If you are anything like most people, you get tired and unfocused around two in the afternoon. This can cause a loss of focus and productive energy. Below are a few solutions to help you increase your productivity and hopefully, income.
This mid-afternoon sluggishness usually comes from your bodies need to digest your lunch. Also, our bodies are biologically programmed to shut down for sleep twice per 24 hour period. For most people this is around 11:00 PM and 2:00 PM. If only this did not happen during work hours!
Here are a few tips to deal with this slump and increase your productivity
Create good sleep habits during normal sleeping hours. The number one cause of daytime drowsiness is lack of sleep at night. Many of us stay awake watching TV, reading or working. This is a paradox in a way. If we were not so tired during the day, we would get all of our work and reading done during waking hours. To solve this, create good sleep habits at night. Do not work in your bedroom. Make your sleeping room, a room of peace and relaxation. Try to get 7-8 hours of un-interrupted sleep every night.
Keep your body in good physical shape. The more you become out of good physical shape, the more energy it takes to stay awake and move around. Additionally, your heart and lungs become weaker and struggle to keep up with the pace that your life demands. Get good conditioning and cardiovascular exercise at least three times per week. Do not think that you need to become a body builder or be able to lift a million pounds. You should exercise to be healthy, not the next Miss America or Mr. Universe.
Learn a good after lunch meditation...breathe! Most people are oxygen deprived. Learning good breathing and meditation practices will drastically boost your energy and mental clarity. Meditation can be done in just 15 minutes and will give you the energy and focus you need to finish off your day. Focus on your breath for 15 minutes while listening to relaxing music without words. If you become distracted and lose track of your breath, it is okay, that is normal. Just start focusing on your breath again. Remember to take deep breaths, filling your lungs completely while doing this.
Being a martial artist I prefer, of course, to use martial arts to practice the above. You can get into the best physical shape of your life, learn meditation techniques, and give yourself bullet-proof confidence. Most people find that after the first two weeks they already are getting more benefits than they expected. Unlike a gym where you often fill like you are in a fish bowl and left to figure it all out for yourself. The nice thing about martial arts, if taught right, you can learn at your own pace and you have a personal coach that helps you get over the road blocks.
To a better life,
Robert Jones
Master Instructor
The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts
P.S. My 3 studios are located in Bellevue, Kent, and Lynnwood, Washington. If you live near one of those locations, please contact me at 800-508-6141.
