Wednesday 4 December 2013

Hitting the 3 O'Clock Wall

By 3pm every (work) day, I'm tired. Like, instantaneously-why-am-I-not-in-bed-right-now tired. The "hitting the wall" expression is right on the nail.

But as tired as I am, I can't leave work. I still have two and a half more hours of what feels like forever. In reality, it's not a big deal. But if you've ever hit that wall, you know what I'm talking about.

So, what do I do to get through the rest of the day?

Yes, I did take an awkward
selfie of myself for this post.
You're welcome.

Drink Water

The moment I start feeling tired, I chug back a glass of water. It helps keep me hydrated and makes me feel energized. It also forces me to go to the bathroom a few too many times which, when you're trying to stay awake, is a good thing.

Have a Snack

Something light and not full of carbs. I find an apple or another kind of fruit also helps keep me energized. Trail mix is a great option too!

Stay Positive

It may feel like the day is never going to end but in reality you're almost there. Plus, as tired as I feel, I'd rather have a job to be tired at than not have a job at all.

Avoid the Clock

I find that looking at the time only makes time go by even slower. I just ignore the clock. If I can't see that it's only 3:02pm than it must not be only 3:02pm.

Listen to Music

Technically, I'm not supposed to listen to music at work. I know, I know. It blows. But, I do it anyway. Really quietly (did you know that I have supersonic hearing?). It helps the time go by faster, keeps me awake and it makes me want to work.

What are your tips for staying awake after hitting the 3 o'clock wall?

17 comments:

  1. I get this wall about 4am (I work night shifts as an RN). Sometimes 12 hr shifts go so fast and others so slow. I like to walk around and not sit still. It helps. I love all your tips!

    agirlandhersparkles.blogspot.com

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  2. I tend to take a 5 minute break, and then I jump into a tricky work problem that keeps my mind occupied. I am off at 4pm, so I find the wall shows up at 2pm for me!

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  3. it don't get that slump anymore (i used to around 2pm) but when i did, i would get up and walk around. if i can catch some fresh air and it's not too cold, i go outside. it's been proven that fresh air wakes you up better than coffee. science says so!

    -kathy
    Vodka and Soda

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  4. I always get up and walk around when I hit the wall. It help me wake up and gives me a bit of energy.

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  5. I don't know how your lunch schedule is set up, but I found that eating throughout the day (dividing up what I packed for breakfast and lunch) helped keep away the fatigue.

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  6. You aren't allowed to listen to music?! I keep almonds at my desk and find that .5-1 oz (around 14-28) will give me a little natural boost of energy! Plus they're yummy. Green tea is also a great go-to natural energy boost!

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  7. First of all, no music at work? I would die! Second of all, these are great tips. I hit that wall every day! Avoiding the clock is definitely something I need to work on.

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  8. Oh I hear ya! 2-ish is when my mall comes down! And I totally agree about the drinking water part, I find it does help (as much as it can)!!!

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  9. I love the awkward selfie ;)

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  10. Im the same around 2..I have to get up and walk around..I eat candy too although Im sure thats one of the most unhealthiest suggestions lol

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  11. Drinking water is such a good tip! And something I always forget to do :( x

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  12. oh my gosh, the 3 o'clock wall is the worst! i'm usually mindlessly shoving food in my face at that point because I'm bored so I think i'm hungry. I will also randomly do stretches or something in my office too, so I kinda feel more energized. weird, but effective ha.
    -- jackie @ jade and oak

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  13. Oh man, the 3:00 lull.... Sooooooo bruuuuuuutal. Seriously, it can be really tough to get passed. The clock thing is a good idea but it is such a habit for me to look up and over to the right, where that clock hangs, mocking me..!
    What do you do for work? I just realized that I don't know. I'm usually a pharmacy technician, when I'm not on mat leave. I know exactly what you mean about 3:00. I get off at 5:00 and you just need to get to 4, and then it's juuuuust one more hour. I can live with one more hour.. but two, for some reason is hard!

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  14. For me it means tea time. I am lucky to have a Starbucks on my floor, so I get a vanilla tea and a biscotti. It works every time. :)
    -Rachel @ With Love, Rachel

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  15. This is probably bad....but I when I start hitting the wall I go straight for the coffee! New Yorker problems...

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  16. That 3:00 slump is the worst! I usually try to have a healthy snack to give me the energy to get through the rest of the work day. Love your tips!

    XOXO
    Chelsea
    http://www.anchorsaweighblog.com/

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