How often do you get that mid-day energy slump?

You know..the thing that happens when you’re just  cruising along, getting your work done and BOOM…

it hits you right between the eyes.

But you know you can’t stop, there is work to be done, things to check off the list. What are you choices for getting your head cleared and your energy back to complete your tasks?

1. Coffee– This a generational staple for the mid-day pick me up made even more popular and convenient by the popularity of Starbucks. But guess what, it’s false and limited. Not only that, it’s a bit addictive and hard to quit once you have developed the habit.

2. Energy Drinks-Grabbing a Red Bull is may be a quick fix too, but its a super-whammy of chemicals. From sugar (or artificial sweeteners), to caffeine, to food coloring, to taurine (another substance like caffeine), and various other chemicals, it’s a dangerous choice to both your healthy living plan and your organs and potentially your brain. Addictive for sure, its a temporary high like coffee. The crash is usually pretty hard.

3. Chocolate: There are 2 kinds we are talking about, the “candy” kind that is loaded with sugar, colors and minimal chocolate, and the kind that is dark, organic, low sugar and full of health benefits. The benefits of chocolate for focus and  concentration have been published in numerous medical journals. I personally use this chocolate for my energy slumps. It doesn’t have the “buzz” of the candy, but it gives a more focused, in the brain kind of energy.

4.Essential Oils and Hydration– I was recently introduced to Peppermint Oil that I add to  ample water throughout the day as a refreshing energy boost and brain focuser. Just drop a few drops into a cool glass of water and drink. Essential Oils are beneficial if ingested, applied to the skin or through the nose. It’s actually quite surprising how refreshed I feel after ingesting it, and I am not even a big fan of peppermint.

The 5 biggest things that you can do in increase and sustain energy are the same 5 things that I always recommend:

Eat Clean–

Limit– Processed Foods, Additives, Alcohol and Caffeine

Get More– Leafy Greens, Free Range meats, Organic Produce

Exercise-

Limit– Time on a Treadmill, Machine or Exercising in front of a screen

Get More– Functional, Full-Body movements and workouts, Fresh Air Workouts, Group Exercise, Variation, Quick, Weight-Bearing, Sprint movements for 5-15 minutes a day, with good warm ups and cool down movements to preserve and protect the body.

Supplement Wisely-

Limit- Supplements that don’t break down in the gut, UnNatural Sourced-supplements

Get More- Whole Food, Naturally Occurring vitamins and minerals.

Hydrate–

Drink less- Soda, juice, sports drinks

Consume more- Fresh, pure water, coconut water on occasion.

Our bodies functions have much to do with electrical impulses, and the more we hydrate the better those signals move around!

Sleep More/Get Better Sleep-

Limit- Coffee, tea, alcohol, exercise, nicotine, large meals, stressful conversation or activities for 4 hours prior to going to bed. Turn off the external stimulants like TV, Radio, Phone, Ipods and lights.

Get More- Hot showers, Calming Oils like Lavender, Melatonin Supplements (if struggling), regular scheduled sleep patterns.

Lack of energy or the late day slump may be more of an indication of a lack of overall health, than a momentary issue.

What is your Go-To solution for the energy slump?

Do you even experience one?  Tell me about it in the comment section!

We get some great conversation going in there!

 

Anne (Annie) Berryhill is a Crossfit Level 1 Trainer, USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach, Crossfit Athlete and competitor who owns and operates OC Fitness Revival in Orange County, CA.   Her services include personal and group training, nutrition classes and counseling. As well as providing incredible health-improving supplements to help people  to make the most out of what they’ve got.

Are you a Crossfit Trainer? Do you want to earn more doing what you love? Annie has a limited number of spots for her Trainer Mentorship Program to help you build your brand, your reach and your bank account.