Ways To Get Over Your Midday Slump

We’re all familiar with the sleepiness that rolls in between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and interrupts our schedule. This is a product of our physiological makeup. The hormone cortisol dips in the afternoon, causing our bodies to be less alert. Whether you’re in class or doing homework, this midday crash can drastically get in the way of your efficiency and overall productivity for the day. Luckily, there are ways to get over your midday slump that will benefit your mental health, too.

Eat Breakfast

Your morning routine can either help or hurt your chances of crashing in the afternoon. Students’ mornings can be frantic. Still, it’s important to find time for a balanced morning meal. Incorporating a healthy breakfast does not only kickstart your metabolism, but it also feeds your brain and provides a solid base of energy for you to start your day. When eating meals or snacks during the day, be mindful of the nutrients (or lack thereof) your food provides you with.

Drink Water

Drinking lots of water is a crucial component to avoiding or minimizing the afternoon crash and is perhaps one of the easiest ways to get over your midday slump. Dehydration is often the source of fatigue, particularly after lunchtime. Drinking water throughout the day works to keep us focused while flushing toxins out of our bodies. Keeping hydrated improves alertness while also promoting healthy skin!

Stretch & Exercise

Finding time to move around during the day encourages blood and oxygen flow in your body. Stretching can keep your posture in check and release any tension you may feel. Adding a walk between classes is simple and can leave you feeling revitalized and ready to conquer the rest of the day. It is beneficial to stretch or exercise in sunlight if possible, as the vitamin D from the sun gives you a slight energy boost as well.

Drink Tea

Tea has always been a popular alternative to coffee. Instead of downing another cup of joe when you feel a slump coming on, reach for some caffeinated tea instead. There are various health benefits from drinking tea, in addition to a plethora of options regarding caffeine amount and flavor. Tea is rich in antioxidants, which help prevent disease and can be especially beneficial in protecting against sickness as the seasons change. There are also teas that are meant to improve sleep, which can support your attempt to create a stable sleeping pattern.

Get Adequate Sleep

Forming a solid sleeping pattern will prevent a midday crash and contribute to a decrease in overall stress levels. Avoid pulling all-nighters, whether you’re completing an essay or binging a new TV series. Try to implement a sleep pattern on the weekends as well, so your schedule remains constant during the weekdays. Limit the screen-time on your phone and allow your eyes to rest up to an hour before bedtime. Meditating, reading a book, and drinking non-caffeinated herbal tea before bed are a few things you can do to stay on track with your sleep schedule.

Maintaining workflow is not an easy plight in the face of the midday slump, but these measures will improve your odds of productivity when routinely enforced!

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