Reading time: About one minute
This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world for material to help other writers. Today I discuss a blog post about how to survive the afternoon slump….
Do you find yourself starting to yawn when the clock hits 3 pm?
You’re not alone! Many writers — in fact, many working people — experience exactly the same feeling. If you’re lucky enough to work from home, a recent post on the Freelancer FAQs website, offers some helpful tips.
Here’s a quick summary:
1 Opt For a Light Lunch – Rather than eating simple carbs for lunch, look for protein and healthy fats. They’ll keep you going much longer.
2 Keep an Energizing Snack – Nuts, yogurt and fruits will help you get through the afternoon.
3 Take a Quick Nap – Set a timer for 20 minutes, understanding you don’t actually need to fall asleep to get the benefit of a nap.
4 Step Outside – Breathe some fresh air, and re-energize yourself with some better light.
5 Try the Pomodoro Technique – I’ve advocated the pomodoro for 15 years now. Work for 25 minutes on one task — refusing to allow any interruptions — and then reward yourself with a five-minute break. Learn more here.
6 Play Music at Home – A blast of sound can help restore your energy. Just steer clear of music with lyrics. That will compete with your writing.
7 Take a Cold Shower – Cold water is both shocking and invigorating. If you really want to wake yourself up, take a break that’s long enough for a cold shower.
8 Stand and Stretch – If you’ve spent too much time sitting all day, a quick stretch might be just enough to restore you.
9 Have a Quick Workout – But if the stretch doesn’t rejuvenate you, consider doing something more active: jumping jacks, jumping rope, even doing 15 minutes of yoga.
10 Visit a Coworking Space – Some people need the energy of co-workers. If working from home just isn’t your jam, then consider registering with a group of similar-minded people.
11 Rearrange Your Tasks – Don’t do the same thing at the same time every day. Mix up your assignments so you get enough variety.
12 Add More Deadlines – Some people find deadlines to be energizing. Make a deal with yourself – if you finish your project by 1 pm, you get to take the rest of the afternoon off.
You won’t need to worry about energy if you’re going to be spending the time doing something fun with a friend!
