Afternoon Energy Slump? Boost Your Energy Levels Without Coffee

Can’t stay awake during your afternoon meeting? Staring at the screen, with your brain in a fog? Beat the midday slump with these tips to boost your energy levels! These energy tips work better than coffee!

Contents

Open the curtains
Drink water
Sit up straight
Have a mint candy
Watch something funny
Fill your office with plants
Use aromatherapy

Open the curtains

Light (and other environmental cues) can affect your body’s natural body clock. Just like turning off the lights helps you get ready for sleep, keeping a room bright can help you shake off the zzz’s. Adjust your office curtains or blinds, or sit by a window. If you can’t, step outside the office for a few minutes for a bit of sunshine (and fresh air!).

Drink water

Sluggishness and poor concentration can be a sign of hidden dehydration. Reach for a really cold glass of water. Your body may need it more than espresso! (Just make sure you wash your mug — read our germ alert on mugs and water bottles to find out why.)

Sit up straight

Most of us tend to hunch over our computer or sink into our chairs, which strains our neck and shoulder muscles. This causes muscle strain, back pain, and constricts blood flow to our brain.

Adjust the height of your office chair so you can comfortably sit up straight. If the table isn’t the right height, get a laptop stand which lets you adjust the angle and height. Proper posture can help instantly improve energy levels (plus make your belly look smaller!)

Have a mint candy

Blood glucose levels generally reach their lowest three hours after a meal. However, if you don’t have time for a healthy snack, reach for a mint or lemon candy. It can give you just enough sugar to get you through the rest of the day, and doesn’t have fat or sodium.

Watch something funny

When you laugh, your body releases endorphins and increases oxygen intake — which improves your mood and concentration! Yes, this is a scientifically-backed reason to watch Youtube video for 15 minutes.

Fill your office with plants

A stuffy office will affect your energy levels. The instant energy fix: go outside for a few minutes of fresh air. The long-term solution: add office plants! Aside from boosting oxygen (and energy!) levels, plants will filter out volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other indoor office pollution. These chemical compounds can trigger mild allergies and headaches that are zapping your energy levels.

Use aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can help alleviate stress, clear your head, and instantly boost your energy levels. These scents are particularly known for improving focus, energy and alertness: