The most common time for an energy slump, so studies tell us, is 2.16 in the afternoon, which is when most workers feel drained of energy and unable to concentrate. It’s at this point in the day when it is most tempting to reach for a sugary snack such as crisps or chocolate to provide an instant hit of energy, but this only leads to wasted calories and a massive drop in energy once the initial high has worn off. There are healthier energy boosters you can opt for though, which will add vital nutrients to the body as well as giving you a more sustainable energy high.
Mid-afternoon snacks
Sugary treats may offer you a near-instant high, but that energy drops away very quickly leaving you feeling more drained than ever. Instead of choosing a chocolate bar or bag of sweets, opt for fresh or dried fruit, or nuts, which will not only provide you with long-lasting energy but also a range of vitamins and minerals, fibre and protein. If you really can’t fight that chocolate craving, choose a plain dark chocolate with as high a cocoa content as possible, and just limit yourself to a few small squares. The limited sugar and rich flavour will give you the chocolate hit without causing a peak in your sugar levels.
Stretches
If you’re stuck at your computer all day, your body doesn’t have chance to move overly much, leaving you feeling achy and tired fairly quickly. It’s important to take regular breaks so that your muscles and joints have chance to stretch and become flexible again, and taking deep breaths can help too, by providing the muscles with plenty of oxygen by improving the circulatory system.
Drink water
Keeping the body hydrated is important for maintaining good energy levels, as if you’re dehydrated you will become tired, get headaches and find it difficult to concentrate. If you wait until you’re thirsty, there is a good chance your body is already lacking in water, so make sure you drink little and often throughout the day. A good tip is to keep a bottle of water on your desk at all times, so you’re reminded to drink, helping you to stay hydrated and keep your energy levels up.
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