July 30, 2004 -- SEATTLE, Wash., (USA) -- (Jobwerx News) -- You know the feeling - it's mid-afternoon and you're worn out. The slump is not in your head! It's physiological. Reclaim your afternoon with these simple steps to prevent that "sinking" feeling between lunchtime and quitting time!

This drop in energy isn't all in your head-it's a physiological response. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce the slump's frequency and duration. Embrace the 10 tips outlined below and encourage others in your office to do the same. You'll find that the old afternoon slump period has been transformed into a time of increased productivity. And, as an added bonus, you'll have more energy to enjoy your time away from the office.

Tip #1: Drink water. Drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day--even if your physical activity is limited to sitting at a desk. Keep a water bottle handy so you can easily sip water all day. Liquids like coffee or cola don't count-they dehydrate you and make the slump worse. And don't wait until you feel thirsty-by then you are already dehydrated.

Tip #2: Avoid sugar and simple carbohydrates. While a mid-afternoon candy bar may give you a quick sugar rush, in the long run it actually worsens the slump. Sugar and simple carbohydrates get absorbed immediately into the bloodstream, causing a rise in blood sugar, which in turn causes your body to secrete insulin to bring your sugar level back down. Candy isn't the only culprit. Simple carbohydrates, like white bread and rice can cause your blood sugar to drop after an hour or two. Try to incorporate more proteins and complex carbohydrates into your diet--whole-wheat products, brown rice, etc. They won't trigger blood sugar highs and lows.

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