Before you reach for that 3 p.m. triple-shot latte, try these energy-boosting tips for getting through the afternoon without caffeine.
Sit up straight
Did you know that poor posture could do more than cause an achy back? Poor posture can reduce oxygen reaching your brain by up to 30 percent. To remedy this, pay close attention to how you sit. Keep your feet flat on the floor and use a chair with proper back support. Take deep breaths occasionally to mitigate any oxygen reduction from unconscious slouching.
Go for a walk
While the last thing you want when the afternoon doldrums hit is exercise, it's likely just what your body needs. Just as proper posture improves blood flow to your brain, so can just going out for a short walk. If you don't already have a regular exercise program, start small. Skip sending emails and walk to deliver your message to coworkers. You can even print to a printer on another floor or use a bathroom farther from your office. These small steps will help you get moving without the need for strenuous exercise.
Eat energy-dense foods
Though the urge to grab a coffee is strong, reach for something that will give you natural energy. Typically blood sugar drops several hours after lunch, contributing to your fatigue. Northwestern Medicine suggests eating energy-packed foods to bounce back. Nuts, eggs, yogurt, whole fruit, spinach, and edamame make great afternoon noshes to fight fatigue. Be sure to drink plenty of water, too. Dehydration is a notorious energy drainer.
Take a nap
Naps aren't just for toddlers. Many adults don't get enough sleep, and 29-percent of employees claim to have fallen asleep or felt sleepy while on the job. The best way to offset this fatigue is with a short, 20-minute nap. This length creates an ideal energy boost without leaving you groggy after. Try to fit your nap in sometime between 2 and 3 p.m. for the biggest benefits. With a short snooze, your post-nap productivity could increase by 34-percent, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Energy-rich foods, light exercise, power naps and good posture can all go a long way toward increasing your mood and energy levels in the afternoon. Try these out the next time you feel ready for an afternoon coffee break.
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