Turn Your Afternoon Slump into a Mid-Day Pick-Me-Up

Whether working at home or in the office, mid-afternoon energy slumps don’t need to

drag you down. Read on for a few ways to improve energy levels with two easy-to implement lifestyle and dietary modifications that will be sure to keep you alert and

productive all day long.

The Science Behind Midday Fatigue

Working long hours, under stress, can lead to dysregulation of the HPA axis, which

influences a multitude of hormones directly related daily circadian rhythm, sleepwake

cycle, and inflammation. Sitting in a sedentary position for long hours, exposure

to blue light at night, irregular mealtimes, as well as out-of-balance sleep

patterns can exacerbate this problem, leading to inflammation, fatigue, and burn-out

(Kresser, 2023).

Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome

Poor eating and lifestyle habits can also lead to insulin resistance, where the body

can no longer respond to hormonal signals for metabolic health. This disrupts the

body’s natural energy balance, leading to metabolic inflexibility, adiposity, and inflammation, setting the stage for progression into Metabolic Syndrome and chronic

disease.

Metabolic Syndrome has been called the disease of “affluence” as it results from

overnutrition (Beirne et al., 2008, p. 138-141). Dietary and Lifestyle factors contribute

to the risk of Insulin Resistance, in addition to genetics and age (See Figure 1).