4 ways to beat the mid-afternoon slump

If you reach for a cup of coffee or piece of chocolate to counter the mid-afternoon slump, you should think again.

We’re all aware that our productivity levels waver and change over the course of the day – harnessing the ability to overcome these troughs means you can use your time more effectively and efficiently.

For most people, mental alertness is at its highest in the morning, when blood pressure and the body’s clotting ability are high. Come 2pm, these level off, and many people begin to feel sluggish and drowsy, and experience lapses in concentration. This is because our bodies have largely predictable cycles of sleeping and waking, and our circadian rhythms generally follow nature, especially sunlight. As natural light fades, our alertness fades as well.

However, these cycles can be influenced by other stimuli as well, from external noise to eating and fasting. Our brain-wave activity, body temperature and, importantly, our hormone production all fluctuate in response to various external factors.

Understanding how to increase our mental alertness and concentration is key to overcoming the afternoon slump, and maintaining productivity across the day.

The American Chemical Society has suggested four helpful – and entirely natural – remedies to help you beat mid-afternoon fatigue.

1. Drink water. Not caffeine-laden drinks. Hydration is vital to keeping the brain active, and a couple of glasses of water can boost your energy levels and clear your mind.
2. Distract yourself briefly. Researchers at the American Chemical Society have shown that watching a silly, humorous video releases oxytocin (a hormone that causes you to feel good). And feeling good helps you focus.
3. Get moving. Movement gets the blood flowing around the body, delivering oxygen to where it is needed. Moving also helps to alleviate the aches and pains that might have built up over the morning.
4. Go for a walk. Not only does this fulfil the movement remedy above, but the sun’s bright light triggers our brain’s production of hypocretins – a chemical that keeps us alert and awake.

Have you read?
10 ways to make each day more productive
7 ways to improve sleep and be more effective
Want to get better sleep? Here’s how

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Author: Joe Myers is a Digital Content Producer at Formative Content.

Image: A stock dealer yawns during trading at the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo. REUTERS/Issei Kato