This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jack Link’s. All opinions are 100% mine.
7 ENERGY BOOSTERS TO BEAT THE AFTERNOON SLUMP:
Don’t Skip Breakfast
Start your day on the right step with a healthy and filling breakfast! Avoid super sugary options and aim for something with protein and whole-grain carbohydrates to keep you satiated and energized. My favorite power breakfast is eggs and avocado toast…lots of protein, healthy fats and fiber to energize me through my busy morning.
Have an Energy Boosting Snack
Skip the sugary snacks that you’re likely craving and reach for a high protein option instead. High-protein snacks are the perfect midday slump beating snack to keep you full for longer, give you some much needed energy without the crash that comes from high sugar options. One of my favorite energy boosting snacks options are Jack Link’s Beef Bars!
They’re made with 100% beef, only 70 calories and are packed with 8 grams of protein. I love that they are a gluten-free better-for-you snacking option that not only tastes great, but that you can feel good about eating. I purchase the multi-packs during my Target runs (you can find them in the nutritional bar aisle) for simple, healthy snacking to push me through my busy days. Since Jack Link’s Beef Bars don’t need to be refrigerated, they’re great for keeping in my purse and gym bag so I can always have an energy-boosting snack even while on-the-go. Pair one with some fresh veggies or fruit for even more nutritional goodness!
Jack Link’s Original is my fav while my hubby and the kiddos love Teriyaki.
Skip The Caffeine
While that super dose of caffeine might give you an initial boost, the caffeine crash will have you counting down the minutes until bedtime or keep you up if you imbibe too late in the day. Instead of that extra coffee, chug some ice water instead. Dehydration can make you feel ultra-sluggish as well, so adding some additional water into your day is a double win! If you’re really feeling the need for something warm, reach for a caffeine-free or lower caffeine tea instead.
Move More
When I feel my energy starting to dwindle, I love to take a break for a little movement. I love getting outside for a quick walk if I can (plus that extra Vitamin D from the sun helps too), but even a quick 5 minute energizing yoga stretch (Sun Salutations are a great option) can be beneficial too. If you can’t or don’t have the time to take a moving break, stand up instead. Standing workstations are great for those that spend a majority of their day staring at a computer screen.
Switch It Up
I try to plan my day around my energy level spikes. I make sure to do the most important and intense tasks earlier in the day when my energy is highest and save the tasks that take a little less brain power for the afternoon when I know that my energy is less. If I know I have errands to run, I try to do them midday to help increase my energy and all that moving around usually is enough to help me feel re-energized again. Sometimes taking a break, changing your surroundings and switching your tasks can be a great way to hit the reset button.
Add Stimulation
Feeling groggy? Add some stimulation to your routine. A few great and simple options are chewing minty gum, diffusing energetic essential oils like citrus/mints or turn the volume up on some uplifting jams.
Prioritize Sleep
Making sure that you get consistent and high-quality sleep is so important to your overall health and maintaining energy levels! Skip that extra Netflix show and crawl into your comfy bed instead.
Have you found anything that works well to help you battle the midday energy slump?
I soooo wish I could eat beef jerky with my braces. Alas, I have to settle for more tender options. I can’t wait until they’re off so I can go back to eating jerky!
I love beef jerky but haven’t tried this brand – thanks for the recommendation. Intermittent fasting helps boost my energy more than anything…well that, sunshine, a long walk and kombucha. 😉
I think one thing that helps me with the afternoon slump is a snack, a cup of tea and being sure to take my vitamins. I love protein snacks like you’ve suggested here!
These are really helpful tips. I am really working on getting past the 3pm slump.
These are great tips and energy boosters!! Prioritizing sleep and a great snack are a game changer!
Kileen
cute & little
Great tips. Drinking lots of water does help. It keeps me hydrated and forces me get up from the screen and get refill…and in that time, I get a short break. I’ve been looking at getting beef jerky but I never knew about beef bars. I’ll check these out on my next Target run.