For those of us who start to nod off after lunch… you are not alone! The afternoon slump is more common than some may think. However, there are a number of natural ways that can help you fight fatigue and get through the rest of your workday with the energy and vitality that you crave.
Poor nutrition is the leading cause of fatigue amongst children and adults. Cindy Moore, director of nutrition therapy for The Cleveland Clinic says, “Food is truly our body’s fuel. What we choose as our fuel is going to absolutely impact the performance of our bodies.” Start your day out right by eating a well-balanced breakfast rich in complex carbohydrates and protein. Eating a healthy breakfast will help prepare your body for the day, improve alertness and concentration, and can even help you lose weight by preventing you from overeating throughout the rest of the day.
As the day goes on be sure to snack wisely and drink plenty of water. Instead of reaching for the candy bar and soda pop from the vending machine, plan ahead and pack a bag of apples, a jar of nuts, and a water bottle for your mid-afternoon snack. Keeping your body hydrated is an important aspect of maintaining your energy throughout the day. According to WebMD, If your body is dehydrated, it will put its resources into maintaining your water balance instead of into giving you energy.
Finally, make time for exercise in your day. It may seem counter intuitive that exercise will give you more energy, but it’s true!. Exercise not only will help relieve stress, but studies have shown that moderate amounts of exercise can actually help your mood. You will have more energy throughout your day and your body will be more tired at night, allowing you to get a deeper, better night’s sleep.