Do you ever feel like you’re the most tired person in the history of the world?
Me too (at least lately).
I’ve tried all the stops to wake up mid afternoon because my body’s all, “Nope!” lately, which kind of puts a damper on my productivity. I mean…a person can only drink so much coffee.
Fun fact about me: I Google everything. If I ever have any sort of question, I Google it to see what the search engine gods deem helpful. Well last week, I decided to ask what this very post is about because I was desperate for any type of energy boost. I got a couple new ideas, but it was mostly just reminders of what I already knew helped. Since I know I can’t be the only one who is chronically tired out there, I figured I’d put together a list of ways I’ve found helpful when I’m searching for ways to fight that afternoon slump.
Seeing as how it’s Monday, there’s no time like the present to share! Hope you find at least a couple of these helpful and start feeling a bit more refreshed.
1. Drink some caffeine.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Caffeine is the world’s most popular drug, and there’s a reason – it’s quite effective at fighting our body’s desire to get some zzz’s and helping us get through the day. If you’re looking for an alternative to coffee, I’ve been ALL about the black tea with milk and honey lately, but there are many options out there to keep you alert.
2. Eat an apple.
I hate to admit it, but food has been my #2 method for waking up lately. It has mostly been granola bars and other snacky things, but when it comes to eating for energy, not all foods are created equal. They say apples can help give you a jolt because of the high sugar content, which gets absorbed fast and gives you a bit of a sugar rush. #TheMoreYouKnow
3. Go on a walk.
As I always tell people, walks are underrated – for so many reasons. For today’s post, it’s because they can help refresh your brain and get your blood moving a bit. I’ve been trying to go on a quick stroll mid-workday lately to help reset my tired body and resume my day with more oomph. It definitely helps.
4. Take a power nap if possible.
Ohhhh, if I had the opportunity to take a nap every single day, I feel like all my problems would fade away. But alas! I feel like most people don’t have this luxury. However, if you can fit in even 10-15 minutes of rest, I find it can help me tackle more and not be so sleepy.
5. Turn the AC up.
This one is my usual for being tired on my commute to and from work. There’s just something about the briskness of air conditioning that helps me be a little bit less comfortable and, therefore, wake the heck up when sleep is the last thing I can do.
6. Play some lively music.
I highly recommend 80s music for this, but you do you. Music works especially well to pump you up when you can sing along – you know, bust out some Whitney or Bon Jovi or Backstreet Boys. Mwahaha.
7. Wash your face.
Be like those people in face wash commercials. Splash water all up in your face to help you feel refreshed (just don’t get it everywhere because that would be me impersonating them). This always helps me temporarily wash away the fatigue to keep myself awake (especially when I’m trying to stay up past 9 pm late but keep falling asleep).
8. Eat spicy food.
Nothing like a little HEAT to make you alert. Break out that hot sauce and challenge your tolerance of spicy foods to get your heart racing.
9. Drink cold water.
It’s quite simple, but every little tip you follow can potentially help you from falling asleep. I’ve found ice cold water to help me manage my tiredness and not be as inclined to curl up for a nap when I don’t have the time for it. I’ll often pair this one with playing lively music because I can do both at my desk at work.
10. Prevent the sleepiness.
There are various ways you can set yourself up for a day of being awake (beyond just pot after pot of coffee). Most likely, you probably just need more sleep at night, or maybe you’re deficient in vitamin D. It never hurts to reevaluate why you’re so tired and find ways to prevent it from happening altogether.
Best of luck to you all as the sleepiness sets in. I hope you found one or more of my tips helpful!
How do you fight the afternoon slump?
I always drink cold water after waking up every morning. It helps me break out and wake up when I felt tired. It also is very simple way I had ever know. It’s so helpful.