Nearly 10 years ago, a product was developed that has been marketed so effectively that many consumers have utilized it with incredible regularity. I can remember the advent of Red Bull, Go Fast, and XS energy drinks. Then, 5 hour energy seemingly came out of nowhere 5 or 6 years ago to give an energy boost in a smaller dosage to college students cramming for tests and drained employees alike.

Personally, I have always had an aversion to these quick energy fix solutions. That is not to say that I don’t ever experience the feelings expressed in their commercials (I certainly do) or think poorly of those who take these products. However, I have several suggestions that help me when these feelings approach that I thought I should share.

I think the best way to avoid “that 2:30 feeling” has everything to do with preparation. A morning routine that you adhere to daily will certainly help. Wake up at the same time, try to be at work at the same time, and try and eat at the same time. Routine is the best way to prepare your mind and body for what it will face throughout the work day. I have also found it will help out your attitude which will improve your day and all of those you interact with!

For many of us, much of our days are spent behind our desks checking emails, making phone calls, or sharing meetings. While everyone’s definition of organization is different, make sure your environment is tailored to be comfortable. Personally, if I don’t have a lot of stuff spread out on my desk, I don’t know what I need to be doing. For others a stack of files and paper on their desk is terrifying. Find out what works best for you and keeps you energized throughout your day and stick to it.

Along the same lines of the prior paragraph… GET COMFY! I’m not suggesting you have a Lazy boy as an office chair (unless you work from home, in which case congrats), but ensure that you are positioned in a way that is physically comfortable, adjust the lighting in your office to reduce stress on your eyes, and for me above all have a small fan or space heater that you can control and guarantee your comfort throughout the day. And by all means, get up and walk around every once in a while!

My last tip is probably the most effective one for me as a salesperson. It is also effective for people in a customer service role (sales should always involve customer service). I schedule my day to save at least one or two calls for the afternoon that I know will go exceedingly well. If you make calls daily that are not “fun”, get those out of the way early. As a salesperson you will hear no much more often than yes. If you know that you will have a great conversation with a client, vendor, or prospect, then schedule that call for the afternoon to give yourself a second wind and generate momentum!

Again, I am not against the energy drinks or other solutions to boost afternoon productivity; I just know what  works well for me and may also work for you.

---