You know the feeling — it's 1 p.m. on a Friday afternoon, you still have several hours of work left before you can go home for the weekend, you've already had your lunch break, and you just can't seem to figure out how you're going to get anything done now. Because this is such a widely understood feeling, Work Smart, a section of Fast Company, has created the handy video guide "5 Ways To Beat The Afternoon Slump" to get you though what seems like impossible midday exhaustion and ennui.
Work Smart makes videos giving people advice on how to be more effective workers, and they're not alone. There's a whole host of information and advice floating around the web on how to make your workday better, including what music to listen to for optimal productivity, how to deal with anxiety at work, and what to do to detox your work space. Everyone's different, but it's important to always give yourself a break or re-arrange something at work if you're struggling with some aspect of it. Your productivity and, more importantly, personal happiness could be seriously at risk if you don't.
So what are the five things Work Smart suggests you do? Lets take a look:
1. Pick Your Breakfast Wisely
When you eat before work, do you sit down and have toast, or do you go for something with protein in it? The answer could seriously affect your work day, as too many carbs will make you crash early. Protein is the best option for breakfast when you have work, because it will kick start your metabolism and give you energy throughout the day — with no crash!
2. Don't Work Straight Through Your Day
Believe it or not, taking frequent breaks is the best way to maintain focus throughout the day. If you try to work straight through without giving your brain any time to rest, even if only for 10 minutes, you're less likely to do your tasks well and more likely to burn out faster.
3. Be Deliberate About Snacking
Pick brain-enhancing foods like almonds and dark chocolate instead of a snack with no nutritional value and high sodium levels.
4. And Be Deliberate About Your Coffee Intake
Wait until you're fully awake to drink coffee, because if you consume too much of it before your body gets the chance to wake up, it can be pretty bad for your energy levels.
5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Water is your friend. What is always good. Water won't make you crash, will revitalize you, and will always benefit you in some way.
Check out the full video below, and if you're feeling groggy at work, make sure to try these five tips.
Images: Fast Company (5); Pexels
