5 Tips to Prevent the Afternoon Slump

You know the scene … it’s mid-afternoon and your entire staff appears tired, drained, and like they want to call it a day. Here are five ways to reduce the frequency and duration of the afternoon slump for your employees. Post this in the break room and make sure employees are aware.

Most offices are lit with cool white fluorescent tubes, which have a terrible effect on how people feel and function. A better option is a full spectrum fluorescent tube, which simulates sunlight. Studies have shown that full spectrum lighting provides many benefits: headaches disappear and afternoon fatigue declines, while productivity levels rise. If your office doesn’t use full spectrum tubes, consider replacing the tubes in your space. 

Several vitamins, such as B-complex and ginseng, have an energizing effect. You get the maximum benefit when you divide your dose throughout the day and take vitamins with a meal.

Walking gets your blood circulating, helps you breathe better, and stimulates your brain. Take a five- or 10-minute walk outside, or even just around the office. If you don’t have time to take a walk, run up and down the stairs for two minutes, which will give you the same benefits. 

Music can energize you, but choose what you listen to carefully, because some music can actually weaken your system and fatigue you. If you are listening to music with lyrics, make sure they are positive and motivating, because upbeat music has been shown to get your body into a more upward stance.

Negative people and images can have a draining effect. Conversely, if you spend the day surrounded by positive people and images, you can feel energized. If negative people surround you at work, make a conscious effort to stay positive, even when others are not.