We all know how we feel post lunch — sleepy and not very productive! While coffee can help to some extent, there are times when your concentration and focus takes a back seat. Here is how yoga can keep you active in office.
Here are few things you can do at lunch to remain active through the day
Eat the right foods: Yes, choosing the right foods can help you to a great extent to counter your post-lunch sluggishness, because your glucose level affects your productivity post lunch. Low glucose means low energy and lack of focus. So be sure to eat foods that are low on the glycemic index, which release glucose slowly. Plan for a light lunch. To make sure you don’t turn into a glutton, have a mid-morning snack like a fruit or a smoothie. Avoid chips and biscuits as they are high in sugar and fat and can affect your concentration. Here are four ways your salad is sabotaging your weight loss goals.
At lunch, if you opt for a rice preparation, limit its quantity, especially white rice, as it has a high glycemic index. There are high chances it will lead to a dip in energy levels. Opt for stir-fried vegetables, grilled fish or chicken, low-fat tofu or paneer with rice or rotis. Avoid the spicy and greasy curries to save yourself from acidity and bloating post lunch. Love desserts? Have a piece of dark chocolate to wind it up. It has antioxidants that slow down cognitive decline and boost your concentration, thanks to the caffeine content. Know if it is healthy to eat rice for lunch and dinner.
Disconnect from work: Your lunch hour is meant for detachment and rejuvenation. A working lunch or lunch at the desk isn’t going to help your brain cells relax. In fact, mental rejuvenation comes by breaking the monotony. So, if you want to be productive and witty at your board meeting post lunch, grab your lunch box and head outside. If you have a lawn — even better. Eat lunch in your canteen, preferably with a colleague or friend who isn’t directly involved with your work. This gives your mind enough room to relax, rejuvenate and connect with your work better. Here are five easy tips to stop mindless binging.
Breathe from your belly: Before you get back to your desk, do some belly breathing to fill your lungs with sufficient air. Remember, adequate oxygen in your body is another important aspect of being mentally fit post lunch. The more the oxygen you have, the less fatigued you are. Here are 13 benefits of deep breathing that you need to know.
Take a power nap: Remember, a power-nap should not exceed 20 minutes. A longer sleep will make you sluggish and groggy. A power nap can give you a boost in energy and enough rest for your brain cells from the pressures of the first hours of the day.
Go out for a walk: And smell a flower (if you can), this will help new neural connection to develop in your brain that will help you to be alert and more receptive towards external stimuli. If you can’t smell flowers, still go out for a walk, take the stairs and burn some calories and get back to work refreshed.
Avoid too much caffeine: While a cup of coffee after two hours of lunch can help you be alert and attentive, an overdose of caffeine can drain you out by the end of the day. So, if you are working late in the evening, don’t keep gulping too much coffee in the hope of staying energised.
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