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CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
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02058.txt
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK02058}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Maintaining Productivity in the Afternoon}
$Subject{productivity circadian rhythms circadian rhythm exercise lunch break
afternoon fatigue nap naps napping food eat eating}
$Volume{}
$Log{}
Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Maintaining Productivity in the Afternoon
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QUESTION: No matter what I try to do, I am unable to get anything going right
after lunch. I am sleepy, thinking is difficult, and making a decent decision
is impossible. I have even tried to change my eating habits at lunch time,
experimenting with everything from a fair size meal to nothing at all. I know
others with the same problem, but what is the solution. Do you have any tips
that can help make my afternoons productive?
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ANSWER: This is a common problem, and changes in the lunch menu isn't the
answer, as you have discovered. Despite the many tales you may have heard
that certain foods may either increase or decrease your afternoon energies,
the period from about 1 PM to 3 PM is a low energy point in the daily cycle,
and researchers have demonstrated that this dip in productivity will persist
no matter what you eat. These ups and downs in energy respond to biological
cycles called "circadian rhythms", and an extra cup of coffee, even when it is
loaded with sugar, won't provide the jolt you are looking for.
Of course you could take a small "siesta" and close your eyes for 20
minutes or so, if your occupation (and your boss) permits. Most people wake
up from these naps quite refreshed, and ready to start up again in high speed.
If that is not possible, there are two strategies you might try to make
early afternoon a more productive period in your business day. Use this time
for activity that involves other people, and involves moving about. While
trying to sift through routine matters seated at your own desk may leave you
groggy, a new project in a new surrounding (such as another coworker's office)
will help a bit. Or you might save some tasks that are easier to accomplish
for this time period.
But the best tactic for getting the afternoon off to a good start is a
bit of exercise during your lunch break. Any exercise that gets your pulse up
a bit, and your blood circulating a bit faster will do, including a brisk walk
around the block. If weather is bad, a stationary bicycle is an excellent
alternative. Even if you exercise regularly, this extra midday "fix" will do
much to solve you afternoon "blahs".
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.