5 ways to beat the afternoon slump
And we're not talking about caffeine.
Jan, 2026
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The post-lunch, early afternoon coma: We’ve all been there. And believe it or not, there’s actually some science behind it.
Your energy and concentration levels naturally take a dip at about 2 or 3 p.m. because your body’s core temperature drops around that time; it's a regular part of your circadian rhythm, or natural sleep and wake cycle. You may also feel sluggish in the afternoon because you ate a lunch full of carbs, you’re dehydrated or you’ve been sitting at work or school all day.
But downing your third cup of coffee may not be the answer to perking up. In fact, beating a slump may be as simple as grabbing a snack or watching something funny. Here are some quick—and easy—ways to shake off that sluggishness.
Written byRose Hayes, MA, RN.
Medically reviewed byMark Arredondo, MD.
Sources: National Sleep Foundation. “Four Reasons You Get Tired at 2pm.” 2020. Accessed September 17 + 12
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- Indiana University. “Not-so-guilty pleasure: Viewing cat videos boosts energy and positive emotions, IU study finds.” June 16, 2015.
- Harvard Health Publishing. “Relaxation techniques: Breath control helps quell errant stress response.” Updated July 6, 2020. Accessed September 17, 2020.
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