If you’re getting a full 8 hours of sleep, you’re having your morning coffee boost and you’re still getting that midday crash around 2pm, there is hope for keeping your energy level up all day! Try these 8 tips to fending off exhaustion.
1. Eat Breakfast
You’ve heard it a million times, but that’s because it’s true! Eating breakfast jump-starts your metabolism and stops you from crashing midway through your day. Eating a good breakfast will also keep you from overeating at lunch time – one of the biggest contributing factors to the midday slump!
2. Say NO to Empty Calories
Swap out the starchy, carb-ridden, empty calories in that muffin or doughnut for a protein-rich treat such as apples and peanut butter, or an egg white omelet.
3. Snack More
Eating small, healthy snacks throughout the day stabilizes your hunger and fends off that sugar or caffeine crash you usually feel midday. Almonds,
fruit, and low-fat cheeses are good choices to keep you going.
4. Stay Hydrated
Don’t just reach for caffeine when you’re feeling tired. Fatigue can be a sign of dehydration, so keep water by your desk to keep you going. If you need a little flavor, add a splash of citrus.
5. Step Away from the Computer
If possible, instead of emailing your coworkers, get up and talk to them. Staring at the computer screen all day can add to your overall feeling of fatigue. Even if you have no reason to get up, just take a walk around the office and stretch.
6. Squeeze Exercise into Your Morning
Instead of laying in bed half-awake, hitting the snooze button, get up and go for a run. The energy you’ll get from a good workout will sustain you throughout the day far better than an extra cup of coffee.
7. Change It Up
If those eyelids are getting heavy and nothing seems to be helping, switch tasks. Sometimes what you think is fatigue is really just boredom. Don’t let monotony keep you from getting through the day.
8. Get Some Rest
Of course, a good night’s sleep doesn’t hurt either. Do your best to get seven to eight hours a night. Even when you feel you still have work to do, it’s better to get some sleep so you’re more productive the next day. Falling behind on sleep one night can set you back the rest of the week.
