how do you avoid the afternoon slump?

[TheSlasher]

Title says it. Anecdotal references will be appreciated.

 

[Purefilth]

I have no clue what that is. Sorry.

 

[TheSlasher]

Well, it's that feeling of sleepiness or drowsiness in the afternoon. Drone work is ok for this. But for stuff that have to be self-initiated like studying or writing a novel, it feels like hell.

 

[Warrior74]

Coffee

 

[Purefilth]

I can't say I notice it. I train when I get up and feel energized for the day.

 

[TheSlasher]

I can't say I notice it. I train when I get up and feel energized for the day.

First thing in the morning?

 

[Purefilth]

Yup. Coffee, train, eat then start the day.

 

[TheSlasher]

Yup. Coffee, train, eat then start the day.

In that order?

 

[DanZy]

I'm pretty sure you're just carb sensitive and eating too many at lunch. Happens to me if I don't watch what I'm eating

 

[Purefilth]

In that order?

yeah in that order.

danzy could be right though - too much simple carbs will cause you to feel a crash - eat complex carbs instead

i.e. swap out white bread for wholemeal, no sugary snacks aim for healthy and wholegrain - the carbs take longer to release an you'll feel energised for longer.

simple carbs and sugars give a short burst of energy and then a crash.

 

[TheStig]

I really only crash when I don't get as much sleep as I should, and am doing mentally intense activities all morning (aka school).

So my answer would be to get enough sleep.

And Purefilth is right, on training days I don't get a slump.

 

[JoeMarron]

Stop eating grains for breakfast or any other time for that matter

 

[TheSlasher]

Stop eating grains for breakfast or any other time for that matter

I doubt I could that here in the Philippines; it's our staple food here. Damn.

 

[Furyguy]

Couldn't hurt to get more sleep at night, right?

 

[TheSlasher]

Another problem here. I can't sleep until 1am.

 

[speed dawg]

Yup. Coffee, train, eat then start the day.

Elaborate.

I am attempting to train in the mornings myself, and there's nothing that seem nastier to me than drinking coffee BEFORE training. If I train first, I will admit I'm sluggish at first but afterwards I don't even need coffee.

Problem is, I like coffee. I'm almost resigned to training Monday through Friday, and having coffee on weekends.

 

[speed dawg]

Avoid a big lunch.

This is a big one for me.

I also try and drink a cup of green tea about 3 pm.

 

[speed dawg]

Stop eating grains for breakfast or any other time for that matter

Not sure that's the best advice. Grains aren't bad in and of themselves. They are actually very good to eat in the mornings, with a protein, after a training session.

 

[TheSlasher]

So this morning this is what I did: drank hot chocolate, ate 2 pieces of bread, and went for a 30 minute walk at about 6:30am. Will update you guys how I'll be later.

 

[JoeMarron]

Not sure that's the best advice. Grains aren't bad in and of themselves. They are actually very good to eat in the mornings, with a protein, after a training session.

Modern forms of grains are sketchy at best. They came around the same time obesity rates began to skyrocket. OP I'd try sticking to white rice only as far as grains are concerned. There's plenty of other foods with more nutrition than you can get from grains without the shady reputation. I see no harm in eliminating grains for a month or so to see if the claims against them are true.