Most people who encounter that midday slump at work reach for coffee or a caffeinated soda. However, that only works for so long and then your brain and body want to shut down again. It becomes a constant rollercoaster of caffeine consumption and exhaustion, one that many people would rather not ride in the first place. So how do you reawaken your brain enough to get moving after lunch and stay motivated through the end of your work day? The following four ways can help, and they do it without caffeine.
Vitamin B Complex
Your vitamin B's are the energy vitamins your brain needs and craves. If you pop a vitamin B complex supplement with your lunch, you may be surprised at how much more energy you have and how much clearer your thoughts are. This is why so many producers of energy shots and energy drinks stick vitamin B supplements in their drinks. The only difference between the energy drinks and the pill you take is that you will not have to deal with the sugar or caffeine crash that comes with consuming the energy drinks (high amounts of sugar and/or caffeine are part of the "energy" in energy drinks, and if you are trying to avoid sugar and caffeine, they are some of the worst things to reach for).
Mind-Focusing Inhalers
Smelling salts have an updated modern version. It is the mind-focusing inhaler (such as one from Way Of Will), and it is quite safe. These inhalers are made with essential oils and diffusers, allowing your brain to be activated by invigorating odors; scents that have an awakening effect on the brain. You are not "huffing" nor inhaling anything dangerous or illegal--the smells from the oils simply help your brain out of a funk by giving it a different sensory experience than the odors it has been experiencing all morning in the office.
Exercise
A quick lap or two around your office building outside helps too. You can jog it or walk it briskly. Either way, be sure to expose your arms and face as much as you can to the sunlight because it helps reset your internal clock so that your body is not ready for sleep at two in the afternoon. Also, getting the blood going gets more oxygen to your brain, which slacks off a bit after lunch because the blood is routed to your GI tract to help with digestion. Bright sunlight and a quick lap or two outside should perk you right up.
UV Bulbs
If your office uses fluorescent lighting all of the time, consider investing in some UV bulbs, at least for use at your desk or cubicle. UV bulbs simulate natural light, which causes your brain to "wake up" because it recognizes the daylight and daytime as a time to be awake and moving. All of that fluorescent light causes your brain to become sleepy because your brain naturally associates artificial light with nighttime, darkness, and sleep. Install a few UV bulbs where you sit all day and regularly use these light to brighten your space, and you should notice a difference in productivity within a few days or so.
Share22 April 2016
If life keeps you busy, you might not have time to work out or play sports. As a busy parent and teacher, I don't have much time to spare when it comes to exercise. Every time I sign up for a fitness program, I end up quitting due to my hectic schedule. But after gaining 30 pounds last year, I decided to start an exercise program and stick with it. Now, I'm pleased to say that I'm 15 pounds lighter and feeling much healthier. If you want to set fitness goals but lack ambition or time, read my blog. I offer tips on how to set and meet realistic goals. You also learn how to improve your goals with the right diet. Good luck and don't give up.
