Does your energy dip in the afternoon? Mine does. After fifteen years of working from home as a creative entrepreneur, I’ve learned to build routines that keep me focused, energized, and productive through the day. My energy tends to slump more in the winter, when it’s cold or dark outside and curling up with a blanket sounds irresistible. Over time I discovered that a few simple habits create an afternoon routine that consistently boosts my mood and productivity.
Here are three practical things I do — and a few things I avoid — to maintain afternoon energy:
1. TAKE A WALK
Working from home makes it easy to sit in one spot for hours. When I don’t move much during the morning, I make a point to take a short walk after lunch. Even a brief walk refreshes my mind, improves my mood, and jump-starts my body for the afternoon. If weather keeps me indoors, a circuit around the house or a few minutes of light movement accomplishes the same reset. It may not replace a full workout, but this break helps me return to work feeling clearer and more motivated.
I wrote about caring for yourself and creating a healthy home and routine in my book Dwelling, which also has a companion journal called Dwelling Well — both are great ways to begin the year with intention.
2. HAVE A HEALTHY ENERGIZING SNACK
I enjoy my morning coffee ritual, but I limit myself to one cup a day and avoid repeated refills to chase energy. Instead of reaching for extra caffeine in the afternoon, I choose healthier alternatives that sustain energy without jitters.
Two of my favorite afternoon boosts:
NingXia Red
A small daily dose of an antioxidant-rich drink gives me a gentle lift and supports overall wellness. I typically have one to two ounces in the afternoon. It tastes fruity and keeps me from reaching for less-nourishing snacks. Packets are convenient for travel and on-the-go days, while bottles work well at home.
Verb Bars
When I need a more substantial bite, I choose a natural energy bar made with whole ingredients. These bars deliver a modest boost — often with green tea–derived caffeine — without the heaviness of a sugary snack. I usually have one bar and that’s enough to carry me through an afternoon project. They’re easy to stash in a purse for a healthy option while out and about or as a quick breakfast substitute when mornings are rushed.
Choosing snacks that combine protein, healthy fats, and fiber helps avoid an energy crash later. Keeping a few reliable options on hand makes healthier choices the easy choice.
I often share wellness tips and quick routines on the Dwell Well Collective Instagram and in my book Dwelling. These resources offer ideas for sleep, hormones, and everyday habits that support long-term energy.
3. UNPLUG FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Scrolling social media can feel like a harmless quick break, but it often drains mental energy and distracts me from meaningful work. I save social media for after I complete a few focused tasks. Right after my walk I channel that refreshed energy into one to three priority tasks and aim to finish them before allowing myself a short social check-in. This small boundary keeps my afternoons productive and reduces the urge to procrastinate.
I explore routines that help me stay productive with housework and daily tasks in my book Make Room for What You Love.
Wishing you a healthy, focused, and productive year ahead.
Preorder my new book, A Lovely Life, coming this spring.
