Strategies for Staying Alert and Overcoming Afternoon Slumps
After eating your lunch, you may find yourself yawning, feeling sleepy, and experiencing a bit of tiredness and laziness. This phenomenon is commonly known as the afternoon slump, typically occurring between the hours of one to three in the afternoon. It’s at this time you begin to lack the energy, motivation, and focus to continue with your tasks. While many people attribute this slump to their lunch, there's more to it than simply feeling full after a meal, or what they ate. Yes, this can be a factor, but one of the main contributing factors is your circadian rhythm, the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. If your rhythm is disrupted, you may feel even more sleepy than usual in the afternoon. Your lifestyle choices can play a role in the slump. Factors such as inadequate sleep, dehydration, or chronic stress can contribute to feelings of fatigue and lethargy. What Can You Do to Combat Afternoon Slumps? Here are some strategies to help you prevent the afternoon slump and stay alert during a