Picture this: The clock just hit 3 pm, and almost immediately, you begin yawning uncontrollably. Your chicken pesto panini from lunch has set in, and you still have 3 hours before you can even think about getting into bed. All of a sudden, you feel your head begin to nod off, and your eyes start to close. “Oh no,” you think, “Not the case of the midday slump.”

Before you take a catnap in your cubicle, consider these energizing tips!

1. Midday Work Out:

Sometimes stepping away from your desk to hit the gym not only helps combat the feeling of fatigue and low energy, but it also helps with overall productivity and focus. If you’re looking to hit the gym to rid your midday slump, researchers recommend that you participate in low-intensity aerobic exercise. With that, there is no need to train like Michael Phelps or Serena Williams, instead, riding a stationary bike or walking on an incline will do just the trick!

The US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.

2. Stay Hydrated:

This tip might seem like an obvious one. However, when we’re sitting at a desk for hours upon hours, we forget the most crucial ingredient: H2O. Fatigue and lack of energy are some of the first signs of dehydration. A way to stay hydrated and energized is to keep a water bottle at your desk or challenge yourself with a water drinking goal!

Water bottle from @healthishco to help midday slump
@healthishco

3. Keep it, Green:

No, we’re not talking about drinking superfood kale and celery juice for all meals of the day, but we do suggest that you skip the latte and go for green tea instead. Green tea has antioxidants that are good for your body. Also, this is a perfect way to get your caffeine-fix while continuing to stay hydrated!

4. Stretch It Out:

We’re not asking you to host a yoga class in your cubicle, but stretching brings benefits to all parts of your body! Performing a series of stretches at your desk can drive oxygen to your brain, relieve strained muscles, and give a quick and pleasant boost of energy. Here are some of the best stretches for loosening up tight musclesmade from sitting at a desk.

5. Walk around the block:

There’s nothing like stepping out of the office for some fresh fall air. Stepping away from your computer and taking a walk around the block is right for your mind. It can help you concentrate, increase your creativity, and boost your mood. It can also be perfect for your physical health!