Are you one of those people that gets stuck in a slump around 3 p.m. every day? This is a common occurrence, especially for those who work in an office or sit behind a desk most of the time.
It’s easy to grab a cup of coffee, an energy drink, or a soda to wake up, but there are much healthier solutions. Sugary, caffeinated beverages will not only make you gain weight. You’ll feel jittery and end up crashing hard just a few hours later (potentially during your drive home in rush-hour traffic . . . no bueno.)
Here are 5 healthy ways to energize your body and feel more awake without caffeine.
Hydrate.
Dehydration can easily lead to fatigue. If you haven’t been drinking enough water, that could explain your daily afternoon slump. Stay hydrated throughout the day to avoid falling asleep at your desk.
Go outside.
It’s amazing what a dose of Vitamin D can do for your body. Get it straight from its natural source—the sun—by spending at least 30 minutes a day outdoors. When you feel yourself slipping, it’s probably a good time to take advantage of your employee break by taking a walk outside around your office building.
Eat a spoonful of coconut oil.
Coconut oil contains healthy fat, which is great for a brain boost when you’re feeling foggy. You can also obtain healthy fats from other foods like avocado, fish, and olive oil. I find that coconut oil is a convenient solution that I can bring to the office and eat by the spoonful whenever I start to feel fatigued.
Exercise.
Regular exercise can help prevent fatigue as you build strength and endurance. It can be as simple as a 15-minute walk, and if you do it outside, that’s even better! If you don’t have 15 minutes, then at least take a minute or two to stand up and stretch. Doing this once an hour throughout your workday can make a huge difference in how you feel. For a simple, 12-minute daily exercise regimen that will help you lose weight and build lean muscle, check out this post.
Use peppermint oil.
Essential oils have a variety of uses. Peppermint oil is great for boosting energy and mental clarity. You can diffuse it at your desk or take a drop under the tongue. However, not all oils are created equal! Make sure the brand you choose is safe for internal ingestion before taking it orally. DoTerra is the brand I use and recommend. (In fact, we diffuse their oils regularly at Queen City Health Center!)
Next time you fall into an afternoon slump, try one of these five solutions before resorting to caffeine or sugar. And if you find you absolutely must drink coffee, drink it black or Bulletproof® style, and make sure it’s organic!