Elevate the Afternoon Slump: Pairing Energy Snacks With Functional Drinks
The afternoon slump is all too real. It’s a reality that millions of workers face each day, as they attempt to remain productive in the hours between their lunch break and closing time. These are crucial hours for getting things done, but it can be hard to perform at a high level when energy levels suddenly crash.
Having the right healthy energy snacks and drinks on hand is the best way to keep the afternoon slump at bay. With just the right options on hand, employees can quickly fuel up and maintain momentum all the way through the finish line.
As a business owner or manager, you can help make this happen by providing your people with convenient, energizing snack and beverage options. If that sounds like a time-consuming task, the good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. InReach is here to help, so give us a phone call today to get started.
Why Do People Slump in the Afternoon?
Most of us have experienced the afternoon slump in our daily lives, so we might not stop to think about why it happens. As it turns out, there are a couple of underlying causes that can conspire together to make the afternoon particularly sluggish.
The first is our circadian rhythm. It’s common for this natural rhythm to dip between around 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. When that dip arrives, energy levels and even motivation will take a temporary downturn. But that’s not the only factor at play. Another component, and perhaps a bigger one, is the drop in blood sugar levels that can occur in the hours after a particularly heavy lunch.
For example, imagine a worker who is having a great day in the office. For the first half of the day, things are getting done and everything is going well. At noon, this worker gathers with others to have a tasty lunch at a local restaurant. The food is delicious, but it’s particularly carb-heavy. Those carbs spike blood sugar temporarily, but there is an inevitable crash coming later.
That crash might bottom out around 2 p.m., just when the circadian rhythm is also down. The combined effect is a suddenly sleepy worker who can’t muster the energy to get anything done as the afternoon drags on. Not only is this damaging to productivity, but it’s also just plain uncomfortable. No one likes going through this slump, and it feels like there has to be a better way.
Making Smart Snacks Available
There isn’t much that people can do about their natural circadian rhythms. However, the food component is a variable that can be controlled, and changes in that area will help tremendously with the afternoon slump.
The first piece of the puzzle is to lighten up lunch a bit. With a lighter lunch, the swings in energy will not be so dramatic. Then, it’s a good idea to have some smart energy snacks available to maintain a steady level of energy until the day is finished. Some of the best snacks for energy include the following:
- Nuts and trail mix, which provide protein and can be eaten on the go.
- Greek yogurt cups, which deliver protein and can aid with digestion.
- Fruit and nut butter, a delicious pairing that offers the body a quick fuel source.
- Protein bars, provided they aren’t too high in sugar.
Functional Drinks Beyond Coffee
Most workers start their day with a cup or two of coffee, and that ritual isn’t changing anytime soon. Coffee isn’t the only choice in the afternoon hours—other drinks can be on hand to help fill in the gaps, such as:
- Teas like green or black tea, which deliver a bit of caffeine for a lift, but far less than coffee.
- Electrolyte waters that help to keep hydration levels high, which can boost energy.
- Sparkling water for a refreshing drink that doesn’t have as much sugar (if any) as some alternatives.
- Caffeine-infused sparkling drinks, which offer fun flavor and an extra boost.
You’ll never find a single beverage that appeals to everyone on the team, so variety is key. Stocking a few different types of functional drinks, in addition to the obligatory coffee, will help your people stay hydrated and happy throughout their shift.
Get the Most Out of Every Working Minute
Business today is more competitive than ever before. If your employees are regularly falling into an afternoon slump and struggling to perform as a result, that dip in energy will surely be reflected in your bottom line. Make today a turning point in this story. Team up with the experts at InReach to stock the kinds of snacks and drinks that will keep everyone performing well until the day is finished.
Proudly part of Sodexo, InReach offers a global reach, customized attention, and a large, growing buying network that keeps food costs low while maintaining high quality. Contact us today to learn more.