The Afternoon Slump

Happy Monday!

This week, we’re talking about the 3pm slump. Some people get it right after lunch, some hit a wall around 4. Just remember that everyone around you feels the same way at some point in the day. (Unless they’re one of those people who NEVER seems to run out of energy, which is a different discussion.)

I’m not sure what your daily caffeine intake/habits are, but I’m one of those people who can only have one cup of coffee per day or I get all shaky and anxious. If I have a second cup of coffee, it also messes with my sleep later that night. 

So, here’s my advice on the mid-afternoon sleepies:

Take a 5-10 minute break and walk somewhere with purpose - around the office, around your neighborhood, etc. Getting your blood circulating can work wonders for waking your brain back up. Here’s a hot take: actually listen to your Apple Watch when it tells you to get up once an hour!

People in one of my previous jobs would legitimately fight over the few standing desks that were in rotation, because even just standing up for a little bit helps keep the eyelids open and the brain wheels turning. The more circulation you have, the more oxygen is getting to your brain. I don’t make the rules, it’s just science. Someone should have the MythBusters do an episode on drinking a coffee vs taking a walk. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you’re only allowed to have one cup of coffee per day! If that’s your routine and you’re sticking to it, that’s none of my business. I’m just saying that it’s not your only option to help you get amped-up for that 4:30 meeting that you hoped would get moved, but didn’t. 

If you just love coffee but not the caffeine side effects (like me), you can combine the two and walk to get a decaf! Decaf isn’t just for old people. 

Alright sisters, I’ll see you next week! Remember, you can either kick this week’s ass, or let it kick yours.