Do you find your energy dipping in the afternoon? I certainly do. After fifteen years of working from home as a creative entrepreneur, I’ve developed simple daily habits that help me stay focused, energized, and productive. My energy tends to slump most afternoons, especially during the colder, darker months when the idea of curling up by the fire or crawling back into bed can be very tempting. Over time I discovered a few reliable strategies that revive my energy and keep me going through the rest of the day.
Below are three practical things I do — and a few things I avoid — to maintain afternoon energy and focus:
1. TAKE A WALK
Working from home makes it easy to sit for long stretches without moving, which isn’t great for energy or overall health. When I know I won’t be moving much during the day, I take a short walk after lunch. Even a quick stroll clears my head, lifts my mood, and restores energy for the afternoon. If the weather is unwelcoming, I’ll walk around the house— it’s not a full workout, but it gives me the mental and physical break I need to re-focus and return to work refreshed.
I also wrote about creating a healthy home and self-care routines in my book Dwelling, which includes practical ideas for building habits that support well-being.
2. HAVE A HEALTHY, ENERGIZING SNACK
I love my morning coffee ritual, but I limit myself to a single cup each morning. I don’t use multiple refills to power through the afternoon — that leaves me feeling off. Instead, when I need an energy boost later in the day I choose nutrient-dense options that revive me without the jitters.
Two of my favorite afternoon pick-me-ups are:
NingXia Red
NingXia Red is an antioxidant-rich fruit drink I enjoy in small amounts each afternoon. One to two ounces provides a pleasant, fruity lift and I find it supports my general health and daily energy. The drink is convenient in both single-serve packets and bottled form — packets are especially handy for travel or when I’m on the go.
Verb Bars
Another go-to for me is a natural energy bar. I prefer bars made from whole ingredients with gentle natural caffeine from sources like green tea, so they energize me without the crash or jittery feeling. A single bar is often enough to power through a busy afternoon, and they’re convenient to keep in my bag for travel or a quick breakfast when I’m short on time. Choosing nutrient-dense snacks helps me sustain energy without overloading on sugar or processed ingredients.
When selecting afternoon snacks, aim for items that combine protein, healthy fats, and fiber to stabilize blood sugar and provide steady energy. Natural beverage options with antioxidants and small, whole-food snacks work well together to maintain focus.
3. UNPLUG FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Scrolling through social media can feel like a harmless break, but it often drains more energy than it restores. I save social media for after I complete a few important tasks. Right after my walk and snack, I focus on one to three high-priority tasks and work on them uninterrupted until they’re finished. This simple habit helps me use the momentum from my break and keeps distractions from derailing my productivity. Once those tasks are done, a quick social media check-in feels like a deserved reward rather than an energy sink.
Maintaining intentional routines, minimizing distractions, and choosing nourishing snacks are small but powerful steps for sustaining afternoon energy and focus.
Wishing you a productive and healthy start to the new year!
Pin this post for later reference and consider simple habit changes to boost your daily energy and well-being.
