Tips to Avoid the Afternoon Slump

This post has been sponsored by Coffee-mate® Creamer. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tips to Avoid the Afternoon Slump: Whether you’re at home with the kids, or in the office and need an afternoon pick-me-up, here are a few tips to help you overcome that dreaded slump and a free gratitude worksheet download!

Growing up, I always heard my mom and dad talk about “the slump” that they’d feel right in the middle of their afternoon. Then it wasn’t long after I reached my early 30’s, that I knew EXACTLY what they were talking about. I get sleepy, unmotivated, and wonder how I’m going to get through the rest of the day, and all of the evening’s festivities as a busy momma.

Avoiding the Afternoon Slump

Instead of struggling each afternoon through the anticipated sluggish spell, I have a few “go-to’s” that never fail me, and I’m ready to fill your afternoon-slump toolbox, too!

1. Afternoon Coffee

As a mom who typically hides in the closet to enjoy a sweet treat so my kiddos don’t see, coffee creamer has always been my secret way of enjoying a dessert right in front of them. It’s finally something that I don’t have to share, because they know coffee creamer is only a treat for “mom”.

Sipping on a coffee in the middle of the afternoon is one of my favorite pick-me-ups, and typically what I turn to for dessert, after a late lunch.

I’ve absolutely loved adding these three flavors to my afternoon coffee moment routine; sipping on my “dessert” to get me through the remainder of the day/evening.

2. Fill Out a Gratitude Worksheet

If it has been a really hard day, emotionally and/or physically, sometimes filling out one of my gratitude worksheets is a lifesaver. In only a couple of minutes, I have a whole new mindset, and I feel like I can tackle the rest of the day with a whole new attitude.

You know I wouldn’t keep this to myself, right? I’ve included a free download for you, to get the gratitude worksheet that I use for these very moments. Download the gratitude worksheet free printable!

Extra Tip: Save your sheets to reflect on one day when you have more time and need an extra push of gratitude. During my “finding your purpose” journey a few years ago, it’s the little things like this that can keep me pushing forward.

3. Reach Out to a Friend

Sometimes while sipping on my afternoon coffee, I’ll pick up the phone and text or call a good friend. The conversation can energize me by bringing up heartfelt, fun, and exciting topics, or just bringing laughter into the afternoon.

It’s not long and I’m feeling so much better, and can feel refreshed and ready for more of the day!

4. Take a Passion Break

Some days I may be loaded down with chores, bill paying, and other “not so fun” to-do’s. So when those tend to drag me down, I need a refresher, and I turn to a passion break.

This can change from time to time, but I choose to take a moment and do something that I enjoy and that I’m passionate about.

For me, this could mean baking one day, or organizing a room in my house. (Similar to the things I do when I want to get rid of stress.) Whatever I’m in the mood for, and whatever I enjoy. This little break is such a breath of fresh air and leaves me rejuvenated, and out of the afternoon slump.

5. Get Out of the House

Getting some fresh air, and getting away from the house can knock the slump right out of ya. Sometimes I’ll take the boys to the park, the farm, or even just head to the grocery store or farmer’s market. The fresh air can do wonders for your slump, even if it’s just a walk around outside of your house for a few minutes!

6. Get Out of Yoga Pants

Sometimes just changing clothes and getting out of loungewear can add some spunkiness. Now I’m not saying throw some heels on, (I just thought this was a fun photo to take) but maybe trade that pair of yoga pants for a pair of jeans for the remainder of the day. (Here are my favorite places for mom clothes, in case you feel like shopping!)

Now I know we all love our yoga pants, even when we’re not doing yoga. (I don’t think I’ve EVER done yoga in my yoga pants.) But maybe if we’re not so comfy, we may be more likely to get up and tackle something to get out of the slump.