Three Myths That Sap Your Energy

Want to avoid that afternoon "please, caffeine and chocolate, rescue me" tiredness? Stay naturally energized by tossing these myths:

Myth #1: Afternoon energy dips are mainly caused by what you ate for lunch.
Truth: If some foods are a factor, it's likely that they magnify an afternoon slump rather than cause it. A large, heavy meal at lunch can exacerbate a longing for a nap (or at least for coffee delivery). So can an unbalanced supply of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Follow these three steps to create a perfectly balanced energizing lunch.

Myth #2: Afternoon slumps are unnatural and mean something's wrong.
Truth: Not everyone's daytime sleepiness is the result of lunch habits or a sleep disorder. Your natural circadian rhythms create small ebbs and flows in functions, including temperature, hormone levels, blood pressure, appetite -- and sleep and alertness.

One major dip we need is between midnight and dawn (yes¸ even teenagers need it for optimal functioning and waist size). There's a second, smaller dip between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. It's possible that this is an evolutionary leftover from a time when afternoon naps were somehow conducive to survival (but probably not at your company). Find out how napping just 6 minutes can help improve your memory.

Myth #3: Lunchtime workouts make the afternoon dip worse.
Truth: Workers are less likely to suffer afternoon fatigue on days when they exercise during lunch. The type, duration, or intensity of exercise doesn't seem to matter, which means even a mini midday stretch or walk session may help you never again suffer postlunch dip. Can't get out midday? Even brief bouts of exercise, done regularly, are effective short- and long-term energy boosters. So get your pedometer on, grab a buddy, and start moving. Use this tool to log your steps and keep track of your progress.