We’ve all heard of it…the afternoon energy crash where your mood level drops and everyone in the office reaches for a snack. Maybe it’s candy, or a third cup of coffee, but the dreaded slump affects a lot of people every day.
Even with the quick fix snack, eventually we run out of fuel. It leaves us feeling drained, overloaded, and maybe even stressed. So my goal is to provide you with tips to feed your brain and avoid an energy crash.
Feed Your Brain
Food is fuel! Make sure you’re fueling your brain with nutrient dense foods. Bring on the veggies, a little fruit, and high-quality protein. And don’t forget the healthy fat! Healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and avocados keep you satiated and energized through the day.
As hard as it is to resist a sugar or caffeine hit during energy crash moments, those things are the absolute worst choices. Sure, you’ll get a temporary rush, but you’ll suffer from an even bigger slump. Cravings when you’re tired are natural. It’s truly a physiological response. When we become groggy, few of us crave carrots or turkey. We crave sweets. ALLLLL the sweets. That’s because sugar energizes the body…temporarily. It’s the fastest fuel (carbohydrates) to get the body feeling balanced again.
So try either intermittent fasting, or, packing high protein, high fat snacks.
Get Adequate Rest
Sleep is when your brain rests and recovers from the day. Getting enough plays a huge role in your focus and energy for the next day. Sleeping to feed your brain may come in the form of getting good, quality sleep each night.
Sleep is vital to overall brain health! Often people skip sleep by staying up late or waking up extra early to get things done. However, sleep is super important when it comes to brain health, maintaining focus, and productivity. Experts everywhere are shouting to the “I’ll sleep when I am dead” types. Basically, you’ll be dead sooner if you neglect sleep. Avoid your daily energy crash by adding a few minutes to nightly sleep.
Give Yourself Moments to Daydream
Daydreaming recharges the brain by taking the hyper focus away and allowing you to relax. It can come in the form of meditation, prayer, or taking a walk around the block.
It’s important to give your brain a break so it can recharge, and even as little as 15 minutes will help you rest and refocus.
No matter what your schedule or workload, these things are important ways to beat the afternoon energy crash. You must find a way to work them into your day and lifestyle.
~Chalene
