We all experience this, a strong urge to sleep immediately after a large meal. This creates a problem especially when we are just back from a corporate lunch and have a meeting straight up. During the digestion process, our body goes through a lot of chemical changes and it wants us to slow down a bit, therefore the sluggish feeling right after a meal. So what can be done to contain this?
Exercise
Physical activity brings in more oxygen to our body, by pumping more blood and releasing energy. A little stretching exercise or a stroll around the neighborhood can help you feel re-energized. Just by walking up to your colleague’s desk can do the trick. But make sure you don’t overdo it; it has to be very light exercise.
Water
The body starts to show signs of fatigue, lack of concentration and low mood when it is dehydrated. It is recommended to drink at least 10-12 glasses of water a day to keep your body well hydrated. You should drink water throughout the day, at regular intervals and not just a couple of glasses of water at a time during meals etc.
Chewing gums
Research has shown that chewing gums right after lunch can help in increasing the concentration power of the brain and thereby reducing the sluggish feeling. Chewing just for 10 minutes can do the trick. Next time don’t forget to reach for that gum when you start to feel tired and lethargic.
Music
A research done by the University of Miami found the listening to music while working helps increase productivity. Of course you will need to check the policies of your company before you do that at work.
Playing with pets
Pets are our great friends; they bring joy into our lives. Also when we feel lethargic! Research has shown that playing with pets can be a great way of releasing energy; it increases the level of oxytocin hormone in our body thereby making us feel energetic.
Size of the meal
Eating a very large meal most times means you have over-eaten. It’s not the best thing to do if you have an important task to handle right afterward. Also, it’s not a sensible decision to over-eat; a good health always needs to be in our mind.
Fast foods and oily foods
Fast foods are usually made of plain flour or highly processed foods, such as white bread, buns etc. these cause spikes in blood sugar levels that can wreak havoc with your energy levels and mood. The faster it increases the blood sugar levels at the same speed the glucose level comes down too.
Oily foods can also make you feel too full and bring in the sluggish feeling. Eating fries or deep-fried foods are a sure way to have a drowsy afternoon. Therefore, it’s best to include more of proteins, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables that will help in reducing the post-meal sleepy feeling.
Sleep
Proper sleep is a key factor in our health. A person needs an average of seven to eight hours of sleep per night for the body to recover and repair itself from the wear and tear from the previous day. Lack of sleep will definitely result in lower energy levels and dull day.
Taking care of just one of these tips isn’t going to help; you need to make sure you use a combination of these tips (if not all) to counter feeling drained post lunch or after a heavy meal.
