Midday slump

We’ve all felt it. After lunchtime, you're lethargic, tired and constantly checking the clock waiting for the day to be over. 

But, fear not. Your day will no longer be ruined by the afternoon lull. Here are some quick tips to avoid the midday slump and allow you to end your day rejuvenated.

Spend 5 minutes in nature

According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology in 2019, just five minutes sitting in nature, improves moods, decreases negative feelings and increases your sense of awe and wonder at being a part of something bigger than yourself. If you have more time, combine being in nature with exercise. This can include hiking of simply taking a walk through the park. This can reduce your heart rate and improve your ability to recover from stressful events.

Bring the outdoors in

Feeling overwhelmed and can’t leave the building? Hang paintings of nature scenes on the walls, look out a window or a nature scene on your video device. It seems that even the picture of nature has the potential to reduce feelings of stress.

Break out that adult coloring book

Can’t absorb any new information? Take a break with an adult coloring book. This distraction gives the brain the space it needs to tackle the problem while you focus on the joys of choosing the colors that make you feel better. Pro tip: Choose yellow and other bright colors if you need a pick me up.

Incorporate natural mid-afternoon boosts


Quick exercises to do at your desk

Here are two exercises that help to release stress and restore a sense of calm while improving moods. Do any exercise that helps bring the heart rate up a little bit to get blood pumping while also releasing the energy of frustration. First, do some quick triceps extensions using a chair. Then follow with a stretch that helps to relieve the tension. Shrug shoulders up to ear and gently rotate forward then backward. Follow this with an open stance, arms open wide and slightly raised as if to open yourself up to receive warmth, love and support, then simply cross your arms around your shoulders and give yourself a hug. Cross your arms until you feel the muscles in the upper back gently stretch and release built-up tension. After all, we do tend to carry a lot of stress in the upper back and neck. Bonus, hugs help to relieve stress and improve moods. 

Laugh and breathe

It’s as simple as laughing, which decreases cortisol levels and improves moods. This could mean queuing up a funny clip. Practice stopping and breathing. Four counts in, hold for four and release for four. Do this about four times and feel the stress slowly ebb away.


