How To Stay Awake After Lunch
Oftentimes after lunch, we’re ready to take a nap until 5 p.m. Whether you ate too much for lunch, you’ve been sitting awhile, or your body’s circadian rhythm is getting the best of you, we have a few tips to help you combat the afternoon slump.
Eat a healthy lunch.
Avoid processed foods and enjoy a meal containing protein and whole grains alongside colorful vegetables. These foods balance blood sugar levels, keep you full, and provide a boost in energy. You’ll also experience heightened productivity in the afternoon!
Stand or stretch every hour.
Sitting all day without regular breaks to stretch and stand tightens the muscles and results in a mind slump, as being still for too long causes the body to think we’re trying to go to sleep. Standing or stretching every hour allows our bodies to wake up and is essential for keeping muscles flexible, strong, and healthy.
Chew gum.
Chewing gum keeps our minds active, and studies suggest it’s a great way to beat daytime tiredness. Opt for peppermint flavors for an extra boost.
Splash cold water on your face.
Cold water is a mind invigorator as it acts as a stressor, causing our bodies to release nonadrenaline, an energizing hormone. Our faces are full of nerve endings, but if you’d rather not splash up a mess, running your wrists under cold water works as well.
Look away from your computer every so often.
Staring at a computer screen for too long causes eyestrain, blurry vision, back and neck pain, and fatigue due to the unnatural blue light emitted by screens. This light affects our circadian rhythm, causing drowsiness.
Give your eyes a break every so often by taking a walk or writing a to do list on a pad of paper.
Diffuse essential oils.
Peppermint and citrus oils have been proven to increase energy and alertness. Add a few drops to a diffuser and place it on your desk right after lunch to keep you awake throughout the afternoon. We love blending peppermint and orange or eucalyptus and grapefruit. Wake up and smell the essential oils!
Drink your coffee on a schedule.
Drinking coffee too late in the day keeps us up at night, altering our sleep schedule the next day and creating a never-ending cycle. If you need your caffeine, drink your last cup of the day at 2 p.m. for maximum energy in the afternoon and relaxation into the evening.
Keep your afternoon productive with these easy tips!
Meet Rootasters:
Meg is a dreamer, entrepreneur, and homesteader based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. She loves her cats, feasting, and road trips in her green VW Bug.