When the afternoon is dragging, you can’t focus, and all you want is to spread out on the couch and zone out in front of the TV, you need a change-up – and fast! These quick and easy tips to boost energy will help you snap out of that slump and refocus with a refreshed and ready POV.
Take a walk.
Grab your dog and head out or take a few trips up and down the stairs to get your blood flowing and your heart pumping. Even just a brisk five-minute walk can do wonders for your energy levels, as can a change of scenery.
Don’t go overboard on caffeine.
It can be tempting to place a mobile order at your favorite coffee shop around 2 PM, but that extra cup can hurt more than it helps. Have your usual cup or cups of coffee, but when you feel the energy crash coming on, switch to decaffeinated tea.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
In relation, there’s nothing like an ice-cold glass of water to really wake you up inside and out. Our favorite way to enjoy good old H2O is by adding a splash of mint-flavored Chlorofresh® Liquid Chlorophyll or a squeeze of lemon.
Close your eyes.
Just for a few minutes! Taking a power nap of 10 minutes or less can help bring you back to your senses. If you have a few minutes between meetings or want to recharge on your lunch, there’s no harm in getting a few minutes of shut eye. Even if you don’t actually sleep, simply resting without any interruption from your computer or phone can be energizing.
Get good sleep.
If you’re up late scrolling TikTok or finding it difficult to get the quality sleep you need to function at your best, it may be time to examine your sleep habits. Lack of restful sleep can lead to mid-day crashes or a groggy feeling you just can’t shake. Get started on your journey to sleep success with tips from nurse practitioner Lynn Green.
Have a healthy snack.
Think an apple and whole grain crackers with peanut butter, a handful of nuts, or some cheese wrapped in turkey. Foods rich in protein and complex carbs can help boost your energy and keep you feeling satiated and nourished, and crunchy fruits and veggies wake up your senses and your tastebuds. Skip the sugar to avoid a crash later. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite energy-boosting foods.
Go outside or open the window.
A bit of fresh air may be just the thing you need to reset your mindset. Take a quick walk around the block or have lunch outside on a nice day to get some vitamin D and a boost of energy from the outdoors. (The health benefits are so worth it!)
Spray on fragrance or apply essential oil.
Scents like bergamot, grapefruit, and lemon are uplifting and energizing, so when you feel your energy start to dip, put on your favorite citrusy perfume or cologne, light a candle, or add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser for an aromatherapeutic lift.
Let the light in.
If you work in a low-light space, you could be signaling to your body that it’s time to unwind without even realizing it! Turn on some lights or move to sit near the window for a bit of sunshine. Not only will you brighten up your workspace, you’ll help keep your body in “day” mode.
Turn on the radio.
Or Spotify. Whatever! Just turn up your favorite music and sing along to lift your spirits – and potentially wake you up a bit. (Singing has actually been shown to boost your energy!) When you’re feeling that afternoon slump on the horizon, switch off your podcast or concentration playlist and opt for some upbeat pop.