Energy slumps: Perk up your afternoons

Research shows that the most common time for energy slumps is 2.16pm. This is when many people hit a brick wall – and wish they could hit a pillow. But experts says what action you can take. Short naps of five to 15 minutes are very effective at promoting energy renewal and increasing cognitive function. You don't have to nod off – in fact, you want to avoid deep sleep. The trick is not to cat-nap for more than 15 to 20 minutes, because the most you'll get is light sleep, which is easy to get out of. Some Us companies already started encouraging employees to ad an afternoon snooze to their to-do list. Opt for a snack with low GI, such as oat cakes or hummus and carrot sticks, to raise your blood sugar levels steadily and keep them up. Eating protein with carbohydrates can bring down the glycaemic load, so a turkey sandwich on wholewheat bread or a salad niçoise is a win-win. Dehydration causes fatigue. The recommendation is 1.5 litres, preferably keeping a filled bottle on your desk so you're more likely to drink regularly and can monitor if you're getting enough. As soon as you feel slothful, walk for 10 minutes, preferably outside. If you're pushed for time, even a break of three to five minutes can enable the body to renew physically and mentally.

Freelancing Appealing to More Workers

Freelance work has quickly become a booming industry in its own right. Workers who don't want to belong to the daily grind and who want more control of their careers often opt to work for themselves. In a tightening economy, many companies don't have the budgets to hire full-time personnel, but they do have the funds to hire a freelancer for short-term projects. For this reason, many people start their freelance careers during sluggish economic conditions. Although freelancing means you don't have traditional employer-provided benefits. Freelancers say that they are able to pursue their professional aspirations while having the flexibility to take time off for family obligations. As anyone who has worked from home for even one day can tell you, the ability to do business in your pajamas is pure bliss. It's also dangerous for your inner slacker. One way to maintain high-quality work is to set goals for yourself as if you were still being reviewed by a manager every quarter.

How to Fight Fatigue and Stop Feeling Tired

If you suffer from a chronic disease like rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or depression, you may be sick and tired of feeling tired. Here's how to fight fatigue with some simple lifestyle changes. If you have a chronic condition like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis, work with your doctor to make sure your disease is being treated and controlled properly. Make sure you are not having any reaction to a medication. Sleep in the range of seven to eight hours a night is ideal to help replenish important neurochemicals. You should avoid big meals, caffeine, alcohol and television before bedtime. Finally, consider going to bed earlier so that you can wake up earlier and ease into your day at a more leisurely pace. Regular exercise not only boosts your energy, it makes it easier for you to fall asleep at night. Engage in daily low-level exercise, such as gentle stretching and walking. A nutritious diet can help energize you throughout the day. A diet high in fruit, vegetables, and grains is best, with moderation in other food groups including dairy, meat, and oils. Obesity is also bad for sleeping patterns. Fight fatigue by cutting back on calories, especially sugary beverages and other sweets. One of the most common causes of fatigue is stress. Even if you can't avoid stress in your life, try to deal with it in a constructive way.