Feeling Midday Slump? 5 Ways to Boost Your Energy Now
If your go-to solution for midday fatigue is drinking coffee, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the many other effective ways to rejuvenate and refresh yourself. Catch some Z's, step outside, and dance your fatigue away!
(Photo: shutterstock)If the first thing you reach for when your eyelids droop is a cup of coffee, think again. Various studies show there are several tactics you can employ to shake off mild midday fatigue. Some are logical after you read them, while others might seem odd—but they work.
Check out 5 things you can do right now to recharge and beat the sleepiness:
1. Get Moving
It might feel like the last thing you want to do, considering all you crave is some shut-eye. But research indicates that getting up, moving around, and waving your arms or legs even a bit will revive the blood flow to your brain and wake up your body.
2. Drink Water
Yes, you really want that coffee. In fact, you’d gladly overpay for a strong, caffeine-packed macchiato right now, but you’ve already had your third cup this morning, and you promised yourself to stick to just one a day. In honor of promises still aspiring to be kept, try replacing that coffee with... water. Yes, water. It enters your bloodstream, refreshing and invigorating your body—surprise, you're awake!
3. Take a Nap
Yes, we’re talking about waking up, but sometimes your body genuinely needs rest. If you can indulge in a luxurious afternoon nap, fantastic. But even if a real snooze is out of the question, try closing your eyes for 15 minutes. You might not fall asleep, but your mind will rest, and your energy will be renewed.
4. Listen to Music
Music possesses the remarkable ability to affect your mood. A lively, happy tune (headphones are advisable if you’re surrounded by others) can lift your spirits and shake off that fatigue. Add a little dance, and your energy will soar while the drowsiness disappears.
5. Take a Quick Walk
We’re not suggesting a rigorous hike with a backpack but rather a brief, two-minute stroll. If there’s a nearby garden or a hint of urban nature, even better. Take a whiff of the flowers, sit on a bench and breathe deeply. Let your body release tension along with the sleepiness (often tension is the real culprit, not actual tiredness). Head back to work, home, or kids feeling unexpectedly refreshed. This simple act of change, even stepping out to a balcony, can bring renewed energy for a few more productive hours.
