5 Common Habits to Avoid After Eating for Better Digestion and Energy

After a satisfying meal, most of us instinctively want to relax, lie down on the couch, sip a coffee, or even take a short walk. However, not all post-meal habits are good for you. In fact, certain behaviors immediately after eating can actually harm digestion, lower energy levels, and negatively impact overall health.

Following are 5 things to avoid right after eating, and why skipping them may do your body a favor:

1. Lying Down

Lying on the couch after a big meal might feel tempting, but it’s not recommended. When you lie flat, stomach acid can more easily flow back into the esophagus, leading to heartburn and a heavy, bloated feeling. It also slows digestion, increasing the likelihood of gas and discomfort.

What to do instead: Sit upright or take a light walk around the house for 10–15 minutes to help your digestive system function more efficiently.

2. Drinking Tea or Coffee

Many people enjoy a cup of tea or coffee after eating, but this habit can hinder the absorption of key minerals, especially iron. Tea and coffee contain tannins and certain acids that interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, which can be particularly problematic for individuals prone to anemia.

What to do instead: Wait at least an hour after a meal before drinking tea or coffee to allow your body to properly absorb the nutrients from your food.

3. Exercising

If you think hitting the gym or going for a run right after eating will burn off calories faster, think again. Intense physical activity soon after eating can put stress on your digestive system, slowing down digestion and causing stomach pain, cramps, or discomfort.

What to do instead: If you want to move your body, opt for a gentle 10–15-minute walk, and save vigorous exercise for at least 1–2 hours later.

4. Eating Fruit

Fruits are healthy, but eating them immediately after a heavy meal can cause problems. Fruits digest more quickly than other foods, and when they get "trapped" behind heavier foods in the stomach, they can ferment, causing gas and bloating.

What to do instead: Eat fruit before a meal or wait at least an hour or two afterward to allow for better digestion and nutrient absorption.

5. Taking a Shower

A hot shower may sound like the perfect way to unwind after a meal, but it can interfere with digestion. During digestion, your body directs blood flow to the stomach to help break down food. A warm shower redirects some of that blood flow to your skin, potentially slowing digestion and causing that sluggish, heavy feeling.

What to do instead: Wait 30–60 minutes after eating before showering to let your digestive system do its job effectively.

While everyone has their own after-meal routine, avoiding a few common habits can significantly improve your digestion and overall well-being. Instead of lying down, sipping coffee, snacking on fruit, or jumping into a workout, give your body the time and support it needs to digest food properly. Small changes to your post-meal habits can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day.