What a great system! My husband is very similar. He can only work at a computer for so long before he has to be up and do something active.

Like you, I do most of my brain work in the morning. I think I’m going to try to add some short bursts of “active” work into my afternoons.

I actually have my day broken up into “peaks of productivity” if you will. I start my day with some intense writing (since this is when I’m most productive). Before I leave for work each day I have already cleaned up the mess of plates that didn’t make it to the sink etc. Then when I get to work usually I’ll do some writing/editorial work for my job and then write a few blog posts. Then I’ll switch to something a little mindless like checking my email or reading etc. Going back and forth with this throughout the day always keep me on top of my game.

For example with cleaning, I’ll do the dishes when I need a little mindless time and organize the pantry when it’s time for a quick peak.

You are right on, Natalie. For some reason I go through weeks where I can’t seem to fall asleep even if I go to bed early. When that happens the “afternoon slump” becomes an “afternoon slog.” Eating healthy is huge, too. When I go through times where I’m not paying attention to what food I’m eating everything starts getting harder.

Crankiness is the default coping mechanism for the afternoon slump 🙂 I hope the peppermint works for you! If not – try something else and feel free to come back and let us know what helps you through.

My husband tells me to nap whenever I get tired. The problem is that once I’m down, I don’t want to get up. My body always wants me to turn a 30 minute power nap into a 2 hour snooze-fest….and that’s not too productive for me. 🙂

Are you able to jump right up after a set amount of time? Do you set an alarm? Let me in on your napping secrets so I don’t have to feel guilty anymore! 🙂

I’m always impressed with people like you, Lindsey. I love having a clean home….but cleaning doesn’t motivate me, unless of course company is coming but that’s a different scenario. 😉 Once I start cleaning I usually am more motivated though.

I’m curious, do you attribute your afternoon energy to anything in particular?

I find that the best way for me to power through my day is to turn it into something I love doing. For example, I love having a clean home so that motivates me to keep cleaning, or I really want to be a successful blogger motivates me to sit down and crank out a good post.