Conquer the Mid-Day Lull by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC
Do you find yourself hitting a bit of a “wall”’ around 3:00 in the afternoon? This period, about halfway between lunch and dinner can be one of the most difficult times of the day for many people.
The lull you feel at this time of day can reduce productivity and make you feel bad, as well. You can waste a lot of time staring at projects and struggling to complete them. Here are some simple ways to conquer this mid-day lull.
Take a walk. If you’re like most people, you know what time of day that wall will hit. Before you feel overwhelmed by it, get up and get out of the office for a few minutes. A little fresh air and exercise may be all it takes to help you feel refreshed.
Schedule an activity. If you have something interesting planned for your “off” time of day, it can be easier to get through. For example, schedule your absolute favorite task of your job during this time of day, so that you begin to look forward to it, rather than dreading it. Whatever you do, don’t schedule a boring meeting during this time of day.
Ensure you’re well rested and well fed. Sometimes, your mid-day lull is a result of fatigue. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you won’t be your most productive at any time of the day, and you’ll particularly feel it during your mid-day lull. You’ll also exacerbate the mid-day lull if you don’t eat regularly. Be sure to eat regular meals, but don’t eat a heavy, carbohydrate laden lunch, as this may make you feel even more tired.
Change up your routine. Mundane tasks can make any time of day seem like a lull. new ways to complete your least favorite tasks can help you stay more positive about the parts of your job you don’t love. If you have any of those mundane tasks scheduled during your mid-day lull, move these to a time of day when you feel more positive.
The mid-day lull is normal, but it doesn’t have to ruin your afternoon or make you less productive. When you know the lull is coming, and plan ways to overcome it, you can ensure that tiring time of day is as productive and happy as any other part of your work day.