4 Ways to do a Midday Power Up

It’s 3 o’clock and your sitting at your computer with heavy eyes, slow fingers, and slightly blurred vision. You are ready to curl up under the desk, grab a pillow and take a much needed nap, but wait, you are at work and your boss would not approve of such behavior! This feeling usually occurs 1 to 2 hours after lunch. Here are four ways to give you an energy boost for the home stretch:

1. Take a short walk.
Nothing wakes you up quicker than a walk through the building or if you can, outside to get some air. Organize your visits to other offices or departments during the time of the day when you affected by the “power down” so that you can get the boost you need to finish the day.

2. Stand up and stretch.
If you can’t leave your desk, stand up and do a 30-second stretch to get the circulation flowing –if your boss doesn’t mind the wild arm motions (try not to make the noises though).

3. Listen to upbeat music.
Depending on what your office environment is like, listen to your favorite singer or band. If you can, pat your feet to the beat or bob your head to the music. Be tactful; don’t act like you are ready to be on Dancing with the Stars!

4. Have a midday snack.
Qualityhealth.com suggests the following snack foods to get you going for the remainder of the day.

Dried fruit. These high-energy, low-fat snacks are easy to pack and almost never go bad. Try a medley of apricots, figs, and raisins. However, be aware that some commercially packaged dried fruits contain sulfur dioxide, which has been shown to increase your risk of asthma.

Almonds. Ounce-for-ounce, this is the most nutrient-dense nut. Research has shown that adding two ounces of almonds to your daily diet increases your intake of vitamin-E and magnesium.

Yogurt. Quick, easy, and delicious, yogurt is available in a variety flavors. One cup of low-fat yogurt contains almost 13 grams of protein and 17 grams of carbohydrates-just what you need for great energy.
Coffee, energy drinks and bars, are not a very good source of energy because very soon you will come down from the “caffeine fix” and be more sluggish than you were. Eliminate the feeling of walking in mud and perform a midday “Power Up” - you will be more productive and more alert at the end of the workday.