We’ve all been there – it’s about 3:30, you have a few more hours of work left to go, and all you want to do is lay your head down on your desk and go to sleep.
The mid-afternoon slump is real, and it can make it hard to get through all the work you need to. But if you don’t work in one of those cool offices that has designated nap rooms, how can you find the energy to get through the rest of your day?
Luckily, there are some great natural ways to get some quick energy that don’t involve drinking a pot of coffee every day. Read on to learn how to get energy fast and keep your work going all the way till five.
Eat Breakfast
Your brain and your body need fuel, and it’s hard to keep your energy up if you haven’t had anything to eat. You’ve heard all your life that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s true. So if you haven’t eaten breakfast and you’re feeling the mid-morning slump coming on, go get some food.
If you did eat your breakfast, food can still help wake you up and give you fresh energy. Grab a handful of almonds or something else high in protein. Avoid sugary foods, as these will raise your energy for a bit and then send you crashing later on.
Do Yoga
A lot of us work jobs where we sit down all day, and that can lead to some lethargy. Long-term, if you find you never have enough energy, setting up an exercise regimen can help. But even short-term, doing a few quick exercises can help you get rejuvenated.
Try holding a downward dog pose for a minute or two, focusing on your breathing and leaning into the pose. If you know some other yoga poses, run through a quick flow – warrior poses, triangle pose, and tree pose are good. If not, do some squats, jumping jacks, or anything else to get your blood moving.
Sing Along
Music is a great way to get jazzed up and find your energy. If you find yourself dozing off on long car rides, you may turn up the radio to keep yourself awake. This works well for other situations besides riding in the car as well.
If you can, find someplace private, put on your favorite song, and sing along at the top of your voice. If you don’t work somewhere where you can sing, find a private space and bust out your best dance moves. Your mood will be better, and you’ll have more energy heading into the next part of your day.
Drink Water
Above even food, the most important thing your body needs to function is water. You can go without food for days or even weeks, but just two days without water and you’re a goner. But most of us are chronically dehydrated, and it saps our energy.
Get a glass or bottle of water and focus on hydrating throughout your day. This will rejuvenate your body, not to mention help your skin, your digestion, and even your weight loss. If you don’t like drinking plain water, you can get energy packets for water that will give you an additional boost.
Get Some Cinnamon
Now when we recommend cinnamon here, we are not saying you should do the cinnamon challenge (although that would certainly wake you up). But cinnamon is an energizing scent that wakes up your sinuses and can give you a quick burst of energy. Carry a few cinnamon sticks in your bag, and when you feel yourself drooping, give them a sniff.
Cinnamon isn’t the only energizing scent you can use. Peppermint is thought to improve energy and concentration. Carry around some mints with you and suck on one when your energy levels start to drop off.
Open a Window
Our bodies rely heavily on patterns called circadian rhythms that tell us when to go to sleep and when to wake up. These rhythms are driven largely by external light sources, namely the sun. So when sunshine hits your eyes, it tells your body it’s time to wake up and get moving.
If your office is dark and you’re feeling sleepy, try opening a window and letting in some natural light. If your office doesn’t have a window, take a quick break and walk outside for a few minutes. You can also get special lamps designed to mimic sunlight that are designed to help those suffering from seasonal affective disorder.
Make Friends
Humans are social creatures, and we’re hugely influenced by the people around us. Some studies have shown that we become like the five people we spend the most time with. So if you find you’re always tired, try spending more time around people who seem to constantly have energy.
For one thing, you’ll feed off the social energy of spending time around other people (yes introverts, you too). But for another, you may pick up on some of these habits that give people their endless supply of energy. Eating fresh food, exercising, and spending time outside can all affect your energy levels, and you’ll be more motivated to do these things if you’re with a group of people who already do them.
Learn How to Get Energy Fast
Fighting an afternoon slump is no fun for anyone, but there are some great ways to get the pick-me-up you need. Knowing how to get energy fast can save you from a crippling caffeine dependency and make your days a little happier. So grab your water bottle, do a quick downward dog, turn up the tunes, and get along with your day!
If you’d like to read more awesome articles like this, browse our online magazine for some more healthy lifestyle tips! We have articles about all things cool, including city life and the best in the 6ix. Check out our articles about night life and use your newfound energy to get out on the town.