At some point everyone has experienced a dip in productivity, concentration and focus during the afternoon. This can cause a negative emotional reaction for some, feeling like you are failing or not performing at your best potential. In an article by Readers Digest there are thirteen practical tips to beating that afternoon slump. However, it seems that the afternoon slump could be avoided if you would only take a break.
This seems easy enough, right? Just stop whatever you are doing, take a deep breath and try again! Well, while it is simple, being intentional about taking a healthy break can be really helpful to power through the afternoon slump.
Here Are 3 Different Areas Where it is Important to Take a Break
Take a Break Physically:
Many times in the afternoon, your body is signaling that a physical break is needed. If you are in a physically demanding job, this may be an indication that you need to take a small rest, have a drink of water or a snack. If you work in a more sedentary job, this could be a time that you need to move around a bit to get the blood flow going again. No matter your job, taking the time to meet your physical needs in the afternoon can help reset for an afternoon of productivity and focus.
Some ideas to try:
- Take a brisk walk.
- Do a yoga sequence.
- Take a power nap.
- Have a healthy snack.
- Sip a cup of tea.
Take a Break Mentally:
By the time the afternoon slump rolls around, you have made many decisions, taken care of a lot of tasks and worked to problem solve for a solid amount of time. Your brain may be reaching a point of being overwhelmed or just unable to function at capacity through that amount of stimulation. But giving your brain a break helps to reset and refocus for the rest of your work day. The main goal is to free up your mind to finish the day strong.
Some ideas to try:
- Do a guided meditation app.
- Play a mindless game.
- Do a progress check on the day and re-evaluate your to-do list.
- Listen to some music.
- Use the other side of your brain for a bit; ie: be creative if you do not work in a creative environment or if you work in the arts maybe balance your checkbook.
Take a Break Emotionally:
By the middle of the afternoon, there is a good chance that you are having some level of an emotional reaction to the day. So at this point, it is important to take a healthy break to attune to those emotional reactions. You can do this by practicing some self care to help soothe those emotions in order to get back into the role that is needed to finish the day strong. Stop and ask yourself what you are experiencing emotionally. Is there something within your control to make yourself feel better? What do you need from a support person to feel better about where you are emotionally?
Some ideas to try:
- Journal your emotions.
- Talk to a supportive person.
- Repeat some positive affirmations.
- Practice deep breathing exercises.
- Go out into nature, even briefly.
Taking a break can be beneficial to power through the afternoon slump. What are some helpful ways you have found to take a break in the middle of your afternoon? Leave your ideas in the comments section below. Do you find that it is hard for you to take a break? If so, we would love to have one of our trained therapists help you find a healthy way to take a break!
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