It’s a feeling we’re all too familiar with – after a busy morning of meetings, emails, and deadlines gives way to lunch, we start to feel our productivity levels dwindle. By mid-afternoon, we’re experiencing a serious case of three thirtyitis: zero energy and zero motivation to tackle even the most mediocre of tasks.
What are we doing wrong? Why does this keep happening? And more importantly, how can we beat it?
Say no to sugar
Cakes and sweets are great for morning tea, but an absolute killer come 3pm. When you’re feeling lethargic, it’s fine to have a quick treat to perk you up, right? Wrong. This will actually make you feel worse in the long run. The solution? Step away from the cookie jar. The rapid boost in energy is quickly followed by a slump as your blood sugar levels plummet, leaving you feeling more sluggish than before. To combat this, stash healthy snacks in your drawer, like nuts or Vita-Wheats.
bh tip: When you’re feeling stressed, the first thing you want to do is head to the vending machine, but it’s really the last thing you should do. Enjoy a guilt-free snack like these instead.
Lighten up on lunch
If you’re a fan of Italian, then you would have experienced this on more than one occasion. Heavy meals like pasta take longer to digest, meaning the blood is diverted from our brains to aid the digestive process, making us feel sluggish and lethargic. Ease up on lunchtime portions and opt for a healthy salad with these ingredients instead. A big bowl of pasta or a ciabatta toastie might sound delicious, but they contain much more energy than our bodies require, and ultimately take a toll on our concentration.
Take five
When you work in an office, it’s tempting to spend the entire day at your desk. But more hours in front of the computer doesn’t always equal more productivity. Be sure to take a break from the screen, and give yourself a much-needed boost by ditching the heels for runners for just 30 minutes of your lunch break. Get motivated to move! Go on, it’s nice outside.
Grab a cuppa
According to Dailymail.co.uk, grabbing a cup of coffee or tea after lunch is actually beneficial for productivity. Studies have shown that drinking caffeine in moderation can improve physical and mental performance and even reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Just be mindful not to drink it too late in the day – you don’t want it affecting your sleep.
How do you stay energetic and motivated in the afternoon?
