How to Get Over that Mid-Afternoon Slump (the Natural Way)

I used to work in a gray cubicle surrounded by other gray cubicles identical to mine in a building with no windows.  Eight hours a day, everyday. You had to go through three locked doors just to get outside. But that’s not the worst part. The worst part came around 3 o’clock pm- everyday.

The dreaded 3 pm. Lunch was now pleasantly settled somewhere in your gastrointestinal tract, the computer screen had started blurring 10 minutes ago, and your eyelids felt like a 1000 lbs, inching their way down for a few minutes of “rest.”

Here’s an accurate description of how I felt…

Rough times my friends, rough times.

Thank goodness I don’t spend my days in cubicle land anymore. I’m a stay-at-home mom now and I can go outside for more than 15 minutes if I want to. But even though my schedule is free to do what I want when I want (give or take), I still find myself battling that mid-afternoon slump.

That is, until I discovered this magical trio:

At 2:00 pm, I eat a snack and take 200 mg. of magnesium citrate, 500 mg. of pantothentic acid, and 1000 mg. of vitamin C with bioflavonoids.

With these three unassuming supplements I bounce right on through 3 o’clock, past 5 o’clock, and I’m jammin’ all the way to 9 pm. No Red Bull, no coffee, no jumping jacks.

I kid you not. This is how it works:

Magnesium Citrate 200 mg.

Magnesium acts like a spark plug for your adrenal glands and for the energy portion of every cell in your body. 400 mg. of magnesium citrate is recommended for average person and is best absorbed when taken at night before bed. I take 200 mg. of magnesium (with vitamin C and pantothenic acid) at 2:00 pm to help me get over the 3:00-4:00 pm low and then at bedtime I take another 200 mg. I’ve also noticed magnesium helps me sleep better.

Because I have a moderate case of adrenal fatigue as well as digestive problems, I’m going to supplement this regime with Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil. It’s transdermal so it’s absorbed right through the skin. While I can feel the affect of taking magnesium orally, I can’t get away from all the positive remarks about this product. I have to try it out.

Think you might be deficient in magnesium?

I am and chances are you are, too. Read Cheeseslave’s article for more details on magnesium deficiency and check out Kelly’s experience with magnesium oil. You know what? Why not go ahead and get The Magnesium Miracle by Dr. Carolyn Dean while you’re at it. Magnesium is an essential nutrient your body cannot afford to lack.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids 1000 mg.

I’m sure you’re aware of the benefits of vitamin C, but did you know vitamin C is much more than just ascorbic acid? In Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome, Dr. James Wilson explains:

Vitamin C, as it occurs in nature, always appears as a composite of ascorbic acid and bioflavinoids. It is this vitamin C complex that is so beneficial, not just ascorbic acid by itself. Bioflavonoids are essential if ascorbic acid is to be fully metabolized and utilized by your body. The ratio of bioflavonoids to ascorbic acid should be approximately 1:2, that is 1 mg. of bioflavinoids for every 2 mg. of ascorbic acid. Bioflavonoids double the effectiveness of ascorbic acid in your body and allow its action to be more complete.

This requirement is why I take the Vital Nutrients brand of Vitamin C. It has the correct ratio of ascorbic acid and bioflavonoids. It’s a little pricey but worth it.

Pantothenic Acid 500 mg.

Pantothentic acid (Vitamin B5) is one of the B-complex vitamins, and like magnesium, is a vital component for energy production.

It is this combination of pantothenic acid, magnesium, and vitamin C that increases energy and fights fatigue without over stimulating your body. I learned about this from Dr. James Wilson’s book and while he never explains exactly why it works, I can tell you from first hand experience that is does.

What About You?

So, now that I’ve shared how I fight that nasty mid-afternoon slump, what about you? Do you use stimulants or employ a more natural approach? Tell us in the comments below (we won’t judge you, I promise;).

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