As a holistic therapist in Los Angeles, something that comes up all the time in my therapy sessions with clients is their death-grip on coffee. I get it, we've been sipping lattes and Frappuccinos since we were in middle school and the temptation to reach for coffee during the mid-afternoon slump is irresistible at times.
Caffeine is effective at providing that much-needed boost of energy, so it's no wonder we're tempted to keep turning to it! Plus, who doesn't love the taste and flavor of coffee? :P But as we all know, caffeine isn't a magic cure-all. Especially when consumed in the afternoon, it can throw of sleep cycles, digestion and worsen anxiety. EEK! So here are my best holistic tips for how to beat the afternoon slump without caffeine:
1 | Identify Your Needs
The best way to manage a mid-afternoon slump is to understand the root cause of it. Some reasons you might be hitting a slump could be lack of satisfying sleep at night, poor blood sugar regulation throughout the day, a stressful life situation, low job satisfaction and reliance on caffeine in the morning.
Once you know what is causing the slump, you can begin to address the underlying needs, such as getting more restful sleep, keeping blood sugar stable through nutrition, better managing stress, addressing work satisfaction and reducing reliance on stimulants.
2 | Get Off the Stimulant-Depressant Roller Coaster
Many people live on the stimulant-depressant rollercoaster – meaning they use caffeine to wake them up in the morning, and then use a depressant like alcohol, cannabis or a sleep medication to fall asleep at night, causing them to be groggy in the morning and reaching for the caffeine again. This cycle makes your energy spike and fall in an unnatural way throughout the day. Breaking this cycle can help maintain more consistent energy levels.
3 | Practice Natural Energy Lifters
Effective methods to increase energy throughout the day include exercise, energizing morning meditations, eating balanced meals including breakfast, staying hydrated and breathing exercises that emphasize inhalation. If you can’t get away from work, some easy ways to boost energy at the office include taking your lunch break outside, going for a walk around the office and doing some stretching and conscious breathing at your desk.
4 | Embrace Holistic Relaxation Methods
Smart tips to naturally unwind at the end of the day include dimming the lights, reducing electronic use, keeping stimulating media consumption to a minimum, reading, meditation and playing soothing music. When you can fully relax in the evening, your body will release melatonin, helping you drift into a peaceful sleep.
Why These Alternatives Are Healthier Than Caffeine
All of these alternatives are healthier than relying on coffee because they promote a more balanced approach to energy management. When you get off the energy roller coaster and start to use more holistic methods of energy management, the ebbs and flows of energy are much less dramatic and promote greater well-being.
Small Tweaks for Big Results
You don't have to completely give up your coffee habit to beat the mid-afternoon slump. By making some small tweaks to your routine and incorporating these holistic tips, you can reduce reliance on caffeine and enjoy more stable energy levels throughout the day. Plus, think of the money you'll save from fewer coffee runs! Give it a try and see how these changes can make a positive difference in your daily energy and well-being.
Crisis Support
If you need help right away, please utilize the following crisis resources.
Disclaimer
This post is meant for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for diagnosis, assessment or treatment of mental conditions. If you need professional help, seek it out.
About the author
Hi! I'm Natalie. And my passion is helping ambitious, creative millennials achieve everything they want in life, career and relationships. I provide in-person therapy in Pasadena and online therapy throughout California. Click here to get started.
Comments