It’’s 3:30 PM. You’’re sitting at your desk. You’’ve not moved for two full hours and yet suddenly realize you’re exhausted. Recognize the scenario? Of course you do, it’s called real life, also known as the afternoon slump at work.

I’ve always had this problem. No matter the job, no matter the setting, afternoon fatigue and I are age old frenemies.

Fighting energy drain at work is a battle that most people face. When our energy levels falls into the red zone, we reach out for a caffeine or sugar fix to get us through. Amirite?

What if I told you I’ve found better ways to battle that slump?

4 Ways To Battle The Afternoon Slump At Work Without Caffeine

1. Move it or lose it.

You guys, post-workout energy rushes are well-documented. Movement sends oxygen through the bloodstream to invigorate cells. So instead of slamming some candy or guzzling coffee when the afternoon blahs strike, taking a quick walk around the block might be a better option. According to a study in Personality and Social Psychology, a 10-minute stroll will rev up your body for a full two hours afterwards.

Bonus: Research shows that walking boosts creativity as well. Multi-tasking at its finest.

2. Drink your water already!

Everyday activities like breathing, talking, and even sitting all use up the body’s water supply. Yes, really. If you let your body dry out, then your energy levels will be affected. Fatigue is, after all, one of the first signs of dehydration. So drink up and reap the benefits.

A quick one-song rock session is an effective way to beat back exhaustion. One song for three minutes equals a boost of adrenaline that can last the entire afternoon. Ignore your coworkers’ stares, or better yet, pop in the headphones and jam during your mid-day walk. Endorphins for the win!

4. Breathe deeply no matter how weird you look.

Taking deeper breaths delivers a larger amount of oxygen to the brain which helps keep you more alert. And, if you pair that with a full body stretch you’’ll instantly feel the benefit. Makes sense, right?

Oh sure, your coworkers may think your movements are odd — but you’ll feel tons better and arguably more pepped, which is totally worth it in my book. If you’re thinking, “I don’t know about this one, Jen… Awkward.” Then you might want to do this one behind closed doors or in a private space. You’ll thank me later for that. Or, maybe ask your potentially judge-y co-workers to join in your afternoon de-slump stretch-and-breathe ritual!

Share your tricks to get through that mid-day energy slump. We’d love to hear them!