Lifestyle
Marisa HeinzeFebruary 23, 2022
7 tips to overcome your midday low
We often feel lazy, heavy and get tired after lunch. This has many disadvantages, especially in our daily work routine, because the usual routine work seems overwhelming. We show you which tips you can use to overcome your midday low.
How does the well-known midday low occur?
A low at lunchtime is something most people struggle with. This depends on your natural rhythm of life. If you start your day early, you will most likely struggle with fatigue by midday. If food is consumed at these times, the sleepiness will have an even stronger effect on your mind and performance.
Responsible for the down at lunchtime is our digestive tract. It operates in the background and we do not even notice it. Yet your digestive system needs a lot of energy to process the food you eat.
When food reaches the esophagus, our organism supplies the digestive organs with more blood. For other organs and tissues, the blood supply is reduced during this time so that the digestive organs can specifically absorb the nutrients and subsequently transport them away.
Since the gastrointestinal tract is supplied with much more blood at this time, your body delivers only reduced oxygen to the brain and muscles. As a result, you feel tired and sluggish. Your concentration also suffers due to the lack of oxygen. We give you valuable tips against this fatigue to overcome your midday slump.
Valuable tips against tiredness
To overcome the unloved midday low and to continue performing well, you can integrate the following suggestions into your everyday life. They are small tips that can be implemented immediately and have a big effect.
Tip 1 - Take a power nap
Not every professional has the necessary room for this point. But since people are increasingly working from home these days, this tip can be helpful. A short nap of around 15 to 20 minutes is recommended. Scientists have found out that taking a nap for more than half an hour makes us feel even more tired afterwards. For this reason, you should pay attention to the amount of time you nap.
Tip 2 - Some movement
In most cases, people who are tired and fatigued are hardly willing to invest energy into some exercise. But a short walk is ideal to stimulate the digestive tract. The fresh air also makes you more awake and supplies you with oxygen, which is lacking in the brain and muscles.
Recommended: In terms of oxygen, you can also open the windows in your office. The fresh air is revitalizing and you will overcome your midday low much easier.
Tip 3 - Eat balanced and healthy
During the lunch break, we often reach for fast food. Thus, nearby stores provide many treats that are not necessarily in the sense of a healthy nutrition. But those who fall back on these foods will most likely have to deal with an increased midday low.
You shouldn't have to give up your favorite dishes as a general rule. During working hours, however, you can fill your plate with something healthier. This way, you will not only eat healthier, but you will also overcome the midday low more easily.
These foods increase post-lunch laziness:
- Meat
- Cream sauces
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Legumes
The mentioned foods release serotonin in the body. This makes you seem more relaxed, but also sleepier.
Good to know: In addition to choosing the right foods, you should also adjust your portion sizes. Several smaller meals a day are more efficient and easier to digest than three large ones.
Tip 4 - Drink enough water
Among the tips against fatigue this point can not be missed. This refers in particular to the intake of water. During working hours, 1.5 liters are recommended to counteract the midday low.
Good to know: When your stomach grumbles, it doesn't necessarily have to indicate that you're hungry. You may just as well be thirsty. Scientists have discovered that the receptors for thirst and hunger are close to each other. Before reaching for your next snack, try a glass of water.
Do you find it hard to stay hydrated throughout the day? Then you're like most people. Often, we've conditioned our bodies to not even realize that we should take in more water. Once you start drinking more, you'll start to feel thirsty more often.
Tip 5 - Refresh your face
If you want to overcome your midday low, you can also do this with a little cold water. Washing your face with cold water has a revitalizing effect. In addition, you have to walk to the bathroom, which makes you move a little and get off the office chair.
Tip 6 - Height-adjustable desk
Another suggestion for overcoming lunchtime laziness is a height-variable desk. If you sink into your office chair, you'll have a much harder time overcoming the midday low. Standing makes it easier to digest food and you prevent tension in your back and neck. Two good arguments for choosing a desk like this.
Tip 7 - Get enough sleep
On average, adults need between 6 and 8 hours of sleep. These are the conditions for a healthy and energetic start into the day. Try to find daily routine. As a result, you will also be able to fall asleep and sleep through the night much better.
This is one of the most important tips against sleepiness, because if you already have a sleep deficit, you will most likely struggle with sluggishness by noon. Nevertheless, it is important to mention that the ideal amount of sleep hours should be considered individually, as too much sleep can also lead to laziness.
Conclusion
The midday low is annoying and inhibits our productivity. However, with the tips against tiredness mentioned above, it will be possible for you to fight against laziness in the future. Short power naps and an upright posture during work can significantly increase productivity.
Healthier meals, adequate sleep and some physical activity will support your digestive system. Staying hydrated is also essential to staying energized. You can implement these tips right away and you'll notice that even small changes can make a big difference.