If you’re someone who has to slog through the day, you’re bound to have experienced the afternoon slump at work. It’s that period of time, post lunch, when inertia hangs over your work station, when lethargy and dullness takes over your being!
Not many people know that this natural process is a part of the circadian rhythm. Humans get their sleep signals, both, at night and in the afternoon. During this time the core temperature drops and this acts as a signal to the body to release the sleep inducing hormone, melatonin.
Afternoon slump, although natural, can be aggravated by many factors. Here are some tips that will help you to beat the afternoon slump at work –
Breakfast – It is important to start the day well and the best way to do that is to treat yourself to a good breakfast that will provide the much- needed boost to last the whole day. It is extremely important to reduce carb consumption and eat protein-rich food. Go slow on your intake of breads, sugar and unhealthy fats. This not only improves your overall health but also helps you to beat the afternoon sloth
Caffeine – Although too much of coffee or tea is not panacea to any pain, lightly- flavored tea, with a dash of lemon, in the afternoon can bestow a spurt of freshness and prevent your easy entry into slumberland
Take a walk – A very nice way of beating afternoon lethargy is by leaving your work space and going around for a short walk .While you’re at it, you may use the time to stop at your colleagues’ desks and talk to them, or, make use of the time to call a friend. This is sure to recharge you for the afternoon ahead.
Declutter your work space – Use the time after lunch to slowly remove the clutter on your desk or work area. You can arrange the folders and engage in filing important material or put away things that are not in use. Keeping your work station neat and organized is ‘work away from work’ and is a useful way to keep yourself awake during the afternoons
Exercises – There are many exercises that can be carried out while at work. If you can find a quiet spot, your post- lunch break will be a good time to sit by yourself and do some reflective thinking. If you’re the type who can’t reflect without falling asleep, there are plenty of stretching exercises that can be done at your work spot. Some companies have gyms, in which case it’s a great idea to pay the place an afternoon visit. Snacking – Munching on dark chocolates, high- protein snacks such as nuts, or, on good carbs, such as vegetable salads can provide the antioxidant boost to counter lethargy.
Catnap – All said and done there’s nothing like catching 20, if not 40, winks when the afternon slump hits you! Catnapping for even ten or fifteen minutes can be revitalizing and can do wonders for your efficiency graph!
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
My classmates tend to tease me for my catnapping habit. Finally I have an article by a professional which can prove that my habit can indeed improve efficiency.
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