The minute our alarm starts to ring, and our hands repeatedly touch the snooze button, there is one thought that circulates our minds: how good the after-work nap will be. But we get up, dress up, and show up for a fruitful and productive 6-8 hour working day. At least this is what we intend to do.

Presenting and doing your best work requires a great deal of energetic fervor and fuel, and when the three cups of caffeine we have between 9 am to 12 pm does not do it, there comes what has been known as the afternoon slump.

What is the afternoon slump you might ask? The Balance Careers identified in an article that the “Afternoon slump” is a term used to describe the sleepy and sluggish feeling that happens in the afternoon, usually between the hours of 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. “There are a few different reasons people experience the afternoon slump, but the symptoms are generally the same,” as stated. 

Even the most motivated and determined people experience the afternoon slump. Some people give in to the afternoon slump and let it take over their day, and others fight it off with simple tips and tricks to follow. On the days you feel sluggish and tired, these five tips will surely help you stay productive despite the urging feeling of wanting to do absolutely nothing

Get Familiar With Your Energy Levels

Throughout the day, your body and mind go through peaks and lulls. Understanding and monitoring when you function best will help you with doing and presenting good work.

Hence, if you tweak your to-do lists and tasks to the time of the day which you can best do it, this will help your productivity levels and motivate you.

An article by the Harvard Business Review visited this topic and stated, “you might match your circadian rhythm to your schedule by organizing your to-do list around these peaks and valleys. [It is best to do] any type of highly detailed work, such as writing, important decision-making, or technical coding during high-energy hours.” 

Stretch It Out or Move It Off

Do you ever wonder why when you take a bathroom break at work, you feel so much lighter and better when you come back?

This is because sitting on a desk all day along does not spike your productivity levels, but rather, makes you feel sluggish and tired.

Any kind of physical activity or movement will be good for conquering your midday slump. If your schedule allows for it, try to get in a good physical workout before (or between) your working day. It will alter your productivity levels and you will feel much more energized and ready for the day!

Make a Music Playlist 

There’s a playlist for every mood: for feeling sad, happy, lazy, and energized. Music at the gym is always an energized-fueled playlist that make us feel motivated and goal-driven.

Music at the spa is always a calm playlist that transcends you to an alternate peaceful universe. Hence, music has a major cognitive effect on people who can be influenced by the afternoon slump.

Whatever works your preference, helps you focus, and puts you in a good mood to work – go for it. Instrumental works very well with thinking and manifesting good work!

Invest in Your Night Routines the Day Before 

The night before affects your day more than you think. This is why it is crucial to follow a relaxing and productive night routine which helps set the tone for your morning the next day.

Try eating a light and healthy dinner, indulge in reading a good book and put your device down early before going to bed. Waking up will not be as hard, you will have had a safe and sound sleep, and your afternoon slump will not take over your day. 

Treat Yourself 

Practicing self-care is a must when working, and thankfully, self-care can be practiced at any time and anyplace.

Self-care is not limited to lush-baths and shopping sprees, but sometimes rewarding yourself with a coffee from your favorite place at midday, deciding to go out with your friends after work, or even investing in a good essential oil diffuser for your workspace will give you just the kick of motivation you needed to conquer your afternoon slump.

Think of yourself as a kid who has been promised a happy meal from McDonald’s if he finishes his homework. We all want our happy meal from McDonald’s.