Avoiding the Afternoon Energy Crash
Do you ever find yourself feeling tired, unmotivated, and ready for a nap around 2 or 3 in the afternoon? No matter how productive you are in the morning, how well you slept, or how much coffee you drink, sometimes it just seems like this afternoon slump is unavoidable. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
There is nothing that kills productivity faster than this dreaded afternoon energy crash. And oftentimes, it seems like there is nothing we can do about it. But we have good news. There are things you can do to boost your energy and avoid, or at least overcome, this afternoon slump.
But before we get there, it is important to understand where our energy comes from and what causes it to dip.
The Science of Energy Production
We know you’ve heard it before, but we are going to say it again – the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. And this is especially true when it comes to energy production. After all, every system in the body needs energy to function, and this energy is produced within the mitochondria.
It’s a complex process, but in simple terms, this is how it works. Adenosine triphosphate is produced within the mitochondria through a process called respiration. This ATP is then used to store energy for later use. When the energy is needed, one of the three phosphate groups in the ATP is removed, releasing energy into the cell and transforming ATP into ADP (adenosine diphosphate). The newly free energy can now be used by other processes within the cell.
This process is continuous, but our levels of ATP don’t always remain constant. Our ATP levels are typically highest in the morning and steadily decline throughout the day. This decline is what is to blame when you hit that afternoon slump.
The never-ending process of making and using ATP requires a continuous supply of raw materials as well as the ability to effectively eliminate cellular waste. This is why that extra cup of coffee in the afternoon won’t always do the trick. So what should you do instead? The key is targeting this process at a cellular level. Here are a few strategies that you can use.
Ways to Prevent the Afternoon Energy Crash
1. Choose slow-release carbs for breakfast
However, grabbing a single cup of coffee or eating a bowl of sugary cereal won’t give you the energy boost you think it will. Instead, sources of slow-release carbs are the way to go.
Unlike simple carbs, which give you a boost of energy followed by an inevitable crash, slow-release carbs do exactly what their name implies – they release energy slowly. This means that they will keep you sustained for much longer than simple carbohydrates will.
Some sources of slow-release carbs include:
- Quinoa
- Sweet potatoes
- Steel-cut oats
- Brown rice
- Non-starchy vegetables like kale, broccoli, and cauliflower
2. Have a Light Lunch
Our cells need oxygen to perform their many important functions, including energy production. And since our blood carries oxygen to all the cells in our bodies, having good blood flow throughout your body is important for staying energized. One of the easiest ways to unintentionally divert blood flow is by eating a heavy meal.
We’ve all experienced that food coma you get after a large dinner. You know, the one that makes you want nothing more than to take a nice, long nap? This happens because blood is being diverted from your brain to your gut to facilitate the digestion and absorption of the food you just ate.
This doesn’t just happen at dinner. It can happen if you eat a large lunch too. To avoid it, simply go for a light, balanced lunch. Sandwiches and salads are great for this. ake sure you include some fresh fruits and vegetables too, as they are great sources of energy and easy to digest.
3. Stay Hydrated
Another great way to keep yourself alert and energized is to fuel your body with high-quality H20.
Water plays a direct role in the process of energy formation and works wonders as a pick-me-up. Make sure you keep up with your daily recommended water intake, which varies for everyone and is based on factors like age, gender, and health status. You can even try some new tricks like adding fruit to your water or keeping a hydration journal to help you stay on track.
4. Exercise Regularly
It may seem a little counterintuitive, but regular exercise can help boost your energy. Research has shown the regular exercise stimulates a process called mitochondrial biogenesis, which ultimately helps your cells create more energy. So it doesn’t matter what time of day you prefer to workout, your overall energy levels will begin to increase to help get you through the day.
And as a bonus, working out regularly will likely help you sleep better, which will also help you feel more energized throughout the day.
5. Try A Natural Energy-Boosting Supplement
Natural energy boosters are a great alternative to a sugar-filled energy drink or cup of coffee when you need an afternoon boost. Natural supplements can offer the quick and convenient energy boost you are looking for without the crash that often comes with caffeinated drinks.
When looking for a supplement, you want to look for something that contains all-natural, energy-boosting ingredients, such as B vitamins. Ubiquinol, the bioactive form of CoQ10 is also a great natural energy booster. Normally, our bodies have to reduce ubiquinone to ubiquinol, so a supplement that includes ubiquinone allows your body to skip this process and absorb this energy-booster molecule much faster.
Beat the Afternoon Slump with Energize
If you are looking for an all-natural supplement to boost your afternoon energy levels and productivity, then look no further than Energize. With a powerful combination of ubiquinol, mushroom extracts, and organic Wild Microalgae®, Energize is made to help nourish and energize your body on a cellular level.
And the best part is, our 90-day money-back guarantee means you can put it to the test risk-free.
At New Earth we are on a mission to positively impact the health of every body and soul we come in contact with. We specialize in producing third-party certified, organic whole food supplements including a variety of probiotics, and digestive support. Our supplements feature a rare, yet highly, nutritious superfood, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA). Also known as organic Wild Microalgae®, AFA is a unique type of blue-green algae that is available in many forms including algae tablets, algae pills, and algae powders all designed to help you on your journey to holistic wellness. The best part? We offer a 90-day money-back risk-free guarantee on all of our products. Visit our website to learn more.
