What are the symptoms of the midday slump?
• Frequent yawning and/or feeling sleepy
• Extreme fatigue or lethargy
• Slight changes in vision
• Tingling or feeling of muscle weakness
• Moodiness (i. e. , becoming irritable, short - tempered, or depressed without provocation)
• Falling asleep at your desk
• Craving carbohydrates
• A headache or stomach ache
A serious afternoon slump is more than just feeling like the day is getting long and a nap would be nice. It is marked with a profound sense of tiredness or fatigue that makes it hard to focus and may be accompanied by an intense need to sleep.
There are four main causes of an afternoon slump:
1. An underlying metabolic disorder such as pre - diabetes or insulin resistance, reactive hypoglycemia, and apolycystic ovarian syndrome
2. Getting too little sleep on a regular basis
3. Poor eating habits such as eating too many carbohydrates
4. High levels of stress
How can you cure this issue:
1. Work Out
A midday trip to the gym may not only boost productivity; it could ward off sleepiness, too . Stick to some light aerobic exercise before getting back to the books. Don’t have time to hit the gym? Try these desk exercises to work out at work.
2. Step Back From the Screen
In order to avoid eyestrain (which can make the eyes feel tired) keep a safe distance from the computer screen—about an arm’s length. That, or try a pair of snazzy computer glasses.
3. Stretch it Out
Feelin’ stiff? Stretching out can provide a quick boost of energy. If there’s no stretching station in sight, try a handful of these desk stretches to keep the muscles loose.
4. Move Around
A change of scenery may boost productivity, so do some work at a coffee shop or camp out in a meeting room. Try to park near a window for some natural light, which may keep us more alert.
5. Grab a Towel
Splash some cold water on your face to wake up.
6. Sip Green Tea
With less caffeine than a cup of coffee, a mug of green tea can give us that afternoon pick - me - up without making us stay awake all night. Plus its nutritional benefits are enough to keep anyone wide - eyed!
7. Talk it Out
Instead of emailing a coworker down the hall, take a trip to his/her cubicle and talk in person. This’ll stretch out the legs while providing a break from staring at the screen.
8. Have a Snack
Not meal time yet? Have a snack to help boost energy levels. Try an ounce of cheese, a handful of nuts, or another high - protein snack to keep alert.
9. Try a Walking Meeting
Take that meeting to the streets and discuss what you would in the office outdoors. Here at Greatist, we love doing laps around the neighborhood for some fresh air!
10. Switch Tasks
Working on the same project for five hours? Try tackling something else to stay stimulated and keep things fresh at the desk.
11. Take a Catnap
Sometimes the best remedy for fatigue is to simply shut the eyes. Learn how to power nap (10 - 20 minutes of snooze time!) to get that midday boost you really need .
12. Schedule an Appointment
Have to hit up the dentist? Schedule an appointment during lunch for some forced activity that prevents us from feeling doze - y. This way, you avoid eating at your desk, too!
13. Take a Break
Tired? Take five to do something besides work (like calling a friend or doing a crossword puzzle) in order to give your body and mind a break! Use these tips to relax in five quick minutes before getting back to the grind.
14. Chew Gum
Afternoon energy may be as simple as chewing gum (seriously) . Stick to the sugar - free kind, or be on the lookout for the caffeinated versions .
15. Turn Up the Tunes
Listening to some favorite music might help us focus and feel more energized . Pro tip? Listen with headphones to really hone in on a task and side - step sleepiness.
Try to get into the habit of these helpful tips in order to prevent the midday slump from happening in the first place!
Doubts on this article
