Do you suffer from 3pm brain fog?

We’ve all been there.

Every day at 3pm something strange would happen.

I would look under and around my desk, and try and work out the best place to curl up for a refreshing nap.

Luckily this plan never fully eventuated, in part because I couldn’t source a nap-appropriate spot in my office, and also because I decided as a fully grown adult I should be able to get throughout my day without needing nap-time.

Instead, I took to the internet to source some helpful tips to stop the 3pm brain fog – without resorting to the usual short-lived energy boosting suspects like sugar and caffeine.

Beyond the obvious advice online (what about you try sleeping more?), here are some of the most helpful suggestions I’ve found to fight 3pm sleepiness.

1. Drink water – lots of water.

According to Better Health Channel, fatigue can be created through dehydration.

The obvious answer? Drink more water. I keep a large bottle on my desk that I refill throughout the day, and I often find myself absent-mindedly sipping on it.

As an added bonus, it also means you have to get up and go to the toilet more, which brings me to my next point…

2. Do regular exercise…

Web MD suggests that doing at least 30 minutes of exercise can help you to both fall asleep, and remain alert throughout the day. Plus, we all know the added bonus of exercise being good for your health in general.

3. Or at least, go for a walk.

If you can’t fit in regular exercise, incidental exercise can still help fight fatigue.

NHS suggests that even a 15 minute walk can help wake you up and give you a small energy boost.

If you’re feeling tied to your desk, go to the kitchen and have a glass of water while pacing. Two birds, one stone.

4. Look at what you’re eating.

Web MD says that key tips to fighting fatigue with food include:

• Eating a regular breakfast
• Eating frequently (every 3-4 hours)
• Eating fibre
• Eating omega 3s (if your office is a no-fish zone, this can be via walnuts and chia seeds)

I know we all know it, but put down the donut. That short-term energy boost is just not your long-term friend.

5. Also put down the coffee.

Better Health Channel says that although one or two coffees a day is fine and can boost attention, more than this can actually hinder your alertness, while also making you irritable and anxious.

6. Listen to some beats.

Web MD suggests that some good music can increase your energy while making you feel better in general.

I suggest Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off. You can’t listen to that without feeling more energised.

Obviously you’re doing a very good job of this already, so hats off to you.

But according to Health Guidance, if you want to reduce feelings of sleepiness, deep breathing may just do the trick.

7. Turn on the (natural) light.

According to The Centre of Health, excessive artificial light can lead to fatigue. Going outside and getting some light of the sunshine variety may help to stave off feelings of sleepiness, while also ticking off the “incidental exercise” box too.

In the few short weeks I’ve been following them, I’ve noticed that these tips are very easy to do, and very effective for overall sleepiness-prevention.

However, I would just like to note that despite these suggestions being very appropriate for the office, nap-time is definitely still appropriate for weekends and special occasions.

Just so we’re clear.

Do you drink enough water?

So you’ve been schooled, more exercise including walking, can help. Need some more inspo? Here are some fit peeps to follow on Instagram:

Want more? How about:

Can drinking more water give you super powers?

The 7 major health repercussions of not drinking enough water.