try this!!!
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Water and a quick and light snack keeps me going to push through the last few hours of the work day. Great tips, pretties!
http://redreticule.com
Snacking–healthily throughout the day is so important! Great informative post 🙂
Tori
FashionBlingGirlyThings
I’ve tried these in another brand. It is a great snack! Good tips to beat off the slump.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
These are great ideas, I love exercising the most 🙂
xo, Esther
http://bubblesther.com
That 2pm slump is my life! I need to try these tips, I’m sure even walking around would help… anything to get me out of my stuffy office!
Great tips dear! Very much needed in the corporate environment where one is almost glued to their desk! 🙂
http://www.tickleyourvanity.com/
Going for a walk or doing some yoga always helps me! Anything to get my blood circulating and stretch out 🙂
Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture
These afternoon slumps are part of my everyday life hehe. I definitely try to get up and grab a snack or water!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
This happens to me every day! I try to get up and walk around a bit, and greek yogurt is definitely a staple!
I get the afternoon slump all the time, especially, y’know, at work. Haha, my favourite way to combat it is to go for a walk!
May | THE MAYDEN
Très sympas !
Kiss – Elodie
http://www.luxetoutou.com
Haha, it’s the worst at work isn’t it?!
I do the same! A nice walk always wakes me up.
Me too!!
Yoga is awesome!
Yes, sitting at a desk all day is so tiring!
Yeah girl! Get some fresh air 🙂
Exercising always wakes me up and makes me feel better!
Thanks Amy!
Thanks Tori!
Thank you Bogi! Glad it helps you too!
Thanks for stopping by!
I hope it helps you!
We loved the yogurt, it has lots of yummy extras, like oats!
Thanks Anna!
I love a good walk in the afternoon!
Haha, I’ve done it before and it did look funny!
That’s great Laura!
Me too, I have to have an afternoon snack!
Thank you Marta!! 🙂
Great list! I love a good yogurt as a pick-me-up
Gina
Pink Wings
Great tips on how to get that afternoon pick-me-up!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
These are great ideas! It’s so important to pick healthier snacks. Great post!
xo Kiki
http://colormekiki.com/
I totally know about this afternoon slump, especially on days when I am working. These are great tips!
http://michellespaige.com
I typically go for a walk or I purposely schedule my workouts midday so it gives me the extra energy half way through the day!! These are good suggestions!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
I hit my slump every day around 4 pm so I whip up a “power smoothie” of blueberries, bananas, flax, and yogurt. It’s sooo good! Great tips!
Taffeta & Tulips
Thanks for our tips, very useful
http://www.missydress.it
Great tips!! Thanks for sharing!!
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
These are great tips! I’ll definitely try these as this happens to me daily!
Wishes & Reality
Awesome tips, I may use them too))
Tanya
http://www.StripesNVibes.com
BlogLovin
It happens to me all the time, I will definitely consider these tips 🙂
http://www.elabellaworld.com
I definitely need to remember to drink more water. I always forget about that when I’m really busy. Great tips! x
Kate Louise Blogs
These are great tips! I really need this. I always feel this every 3pm. Thank you for sharing =)
STYLE VANITY
These are great tips for that midday slump! I usually just opt for coffee, but a little walk or stretch sounds like a better (and more affordable) alternative!
Amy | http://amypham.me
I love coffee too! Somtimes it keeps me up have the night if I have it too late in the day.
I think we all need an afternoon nap like the good ol days!
I have to remind myself constantly to drink more! But I always feel great when I stay on top of it.
Awesome! Hope it helps!
I hope it helps!
Yogurt is the best!
Thanks Katherine!
Thanks for coming by Kiki!
It’s the worst on workdays for me too!
That’s a great idea Rach!
Sounds delicious!!
You’re welcome!!
Thanks Trang!
I hope they help Heidi!
Love these great tips! I usually go for a walk or drink some water.
http://doreensstylediary.com
Water and stretching always helps me! Great tips!
Chichistashan.blogspot.in
Great tips! Thanks for sharing
xx
June Wants It All – Indian fashion and lifestyle blog
love these tips. Streching is so important!
Irene
http://www.thedailylace.com