Afternoons are the hardest time of the day for me. Once I put my two little munchkins down for a nap at 2:00, it takes everything my power not to get under my own covers. I confess, sometimes I do. However, I need every bit of energy in the afternoon to be productive: get some blog work done, clean up the disaster from the morning, fold a load of laundry and get dinner prepped.
Today I am participating in the #FitDish linkup hosted by Jill Conyers and Jessica Joy to share with you ways I boost my energy in the afternoon because let’s be real here: 99% of the time I want to nap too.
Every morning is busy at our house. I may be a stay-at-home mom, but we are always moving. We are gone most mornings until lunch time at the gym, the park, maybe preschool or just exploring the outdoors and meeting up with friends. When we get home in the afternoon I am usually scrambling to get lunch on the table, go for a walk and then it is nap time.
4 Ways I Keep Going
Often times I get asked, “how do you do it all?” and my answer is usually, “I am not sure.” I need to use nap time to be productive. These are ways that help me boost my energy and tackle that to-do list in the afternoon instead of burying myself under the covers.
1. Get ready
Yes, you read that right: get ready. I don’t mean you need to put on heels and dress slacks, but a pair of jeans and a little mascara will do wonders. When I first became a stay-at-home mom, I loved that I could wear comfy clothes all day- and still do love that perk. However, when I am not feeling motivated, I make sure I blow dry my hair, put on jeans, and add a little mascara. There is something about looking cute that makes you feel better and more productive. On days when I am dressed and ready, I don’t feel like hopping in bed during that 2pm hour.
2. Move (Preferably Push Ups)
You don’t need a full out workout to get the blood flowing and give you some energy, 10 push-ups will do just fine. Whenever I am feeling like I need a burst of energy, I drop down and do some push ups and I am immediately ready to rock.
I have also been working to master the headstand for longer than a millisecond and I whenever I spend about 5 minutes practicing this I immediately have more energy. I don’t care what it is, just try moving for a few minutes and see how it boosts your energy.
3. Turn on some music
Plain and simple, music is good for the soul. Turn on music of your choice and get motivated to knock out your to-do list. I love having my JBL speaker so that I can turn on any type of music and have it wherever I am in the afternoon while working my to-do list. Music is a for-sure energy booster for me.
4. Set a timer
It is amazing what setting a timer does for boosting my energy. Whenever I have a long to-do list in the afternoon I always start with cleaning. I set the timer for 15 or 20 minutes and I race myself to get it all done before I can do anything else.
If my to-do list consists of a lot of blogging work where I am sitting, then I set a timer then too so that once it goes off I get up and move a little to keep up my energy.
Do I do all four of these things every day? Absolutely not, I am human too. Sometimes I need to listen to my body and plop myself on the couch with a book, which usually turns into a nap. Other times you can find me still in my workout clothes at 4:30pm when the kids wake up and then I don’t have a second to shower until they finally go to bed. I may not follow all of these every single day, but when I do you better believe I knock out that to-do list. Like yesterday for example, I got ready, did a few push ups, turned on some music, set a timer and my to-do list (and then some) was done by the time nap time was finished.
Your turn- tell me.
How do you keep up your energy in the afternoon?
What is the hardest hour of the day for you?
Great tips Hollie, I usually hit this point about 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, Where I just want a quiet nap. During the week I’m too busy working to even think about having a moment of downtime, but I know that feeling on the weekend and if I give into it it makes it really hard to be motivated from that point of the day on. I too like some pushups and some squats!
I bet when you get home though you just crash!
YES! MUSIC is my all-time favorite! It gets me going everyday whether I am working on the computer, working out at the gym, or out on a run. Crank it up loud and get to work! Have a wonderful and energetic day Hollie!
I am all about all these things! I’ve done all of them at one point or another. Sometimes it’s the start of the day that gets me, other times around lunch. Coffee sometimes makes all the difference!
Coffee too the rescue today. I need to grab a flavored bag next time I am at NCT- that will make it more fun!
I am swooning over the timer tip! I forgot about that one, and it really helps. Often I will tell myself, okay, just do 15 minutes, and call it good. When I dial in a go hard for 15, I can get more done than I would in a slow 30, and then I earn a break. I love it. ANd, it’s so nice to meet someone who believes in the power of throwing down 10 push-ups when energy is low. I stop and drop a few times a day, and now I am up to 12 instead of 10. WOOHOO! Love it! And, your blog is looking super duper btw. #fitfamlove
The timer is a staple in our house! In the evenings my husband and I set it once the kids go to bed and we have 20 minutes to clean up before we can sit down. It helps us not spend too much time doing other stuff and it makes us work for that “spot on the couch”. Thanks for the compliment. Loved this linkup today– I think I need to make it a habit.
Drop and give me 20! Hahah! I must admit, that when I’m struggling for energy in the afternoon, I know it’s usually because I haven’t had enough water. I love your tips for getting active, getting ready and setting timers. I also like to take my dog for a quick walk for an energy boost. Have a lovely afternoon, Hollie! I hope you’re doing well!
HI Ashley! Thanks for coming over for a visit
I love the taking a dog for a walk idea– too bad I can’t leave when the kiddos are sleeping, but we always go on a walk when they wake in the afternoon. I hope you are doing well too!
Awesome tips Hollie! I’m going to try the timer idea. Thanks for sharing with the fitfam and kicking the afternoon slump to the curb. Much love xoxo
4PM is the worst for me…I get hungry, the kids go crazy…but you’re right, when I’m in regular clothes (not gym clothes), I tend to get more done.