Does your afternoon slump feel dreary while working from home? If so, you’re not alone. It’s hard to feel enthusiastic about much while wearing your yoga pants and sitting six feet from the fridge—and it’s hard to fight the urge to binge out of boredom. What can you do to help itch the itch?
Eat Fruit
There’s a time and a place for everything, including carbohydrates. Carbs are the only macronutrient your body can convert directly into energy—which is why runners “carb-load” before a big event. The quick-releasing carbs found in fruit are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. Try choosing fruits like apples, which are high in fiber as well as fructose. The fiber content will help the fruit digest more slowly, giving you a sustained energy release instead of a quick jolt (inevitably followed by a crash).
Take Vitamin B12
Up to 10% of the population is deficient in vitamin B12, one of the main vitamins involved in energy production. B12 deficiency can result from taking certain medications, and dietary restrictions (among other things). If you’re already getting enough of this micronutrient, then you may not get a jolt from taking B12 supplements. If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, though, you may consider adding a supplement into your daily routine.
Some people say taking megadoses of vitamin B12 helps them feel more energized, even if they aren’t deficient. Experts are skeptical, but the risks of taking high doses of vitamin B12 are low—since B-vitamins are water-soluble, your body will relieve itself of any excess. So, it might be worth trying a B12 supplement to boost your energy.
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Drink Caffeine
We all know that caffeine can give us an energy boost, but what you might not know is how it works. Caffeine inhibits a brain chemical called adenosine and triggers the release of adrenaline. The adrenaline rush you get from caffeine should be more than enough to get you through the rest of your day.