If you’ve noticed you tend to hit an energy low in the late afternoon most days, you’re not alone. Many people experience the sudden fatigue, brain fog, yawning, and inability to focus we’ve come to call the afternoon slump.
What Is The Afternoon Slump?
The afternoon slump is pretty common, with many people experiencing a drop in energy, lack of focus, and even mood swings. In fact, according to a survey conducted by The National Safety Council, 76 percent of workers say they feel tired at work, 53 percent feel less productive, and 44 percent have trouble staying focused.
So why exactly are you so tired after lunch? Here are a few reasons:
Your Circadian Rhythm Is Off
Every cell in your body has a clock that tells you when to be alert or at rest. This internal clock is called the circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm helps you feel drowsy at night and alert in the morning.
But if your internal clock is thrown out of rhythm — from things like chronic sleep deprivation, poor sleep quality, stress, or jet lag — then it makes sense you’ll feel groggy mid-afternoon.
It Might Be Your Diet
If you frequently enjoy a lunch heavy in processed carbs and sugar, then your energy level is likely dropping as fast as it spiked. Or if you're skipping lunch or not eating enough nutrient-dense foods, it could also mean you aren’t getting the proper nutrition your body needs to create a steady stream of energy.
Not only that, allowing yourself to become dehydrated could also throw you in an afternoon slump. Did you know that even mild dehydration can cause brain cells to shrink? As a result, you could experience fatigue, memory loss, lack of focus, and headaches.
Chronic Sleep Issues
You may be experiencing mid-day fatigue and brain fog because you’re not consistently getting at least seven to nine hours of regular sleep each night. When you don’t get enough sleep, you build up something called sleep debt. This is basically a buildup of lost sleep. Even losing one hour of sleep takes four days to recover.
So, if you’re habitually losing sleep, that’s a problem. Not only will you experience afternoon slumps, but you’ll also leave yourself prone to stress. And of course, too much stress means too much cortisol in your body. Too much cortisol and you’ll feel worn out. The cycle goes on and on.
Why More Caffeine Isn’t The Solution
While reaching for another cup of coffee is the way most people try to combat the afternoon slump, it might not be the best option. Caffeine is a drug that stimulates the central nervous system. It gives most people a temporary energy boost and can even improve mood.
But people who regularly use caffeine often become less sensitive to it, which means they need more caffeine to get the same effects.
In addition, caffeine has a number of drawbacks, as well. For many people, caffeine can increase anxiety and heart rate, contribute to digestive issues, cause heartburn, and more.
And if you’re regularly relying on caffeine to get you through your midday slump, you’re more likely to experience the negative side effects like jitters, anxiety, headaches, stomach upset, and sleep disruption that too much caffeine can cause.
So if you’re ready to beat the afternoon slump without caffeine, here are a few healthier options to try.
5 Ways To Beat The Afternoon Slump Without Caffeine
Reset Your Circadian Rhythm
Not properly prioritizing your sleep can throw your circadian rhythm out of whack. By adjusting your sleep habits, you can balance your internal clock and help prevent the afternoon slump. Here’s how:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
- Sleep in absolute darkness. Your natural circadian rhythm is ruled by bright light. So, any light seeping into your sleep space — like cellphones or street lights — will give your brain a signal to say it’s time to rise and shine.
- Start your day with a little natural light. Natural sunlight signals the brain to start being active. So open those curtains when you wake!
- Avoid late-night snacking. Eating too close to bedtime sends a signal to your circadian clock to wake-up.
Move Your Body
When drowsiness hits, that’s a great opportunity to take it as a signal to get up and move your body. If you can, go for a short walk outside to get the added benefits of fresh air and some sunshine.
Even if you can’t get outside, moving your body and getting your blood pumping a bit will help re-energize you. Walk around your office or house. Turn on some music and dance. Do a few quick sun salutations. Walk up and down the stairs a few times. There’s no wrong way to get your body moving.
Stay Hydrated
Letting yourself get dehydrated can lead to fatigue and brain fog. Keeping a water bottle nearby is a great way to remind yourself to drink water throughout the day. But drinking water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated.
Fruits and vegetables are made up of mostly water. So eating a diet that includes plenty of fruits and veggies is a great way to add more hydration to your day.
Try Natural Nootropics
Natural nootropics like Lion’s Mane and L-theanine are cognitive enhancers that may help boost energy, focus, and memory. Research has shown that natural nootropics may help increase blood circulation and oxygen to the brain. *
L-theanine, for instance, is found naturally in green tea and has a calming effect and boosts alertness. Lion’s Mane mushroom helps cognitive function and focus. *
Reach For Chai Bliss
If you’re used to looking forward to that afternoon cup of coffee, try replacing it with something healthier.
Chai Bliss blends natural nootropics Lions Mane, Astragalus, L-Theanine, and zinc with the classic spices of chai to help you maintain alertness, focus, and accuracy. *
And unlike regular black tea or coffee, Chai Bliss won’t make you restless and jittery.
Just add one tablespoon of Chai Bliss to hot or cold water or milk and blend it up to create a decadent drink that provides energy-boosting antioxidants, supports increased immunity, and increases energy and focus. *
When it comes to beating the afternoon slump and nourishing your body, Chai Bliss is a true game-changer. Click the link below to discover how Chai Bliss can help you fight afternoon fatigue, tiredness, and brain fog! *
Shop Chai Bliss Here!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.