I no longer work a corporate job, I don’t have kids yet, but I do run my own business and I wake up at 5am every day and plow right through my day until it’s time for bed around 10-11 pm. I know, that’s typically not enough, but my energy levels are are pretty stable and I’m pretty good at avoiding the afternoon crash. Even when I was working at the office, I never felt like I hit the wall around 2-3pm. 
Many of my clients complain to me that they hit the mid-afternoon energy slump every single day and often resort to sugar and caffeine for a quick boost. I can’t even begin to tell you how this can slow down your weight loss and wellness goals. If this describes you and you want to feel energized all day long, then keep reading and I hope you will find these tips helpful!
Have a Power Lunch
When I review food journals of people who typically have that afternoon crash they are usually not eating a balanced lunch. They tend to have too much carbs, which cause your energy levels to spike, and then come crashing down. Making sure you include protein (from plant foods or animal) and good fats such as nuts and seeds, avocados, healthy fats and oils like coconut oil and extra-virgin olive oil will ensure your lunch is more ‘fulfilling’. This will help you power through the afternoon with great energy.
Note any Food Sensitivities
Dairy, gluten, sugar, unfermented soy are all very common food allergens and sensitivities. This is different from allergies as it is typically not life threatening, but can manifest itself in many ways other than digestive difficulties. A very common symptom of food sensitivities is fatigue and low energy due to the immune system setting off a cascade of hormones and inflammatory chemicals. If you suspect you have a food allergy or sensitivity take a break from the problem food for at least 2-3 weeks and take notice if your symptoms improve. You may need to get IgG tests with a naturopath or a nutritionist who is able to perform the blood tests.
Get Out!
Get outside and go for a walk! The reason that getting outside is so effective at helping you avoid the afternoon energy crash is because daylight stimulates the brain and resets your the rhythm of your “internal clock.” Lack of daylight makes you drowsy because hormones that regulate your body’s internal clock are stimulated by daylight and they prevent melatonin (sleep hormone) from being released. It can also be depressing to be cooped inside all day, which takes a toll on your mood and energy levels.
Supplement
It’s hard to get all your required nutrients from food alone these days. I know you’re busy, you have a deadline, you have errands to run or you can’t leave your desk. Avoid mindlessly scarfing down your lunch and try a quick smoothie instead! I love CanPrev’s CORE because it has 8-9 servings of greens, 18 grams of plant protein, and each serving is packed with vitamins and minerals to help balance your blood sugar and keep your energy up. You can easily prepare a smoothie, baked goods, or add a scoop to your coffee or tea.
Simply breathe
Breathing is both voluntary and involuntary. 99% of the time we do it without even thinking about it, but that’s actually part of problem. When we breath without awareness – like we do most of the time – we breathe very shallow. Shallow breathing means we are not taking full deep breaths – we stop at the chest – and we are short-changing ourselves and our energy level. We need oxygen to provide nutrients to our millions of cells. The simple act of deep breaths is proven by science to be energy boosting.
Here’s a quick exercise to boost your energy and also relax your body at the same time:
1. Take a deep breath in allowing the belly to expand. This should take about 4 to 5 seconds.
2. Hold this breath for a moment.
3. Exhale fully for slightly longer than the inhale.
Do this right now!
Drink water
Your body needs water to survive (we are made up of 60% water) and dehydration leads to lowered energy levels. Water helps everything in your body run smoother — it speeds up your metabolism and aids in detoxification. Drink enough water so that your urine is pale yellow. I love drinking warm to hot water – it’s probably because I’m Asian 😛
Try these out and let me know how you feel! Please like and share and let me know what else you would like to learn about!
Reference: http://www.joyoushealth.com/blog/2016/01/22/6-tips-avoid-afternoon-crash
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