Admin's Assistant

How to Beat the 3:00 p.m. Work Slump

It's 3:00 p.m. and suddenly it hits you like a Mack truck. You're exhausted and considering sneaking into an empty conference room for a quick nap. An afternoon work slump is perfectly normal and is simply a function of our biological clock. But there are ways you can fight it and renew your energy for the remainder of the day!

Get plenty of sleep. Between 7-9 hours is generally what you should be getting every night to feel rested the next morning. Staying on a consistent sleep schedule will also help. Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. When you have a late night, make up for the sleep you lost, but do it over time for best results. More sleep won't cure you of being sleepy in the afternoon, but you won't feel such a strong need to sleep at your desk.

When you wake up in the morning, don't forget to eat breakfast. If you have dinner around 6:00 p.m., go to bed at 10:00 p.m., and wake up at 6:00 a.m., that means you've gone 12 hours without a meal! To break your fast and start the day with lots of energy, have low-fat cereal, fruit, wheat toast and skim milk.

Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day, too! You may just feel tired because you're body is dehydrated. Keep a bottle of water by your side at all times. Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink! By then your body is already dehydrated, which contributes to fatigue.

It's after lunch but before dinner and you're hungry and tired. At this point it's really tempting to run to the vending machine and get yourself a huge bottle of caffeinated soda and a candy bar, but that's not going to help you. Eventually the sugar rush will turn into a sugar crash and leave you even more tired than before. There's nothing wrong with an afternoon snack as long as it's healthy! Consider fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a small salad to boost your energy level.

Lastly, mild exercise can also help improve your productivity and energy. Deep breathing, chair stretches or a quick 10-minute walk around your office will greatly improve your energy level.

Don't forget to mix and match. If one of these tips works for you, imagine how two or three could help you power through your afternoon full of energy! Plus, they're easy to do and a part of an all-around healthy lifestyle.

What do you do to keep yourself from snoozing at your desk?