Energize Your Afternoon

If you lose motivation and crave a nap every afternoon, take comfort in knowing that you aren't alone. Many studies show that energy levels tend to be at their lowest in the mid-afternoon, which doesn't bode well for productivity levels for the remainder of the day.

To avoid another crash and energize your afternoon, try these tips:

Don't hit the snooze button. Too much or too little sleep can have you feeling drowsy before you've even walked out the door. While sleep patterns vary for everyone, adults tend to need around eight hours of sleep per night. Make it a point to go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning, allowing your body to adjust to a regular sleep schedule.

Eat a well-balanced breakfast. While muffins, waffles and donuts are delicious, they aren't the best way to start your day. Opt for a mix of healthy fat, protein and complex carbohydrates to feel satisfied and stay energized. Think steel-cut oatmeal with flax seed or an egg with whole wheat toast.

Embrace cold water. Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water, which transports oxygen, nutrients and antibodies through the body, while flushing your system of toxins. Drinking cold water can also shock the body into wake-up mode. Consider showering in cold water in the morning, which can increase your metabolism and boost circulation.

Get moving midday. During your lunch break, go for a walk around the block or take a lap around the office. On the weekends, do a more intense workout at home or the gym. Exercising midday, whether mild or intense, will increase your heart rate and provide you energy to get through the afternoon.

Relax. Stop worrying about inconsequential things and find a way to resolve any problems you can fix. Stress puts the body in a constant state of anxiety, which is exhausting. Put aside time each day to do something relaxing - whether it be listening to your favorite song, meditating for 15 minutes or taking a bubble bath.