Five Tips for Beating the Afternoon Slump (BLOG)

Are you secretly longing for a nap by the time 2 o’ clock rolls around? Do you find your mind wandering during your regular 3 p.m. meeting?

If you’re constantly battling to maintain your focus and productivity after lunch, take heart: You’re not alone.

A new survey of senior managers conducted by our company shows that the later part of the day is the most common time for workers to lose momentum. Thirty-seven percent of managers surveyed said 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. is the least productive time of day for employees. Coming in a close second was 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with 28 percent of the response.

High-performing individuals are attuned to the hours of the day that are most productive for them and schedule their most critical tasks during those periods. Here are five other tips to help you remain on track throughout the day:

1. Plan ahead. Don’t put challenging projects off until the end of the day, when your energy may wane. Instead schedule tasks that require intense focus at times when you know you are fully engaged. Use less-productive times to catch up on routine tasks, such as responding to e-mails and reading industry publications.
2. Get moving. If you find yourself doing more yawning than working, try stretching or taking a short walk to recharge. Sometimes, a change of scenery can make it easier to refocus.
3. Eat well and often. Remember to make time to eat nutritious snacks and meals throughout your workday. Avoid carb-heavy foods, which can cause you to crash later.
4. Set goals. Create a list of daily goals to help you remain focused. By placing it on your desk, you can check items off as they’re completed. Making progress on your to-do list can be highly motivating.
5. Try something new. If you’re struggling to focus, tackle a different task for a while. Switching gears can help increase your productivity late in the day.