It’s human nature. You get to work ready to go, run through your email, sit through meetings, and filter through stacks of paperwork. Then the afternoon slump hits, and you’re fighting to keep your eyes open.

The afternoon slump can strike when you least expect it, but it doesn’t have to hamper your productivity. Take a look at the following simple changes you can make today to get past the afternoon slump and power through the rest of your workday.

Focus on Proper Nutrition During the Workday

To overcome the afternoon lull, take a look at what you are putting into your body. What your body puts out is not based on luck.

Experts have long advised that a healthy, balanced diet consisting of high-energy carbohydrates, snacks filled with vitamins and protein, and healthy fats will give you a significant advantage compared to eating sugary snacks.

Sugar will likely give you a short-term boost of energy but will ultimately cause a drop in performance later. Consider replacing that junk food with fruits and vegetables to generate a natural spike in energy without the afternoon crash.

Stay Active to Stay Alert

While your body might send you sleep signals around 2 p.m., you can counteract this natural fatigue with some light exercise to get your blood circulating.

Of course, not everyone can go to the gym in the middle of the workday, but you can still receive great benefits from taking your eyes off the computer screen for 20 minutes. You can stand up to stretch out your muscles or take a brief walk outside to enjoy nature and breathe in some fresh air.

Suppose you feel that stepping outside by yourself cuts into the amount of time you need to communicate with others in your office. In that case, you can try asking them to join you in a walking meeting, where you can enjoy the extra boost in energy together while still getting your work done.

Foster Positive Interactions With Others to Give You a Boost

If you have already changed your diet and given yourself a chance to get your blood pumping, one more way to get past the afternoon slump is to increase positivity around the office.

Mood affects our days more than you might have realized, and lifting the spirits of others is a great way to elevate your own as well. Consider taking the time to do something for your co-workers or employees that will get them through their afternoon slump and stimulate a positive overall work experience.

Consider sending business thank you cards to those in the office who have helped you with projects, deadlines, and other essential tasks in your department. This thoughtful act will let them know that you value their time and effort and possibly bring smiles to their faces.

An afternoon slump can change your production levels in any work environment. Taking care of your physical and mental health can go a long way toward breaking through the lulls in your day and advance your efficiency and output.