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Just now everything was fine: you worked and felt quite cheerful, and then you had lunch … And you were unbearably sleepy. Familiar? What to do in such situations?
If every time after dinner you feel like sleeping, you are not alone, this happens to many – this is how our body works. Or rather, the parasympathetic nervous system: it is she who is activated after eating, as a result of which we calm down, relax; at this moment, nothing should distract us from the digestion of food. But what if there is still half a day ahead and a lot of things to do?
1. Drink water
One of the causes of mid-day sleepiness is dehydration: it makes us feel tired and lethargic, affects cognitive functions, reduces the ability to concentrate and impairs short-term memory. So the call “drink water in any incomprehensible situation” is just right here.
2. Turn on the light
Ideally, of course, you should go outside and take a walk – daylight has a direct effect on our daily biorhythms and helps to cheer up faster, but if this is not possible, use all sources of light, especially bright ones.
3. Allow yourself a short afternoon nap.
Again, not everyone has this opportunity, but if, for example, you work from home, allow yourself to take a short nap – from 20 to 45 minutes. This is much more effective than fighting the feeling of fatigue, and so you will probably have enough strength to wake up and complete everything that is needed.
At the same time, some experts advise limiting yourself to half an hour of sleep – if you sleep longer, there is a risk that the entire schedule of the day will move out because of this, and you will start going to bed and getting up later.
4. Talk to someone
Afternoons are bad for solving intellectual tasks that require maximum concentration, but they are great for phone calls, chatting with colleagues or even talking with friends, says career coach Angela Karachristos. “Try to schedule solo activities in the morning and teamwork in the afternoon.”
5. Eat something healthy and unusual
It may surprise you, but what we eat and drink greatly affects our ability to solve problems, focus, and remember. For example, a good way to increase your ability to concentrate is to eat broccoli, eggs, cereals, or lentils. In addition, you can try to outsmart yourself and plan your favorite snack, dessert or a long-awaited cup of coffee not in the morning, but in the afternoon.
6. Do what inspires you
After lunch, despite the feeling of physical and mental exhaustion, many feel that they need to “get together”, “push” and work non-stop in order to do everything. Perhaps this is not the best way out of the situation: it is much more efficient to schedule an afternoon activity that captivates and motivates you.
Clinical psychologist Ajoa Osei advises to reflect on what really excites you, and do it every day – a little, after lunch. Walking, stretching, a short dance workout, sketching, meditation – find something that makes you happy and feel free to indulge in it in the heat of the day. You will see, these 10-15 minutes will bring you to your senses and maybe even save your day.