You know what it’s like: you go out for lunch, come back to the office, and all of a sudden you can’t concentrate. You can’t concentrate on your work and you feel drained. What is happening here ? Well, believe it or not, there could be scientific reasons why this happens so often! Let’s look at some possible explanations for why our brain won’t cooperate after eating.
How to explain the drop in energy and the lack of concentration after lunch?
It’s likely that the dip in energy after lunch is related to a phenomenon known as postprandial sleepiness. It is a condition characterized by feelings of drowsiness and fatigue that occur after a meal, which is usually heavy. It is believed that the main cause of this condition is related to the fact that the blood sugar level rises sharply after eating and then drops sharply. This sudden drop in blood sugar levels can cause you to feel extremely tired and lead to mental fog and difficulty concentrating.
The brain may not want to cooperate after a meal because of the body’s reaction to the influx of nutrients it just received. When we eat, our body releases hormones such as insulin, cortisol, and leptin, which are important for regulating metabolism and energy production. These hormones help us turn food into usable energy, but can also cause feelings of lethargy if released at too high levels or in too short a time. Additionally, when we consume foods high in sugar like sodas, condiments like ketchup and soy, the resulting spike in blood sugar can contribute to fatigue and lack of concentration once digestion is complete.
How to avoid this heavy feeling and regain our dynamism?
Move!
Take a brisk walk after meals to avoid postprandial drowsiness and boost concentration. Walking for 10 to 15 minutes can increase blood circulation and energy, and help reduce the urge to take a nap after lunch.
A source of caffeine before 2 p.m.? Gladly !
Consider taking caffeine if you feel sleepy after eating. However, be careful with the quantity so as not to disturb your night’s sleep. Caffeine can help temporarily increase alertness and mental focus, but only in moderate doses. Between 200 and 400 mg, the equivalent of two to three cups of coffee per day. Distribute them as you wish when consumed before 2 p.m.
Opt for a means of entertainment!
Engage in an absorbing activity that requires cognitive effort, such as playing video games or reading a book on an interesting topic. These types of activities require sustained attention and can help sharpen thinking skills, reducing fatigue and improving concentration.
Avoid heavy lunches!
Eat meals that include protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates at regular intervals throughout the day to maintain consistent energy levels rather than experiencing spikes in energy followed by dips in alertness after eating a big meal. This type of balanced diet can also promote stable blood sugar levels, which helps reduce postprandial sleepiness.
Arm yourself with group B vitamins!
Increase your intake of B vitamins by including plenty of whole grains, legumes, dairy products and leafy green vegetables in your meals or by taking a supplement of B-complex vitamins, which promote alertness and contribute to good health. functioning of the nervous system, which can improve concentration after lunch.
Breathe deeply !
Increase oxygen supply to the brain by focusing on deep breathing exercises or engaging in activities such as yoga, which can both increase alertness while promoting better breathing patterns and more oxygen delivery. effective on the brain, which will help boost concentration after lunchtime.
Enjoy a Nappuccino!
Consider trying this effective anti-fatigue trick: have a coffee followed by a 20-minute micro-nap. This type of nap is different from a regular nap, because the caffeine kicks in after the 20 minutes of rest, which increases your energy and boosts your concentration. To make this work even better, try to find a quiet, dark place to rest your mind and body. All over the country, we see the appearance of “nap bars” where they serve you a strong coffee and present you with a relaxation capsule – some are equipped with a massage chair – where you will enjoy this relaxing moment of the day.
