Has anyone else ever felt like the whole day was going by, only to look at the clock and find out it was only 3pm? You know what I mean by that horrible afternoon slump — the inevitable drop in energy that keeps you from getting things done more efficiently. It’s pretty much a daily occurrence for me, and I have to admit it – I’m getting tired of it. feel tired.
I treat me morning coffee routine as a ritual. And while the caffeine boost is for the best, I’m still wary of having it at noon (I’ll do anything in the name of it). good night.) So what is a girl supposed to do — have a bucket of ice ready to pour on me every time my energy wanes?
The day I started studying the afternoon slump, this scroll About eating to fuel you appear on my feed. Immediately, I contacted the Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Georgia Perkins for her advice. After all, it was her account that encouraged me to set a coffee curfew in the first place. From understanding our hormones and the effects of our diet to energy-boosting snack recommendations, we’ll break down how to boost your energy and beat your morning slump. afternoon once and for all. Tips, tricks and treatments await.
P.S. if you don’t follow Be kind to WOOD On Instagram, you’re missing out on useful health information presented in a humorous and holistic way. I’m always looking for accounts that inspire me to drink more water, stay active, and take care of myself.
Featured image of Teal Thomsen.
What causes the dreaded afternoon drop in energy?
Although there are many factors that contribute to the crash, according to Perkins, cortisol is the main factor. A stress hormone, cortisol increases blood glucose and the brain’s use of glucose, which can affect your mood. It is naturally highest in the morning and slowly begins to decrease as the day goes on, causing your energy to drop. Besides Hormonal changesPerkins notes that everything from lack of a balanced meal and regular exercise increases stress and disrupts your sleep cycle which can contribute to low energy in the afternoon.
How do we beat the afternoon slump and boost our energy?
Of course, the key to feeling more awake during the day starts with best sleep you can at night. Perkins explains that “improving sleep hygiene by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day and limiting electronic device use to an hour before bed can make a big difference” in energy efficiency. your quantity.
After you’ve had a good night’s sleep, Perkins recommends “purposefully fueling your body with real, whole foods, including quality protein and healthy fats.” It makes sense that balanced meals help balance your blood sugar, and thus provide steady and lasting energy throughout your day. For more natural ways to boost your energy, Perkins dives into the topic this.
What should we avoid eating/drinking during boredom in the afternoon?
While it may seem counterintuitive, coffee and sugar are not the answer. Wanting to have access to a second or third cup of coffee when you feel your energy starting to fade, but Perkins warns that “this habit can make us dependent on these substances and more difficult to sleep later. Similarly, “sweet, energy-dense snacks like muffins or cookies can be a good idea mid-afternoon (and that makes sense – we digest them quickly, and they help boost weight loss). fast), but they just lead to another dip in blood sugar.” Blood sugar spikes caused by foods high in refined carbohydrates and sugar can certainly provide a short burst of energy, “but they definitely lead to a drop in blood sugar that makes us tired and even more sluggish. hungrier,” notes Perkins.
What tips and tricks can help boost your energy throughout the day??
- Physically, get out of your space and move around. This is especially important if you’ve been sitting at your desk all day, Perkins notes. While a brisk walk around the block is ideal, even a lap or two around the office can help. “Exercise not only helps stabilize your blood sugar, but being active also increases the production of serotonin and dopamine, feel-good neurotransmitters made in your brain and gut.”
- Keep enough water. When your body is dehydrated, one of the first symptoms is fatigue. It was a simple reminder, but Moisturizing is one of the easiest ways that Perkins recommends to help you feel more energized.
- Choose the right foods. Whether it’s a snack or a main meal, it’s important to be aware of the quality of energy the foods you choose will give you. Perkins recommends choosing foods with a lower glycemic index. This means they are digested more slowly, resulting in lower blood sugar and more lasting energy. See below for snack-piration.
Snacks that naturally boost/maintain energy
What’s your secret to boosting your energy during a boring afternoon?
