How to beat the inevitable slump
Ever had that day when nothing went right? You have the inspiration, the motivation, and the drive to finish your tasks but can’t have the energy to get them done? What are you missing here? Here are some ways how to beat that slump:
Match your Tasks with your Energy
When do you feel yourself with high or low energy? Analyzing these highs and lows can be very helpful in doing work. During your high-energy hours, do the things that need your focus, like writing, technical work, and those tasks that are much more complicated. In your low-energy moments, you can do menial tasks that require little focus such as cleaning your desk, reading and replying to emails, and following up on calls. You can also build your to-do list with your circadian rhythm to know when your highs and lows are. These will help you navigate your slump-prone hours.
Get Moving
Doing simple physical activities will help the oxygen flow. It will improve your alertness and energy levels. These simple activities are brisk walking, going up and down the stairs, or simply stretching. Exercising every day also helps in making your energy levels higher.
Meditate
Meditation is proven to increase focus and concentration amidst your busy schedule. It helps you rest and drops anxiety levels to calm your brain. Deep breaths, not only give our brain oxygen but also increases our brain power.
Avoid relying on coffee
Coffee gives us energy when we need it to be. Or is it? Coffee just blocks a chemical that signals your body that it is tired. Like any other drug, caffeine has its own downsides. Being dependent on drinking coffee just to be at your normal level makes you even more tired. Drinking coffee strategically and in moderation will lead to actual and beneficial results. And preferably in the morning.
Listen to music
Music helps us regulate our energy. Music with fast beats can make us feel energetic. It can make us hyped for the next task or presentation. Slow beats, on the other hand, calm us. It can help us clear our minds and focus on the task at hand. Background music is the best way to go if you are looking for musical accompaniment.
Power down your device
Doing work late at night also affects us badly. The blue light from your device’s screen overpowers the production of melatonin that helps you sleep at night. It signals the brain that it is still daytime, even if it doesn’t. Avoid using smartphones and devices one to two hours before going to bed. If you cannot avoid using your device at night before your sleep, it is advisable to use apps or functions that limit the blue light from your device.
Get more sleep
You are probably feeling tired because you have not gotten a good night’s sleep in a while. Getting lesser and lesser numbers can have negative effects. Having a complete eight-hour sleep will help us regulate our growth and stress hormones, immune system, appetite, breathing, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health. So if you want to be more productive during the day, get more sleep during the night.
It’s okay that you have your slump days. Everyone has it, and everyone goes through it. There are times that you won’t feel the same, productive you. You are not a superhero that has a sharp focus all the time. May these simple ways, help you feel your productive self again.
