Article How to Beat the 3 PM Slump

8 Simple Tips to Keep You Energized All Afternoon

June 10, 2019

Article by

Silver Hills Bakery

You know the feeling all too well. Sometime after lunch and before dinner, a lull sets in. Brain fog hangs over your head, time slows to a crawl, and staying awake at your desk becomes seemingly impossible. This, of course, is the dreaded 3 PM slump.

Before you reach for something sweet from the nearest vending machine, check out our list of how to prevent and break through your afternoon crash.

Get a Good Sleep

If you find yourself in desperate need of a nap mid-afternoon, you might not be getting enough Zs at night. Try going to bed 5 minutes earlier, then 10 the next night, and so on, until you reach a solid 7–8 hours of restful sleep.

Have an Energy-Boosting Breakfast

We love toast in the morning (we’re a little biased). Starting the day with sprouted grains from our healthy, low-sugar Sprouted Power™ lineup and some energy-boosting toast toppers. Check out why we think we make a better bread for your family here.

Enjoy a Lighter Lunch

If you’re crashing a couple hours after lunch, you may be eating too much or too heavy. We love a sandwich on our Little Big Bread when we’re opting for something smaller. Need some lunch inspiration? Try these classic work week lunches.

Get Moving

Stop the sad desk salad lunch routine and get up and move. If the weather is warm, eat your lunch outside and then go for a light stroll to help with digestion. An easy walk or some light stretching can make a world of difference. Make it even better by walking with a colleague or listening to some calming music.

Drink More Water

A lot of the time, when we’re hungry, we’re actually dehydrated. To see whether or not your hunger is legitimate, try drinking a few glasses of water and waiting. If you’re still hungry, try some fresh fruit for a natural boost of sugar.

Schedule a Meeting

A collaborative meeting may seem counterintuitive when you’re trying to get your brain fired up again but engaging in a brainstorm-style meeting that relies on everyone’s energy to get the job done can actually help you power through with enthusiasm.

Take in More B Vitamins

Healthy sprouted grains, such as whole wheat, are rich in B-vitamins such as thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and B6, all of which help break down carbohydrates in your body, support your nervous system, and boost brain health. Vitamin B6 is especially great for helping regulate mood and stress, which is key for breaking through the slump.

Have a Healthy Snack

When all else fails, reach for something healthy. This might mean packing a snack-size smoothie, a container of veggies with hummus, or making toast with healthy nut butter and fruit. Whatever you grab, go easy on portion size and see how you feel.

Looking for more active lifestyle advice? Check out these healthy carbs for athletes.

Want to meal-prep for tomorrow? Find some Sprouted Power™ near you.

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