Kirsten Moorefield, a career expert and co-founder of an automated coaching company, offers advice on how to beat the 3 p.m. slump during the workday. She emphasizes that understanding your personal wiring and making strategic adjustments can help turn the afternoon dip into a time of renewed focus and creativity. Moorefield suggests five tips for overcoming the slump, including knowing your wiring, leveraging small wins, connecting with others, changing your environment, and taking micro-breaks.
One of the main reasons behind the afternoon crash is often working against our natural strengths, according to Moorefield. She recommends getting to know your unique wiring to create reminders throughout the day that can boost productivity. By aligning your tasks with how your brain works best, you can overcome the slump and stay focused. Leveraging small wins, such as crossing off small tasks, can also reignite motivation during the midday slump, providing a sense of accomplishment and boosting energy.
Moorefield also suggests connecting with others as a way to beat the afternoon slump. Social interactions, even brief check-ins with teammates, can provide a fresh perspective, a much-needed laugh, and shake off the afternoon fog, preparing you to dive back into work. Additionally, changing your environment by standing up, stepping outside, or stretching can give your brain the variety it craves and help combat feelings of sluggishness. Taking micro-breaks, whether through stretching, meditating, or simply breathing, can clear your mind and reduce fatigue, sharpening your focus and renewing energy levels.
Incorporating these strategies can help you stay focused and productive throughout the day by working with your natural strengths and giving yourself the tools you need to succeed. By understanding your personal wiring, leveraging small wins, connecting with others, changing your environment, and taking micro-breaks, you can beat the 3 p.m. slump and maintain peak energy and creativity at work. Moorefield emphasizes the importance of recognizing and working with your natural strengths to overcome the afternoon dip and stay on track for the rest of the day. By implementing these tips, you can turn the midday slump into a period of renewed focus and productivity.
