Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
Do you feel lazy, woozy or lousy in the afternoon? This sudden low energy and tiredness are normal and common among people.
Relax, it is just a normal afternoon slump.
An afternoon slump occurs when you are sleepy or foggy, generally right after lunch.
It results in a lack of attention and diminished energy.
There are various reasons for which your energy levels may drop at the noon.
Let’s take a look at some of the common reasons for the afternoon slumps.
Inadequate amount of sleep
Chronic sleep loss puts you well behind schedule and makes your afternoon slump worst. Don’t get a can of soda to get rid of this.
Better alternatives included coffee, dark chocolate, and unsweetened iced tea which can help you overcome this condition.
Stress
A hormone called cortisol kicks into overdrive when you’re under stress, leaving you feeling exhausted.
You are more vulnerable to stress when you don’t get enough sleep, which feeds the vicious cycle.
According to many stress researchers, individuals with lower levels of stress, report sleeping longer hours at night than adults with higher levels of stress.
Spiked blood sugar levels
Excess intake of sugar and carbs in any meal of your day or snacks can lead to an increased level of blood sugar in your body.
This will activate higher levels of insulin in the blood. When there is a spike in your blood sugar levels, you’re left feeling exhausted.
Dehydration
Your body loses fluid and electrolytes when you are dehydrated more quickly than it can replenish them. According to research, even modest dehydration causes the body’s cells, particularly brain cells, to shrink.
This may lead to exhaustion, a decrease in short-term memory, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Here are the 5 most effective ways to counter the afternoon slumps
Take a balanced diet
If you are skipping any of the important meals of your day, then, you need to quit this habit with immediate effect.
Take proper meals and include important nutrients and essential vitamins. Having a balanced diet will make you active and reduce the chances of an afternoon slump.
Regular exercising and stretching
If you are indulged in certain physical activities like walking, jogging, running or cardio then the levels of serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter produced in your brain and gut increase.
Exercising balances the blood sugar levels in your body and will also maintain your energy levels.
Stretching enables you to relax and relieves the stress you may be carrying around.
All you need to do is, simply get away from the computer and perform a few sitting side bends, shoulder rolls, and neck rolls.
Focus on your breathing, it will keep you calm.
Drink plenty of water
Water is important for fueling your body. Your body slows down when it is not getting a sufficient amount of water.
Having water in regular intervals charges the cells of your body.
It will also make you feel energetic and keeps your blood pressure and pulse balanced.
Take a pause
Feeling low and lethargic is a message from your body that is important to be responded to.
It is in favour of your health if you take mini breaks in between your work.
Pressing that pause button helps in unwinding your thoughts and once you start again you will be more focused and productive.
Go for a walk
Walking helps in keeping your physical and mental health synced. Your cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, which might make you feel lethargic in the late afternoon. To keep your system activated, go for a stroll.
Your senses will be rejuvenated by the change of environment, even if it’s just a short walk around the office, building or nearby park.
Final thoughts
It is normal to experience afternoon slumps, as our routines have become so monotonous and hectic.
To keep yourself active and fight these lazy afternoon slumps, you need to focus on the basics of good eating habits, work-life balance, and the importance of taking breaks.
These simple steps will gradually help you to get through the trap of afternoon slumps. But, at any point in time, if you feel that the tiredness and fatigue have become uncontrollable and nothing is working then, you must seek medical help.
As an add-on, make a habit of taking preventive health checkups as they can help you in getting a complete insight into your health. This will also help you with taking measures to promote your overall well-being.
