What the Slump Looks Like
9 – 11:59 a.m.
You’re focused.
Tasks are getting done.
Coffee is doing its job.
12 p.m.
Hunger arrives.
Everything else becomes secondary.
12:30 – 3 p.m.
Energy begins to taper off.
3 p.m. (slump hour)
Concentration drops.
A quick nap sounds strangely reasonable.
Your brain feels like it’s running on outdated Wi-Fi.
You reread the same sentence… again.
3 – 5 p.m.
Motivation wavers.
Thoughts drift.
Time feels slow.
5 p.m.
Home time, finally.
Why the Slump Happens
Circadian dip
Your internal body clock naturally lowers alertness mid-afternoon.
Blood sugar drop
A carb-heavy lunch spikes your blood sugar, then sends it crashing down, taking your energy with it.
Dehydration
Even being slightly dehydrated affects focus, memory and alertness.
Caffeine comedown
Caffeine blocks tiredness temporarily. When it wears off, the accumulated fatigue hits at once.
Mental fatigue
After hours of work, your cognitive resources simply run low. It’s normal.
How to Reduce the Slump
1. Choose slow-release snacks
Go for steady energy:
Protein bars
Nuts and seeds
Oat-based snacks
High-fibre options
2. Drink enough water
Hydration supports concentration, mood and energy.
3. Take micro-breaks
Two minutes can reset your focus. Try:
Stretching
Stepping outside
A short walk
A quick conversation
4. Eat a balanced lunch
Opt for lean protein, healthy fats and complex carbs. Avoid meals that leave you feeling heavy or sleepy.
5. Keep caffeine moderate
A morning coffee is fine, but too much, especially later in the day, can disrupt sleep and tomorrow’s energy.
6. Prioritise sleep
Aim for 7–9 hours to allow your brain to fully recharge.
In Summary
Small, consistent habits can make your afternoons more productive and less sluggish.
Support workplace wellbeing and help your team beat the 3 p.m. slump with a Doozy healthy vending machine that keeps energy steady throughout the day.
