How to Avoid Post Lunch Tiredness
Most people have experienced the fatigue that hits sometime after lunch at work. It's a feeling of heaviness and grogginess, a yearning for a quick nap. There are reasons for that sluggish feeling, and you can take steps to keep it at bay. Changing the way you eat and behave during the day can make a big difference in how you metabolize your food, which can improve the way you feel.
Instructions
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How to Avoid Post Lunch Tiredness
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Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, sluggishness and headache.
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Eat a good breakfast that includes lean proteins and whole grains. This will help you start the day right and keep your blood sugar steady until lunch.
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Eat less at lunch. Your body has to work hard to metabolize a heavy lunch full of carbohydrates and sugars, leading to that mid-afternoon slump. A lighter lunch will keep you charged up and ready to take on the rest of the day. Try soup and a sandwich. Eat chicken, turkey or fish as your protein, and fill up on fruits and vegetables instead of french fries or pasta.
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Move around as much as you can. Your job may keep you at a desk or in a cubicle, but you can use your breaks or lunch hour to take a short walk, which will get your heart rate up and your blood sugar down. You will feel more energized for the rest of the day.
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Develop strategies to deal with stress. Find ways to let go of pressure and expectations, and give yourself a mini-break even in the middle of your work day. Do a short meditation at your desk. Listen to your favorite music. Use your break to call a friend or family member and have a laugh. All these things make it easier for your body to deal with the stress of work.
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Don't smoke. The chemicals in cigarettes can cause profound fatigue, and the lack of clean air in your lungs can make your body work harder to stay oxygenated. Stopping smoking will make you feel more energetic all day long.
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Avoid sugary snacks. These can give you a temporary lift, but there's always an accompanying "crash" that leaves you feeling worse than before. If you need a snack, have a whole-grain muffin or a small piece of cheese. Snacks like these will give you energy without the blood sugar rebound.
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Tips & Warnings
Protein bars are a good way to stave off afternoon fatigue, but make sure you choose a product that is low in sugar.
