Sluggish & Slow? Discover 5 Top Ways to Beat the Dreaded 3 PM Slump

Some of us see it coming, while others find themselves caught off guard, but no matter who you are, the 3 PM slump is no laughing matter. It doesn’t matter if you’re a worker struggling to maintain focus as your boss briefs you on your next big project, a mature-age student scrambling to complete that next major assessment in the nick of time, or a stay-at-home parent doing their best to keep up with the rugrats, this dreaded phenomenon comes for us all. 

Fortunately, the 3 PM slump is not some collective delusion we’ve all fallen prey to. Rather, there’s genuine science behind it, which means we have the power to fight back. It’s a natural part of your body’s biological rhythm caused by a rise in adenosine, a sleep-promoting compound in your brain, but the degree to which this impacts you can depend on a wide range of factors, many of which are within your control. So, unless you’re fortunate enough to live in a culture that embraces this natural occurrence via the tradition of an afternoon siesta, you’ll need some measures to help you power through to the end of the day, along with a little welcome assistance from Ryde: wellbeing shots.

With that, read on to discover five key ways you can keep the 3 PM slump from taking hold. Let’s dive in!

1. Establish and Maintain a Sleep Schedule

A good night’s sleep is a powerful tool when it comes to keeping adenosine from running the show, so setting yourself on a path to avoid that drowsy feeling actually starts the night before. Maintaining a consistent bedtime isn’t just for kids; it’s an essential element of maximising adult wellness as well, resulting in better quality of sleep, which brings with it a whole host of health benefits. 

If you find yourself struggling to get a natural at the end of the day, Ryde: can help. The blackberry-flavoured Ryde: SLEEP is a 60 mL shot that is designed to work with your body to help you prepare for sleep. This is due to its L-theanine ingredient, which has been shown to supports a natural sleep as part of a varied and healthy diet.

2. Stay Hydrated

Chances are it’s far from the first thing you think of when you’re considering ways to manage fatigue, but a failure to stay hydrated can have a surprisingly detrimental effect on your ability to concentrate throughout the day. By the time 3 PM rolls around, even a mild level of dehydration means there’s a good chance you’ll run into trouble. So keep your fluids up.

Plus, those experiencing dehydration often confuse the sensation for hunger, which can cause excessive snacking, further amplifying that sluggish feeling — more on the right way to snack shortly. To avoid this, you should be aiming for between six and eight glasses of water per day.

3. Reclaim Your Energy via a Midday Workout

Believe it or not, our bodies are not machines, so we can’t expect them to maintain maximum alertness and productivity for eight hours straight. As such, getting out from behind your desk can work wonders for optimising your afternoon performance. 

Whether you put yourself through the intense ordeal that comes with signing up for daily F45 sessions, as several members of the Man of Many team have done, or you’re more attracted to the prospect of going for a leisurely (but not too leisurely) walk around the block, anything that gets your blood flowing and gives you a break from staring at a screen will help you to lock in for the afternoon and keep productivity high. 

Plus, if you’re lacking in motivation to move, give Ryde: EXERCISE a go. This apple-flavoured 60 mL shot is designed to get you off the couch and out the door.

4. Lunch Well, Work Well

What you put in your body for lunch can play a significant role in how susceptible you are to feeling the need for an afternoon nap at your desk. If you choose to eat something big on refined carbohydrates or sugars and lacking in whole grains (we’re talking white breads and, sadly, pastas) you may experience a rapid increase in blood pressure, after which there will be an inevitable drop, leaving you feeling sluggish. 

Instead, aim for slow-acting carbohydrates like basmati rice, multigrain bread, or sweet potato. And if you feel the need for a snack, ditch the chocolate or chips and try some nuts, a humble banana, or an iron-heavy option like edamame instead.

5. Let Ryde: Help You Out

We’ve already touched on the SLEEP and EXERCISE offerings from Ryde:, but if you find yourself in need of a helping hand, the Ryde: ENERGY and Ryde: FOCUS shots may be just the ticket. 

The former is an invigorating tropical-flavoured affair, boasting caffeine from guarana and B Vitamins to boost energy, while the latter is an orange-flavoured shot that’s designed to get you centred and in the one zone mentally, again containing guarana-sourced caffeine and L-Theanine to help support your ability to focus. 

Finally, to support your all-important relaxation time, the Ryde: RELAX shot offers 60 mL of delicious raspberry flavour and is crafted to help you wind down and find your precious inner balance at the end of the day.

With ENERGY, FOCUS, EXERCISE, RELAX, and SLEEP options, Ryde: shots are the ideal assistant for empowering you to conquer your own personal 3 PM slump. Follow these five tips and you’ll go a long way towards ensuring you’re never caught off guard by that notorious arvo crash again.