Do you suffer from the 3pm energy slump? How about coming home from work and feeling exhausted even though you haven’t really done that much during the day? No problems if you’ve nothing to do. But what happens when you need to entertain unexpected guests? Finish the article that’s due the next day? Or help the kids with their homework?
Here are some tips to help you fight the afternoon brain fog.
- Take a shower and wash away the days woes and the energy slump you’ve come home with. A good shower will revitalise you and recharge your energy levels. If you want to go a little bit further, awaken your circulation by changing the water temperature from hot to cold and letting it spray your body. You’ll be alert in no time and feel refreshed too.
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Go for a walk around the block or take Fido to the park for a run. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle due to your occupation it’s a good idea to move around after work. Even 20 minutes can elevate your mood, restore energy levels, and prepare you for the next stage of the day.
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Clean up. A messy work area, kitchen or living room can create havoc in your mind leaving you feeling foggy and drained. Pick up all the clothes lying around, put on the washing, fold the laundry, towel dry the dishes from the sink, run the vacuum across the floor and feel your mood brighten with a cleaner and clearer living space.
- Exercise is the number one tool for boosting energy levels and perking up your brain. You’re working your body but at the same time you’re clearing the brain fog. Going for a run, stretching to a yoga DVD, or doing a few squats, push ups and crunches on your living room floor for ten minutes might be just what your brain needs.
- Dance around the living room if you don’t like working out. Chuck on your favourite tunes, sing at the top of your lungs (or quietly if you’ve thin walls and don’t want to shock the neighbours), and get down and boogie like you did when you were a teenager. Forget your inhibitions for five minutes. If the dancing doesn’t work, laughing at yourself just might!
- Read a passage from a motivational book or a poem that resonates with you. Sometimes we need a pinch of external motivation and someone else’s words to gain a fresh perspective.
If none of that works, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, close your eyes and enjoy a few moments of piece and quiet. I find myself exhausted after work regardless of the day, but a run and/or shower quickly perk me up so I can keep going for a few more hours.
