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Need To Get To 5 P.M.? These 12 Energy Hacks Will Get You Over The Hump.
If you're someone who, no matter how much rest you get the night before, you can't seem to stay as alert or focused in the afternoon as you are during the morning time hours, try not to be too hard on yourself. The reality is, while there is a myriad of factors that play into why this is oftentimes the case, one of them is rooted in the fact that our natural circadian cycle (which basically boils down to our physical, mental, and behavioral changes that transpire within a 24-hour period) actually causes us to have a decrease in alertness once the afternoon hours hit.
While that might be a bit of a relief to know, if a part of you is like, "OK, but my boss isn't gonna give me a pass on that when it comes to finishing up this project that I couldn't care less about once lunchtime hits," there's help on the way. I'm going to share with you 12 things that you can do that can almost instantly give you the extra fuel that you need to keep you from falling out at your desk so that the end of your day can be just (about) as productive as the beginning. Let's do this.
12 Ways To Beat The Afternoon Slump
1. Sing (Not a Sad Song, Though)
Did you know that singing has a way of releasing endorphins into your system? This is a good thing because they are hormones that trigger your brain and nervous system to feel less pain and experience more pleasure. If you're like, "I feel you but I ain't singing s—t in public," I hear you. An alternative is to listen to some music instead. Just make sure that it's the kind that makes you happy rather than the kind that causes you to take a walk down memory lane over some wack-ass ex. Feel me? Exactly.
2. Chew Some Peppermint Gum
If it's around 3 p.m., you've got a couple of hours to go and you have absolutely no idea how you're gonna make it through, pop a piece of gum into your mouth. When you do, it has a way of stimulating your autonomic nervous system which can make you more alert. Also, chewing gum has a way of increasing blood flow to your brain. And while pretty much any brand/flavor can make this happen, your best bet is to go with the minty variety. That's because something like peppermint can also invigorate your senses and make it easier to concentrate. Dope.
3. Put Some Sweet Orange Essential Oil on Your Wrists
Something that I'm personally a huge fan of is essential oils. They smell great, they last a long time and they've got a myriad of health benefits. On the sweet orange oil tip, something that it has the ability to do is not only reduce anxiety and stress levels but also give you a boost of energy if you're feeling particularly fatigued as well. As a bonus, something else that's cool about this scent is it can help to offer up some mental clarity. Just dab a bit on your wrists. The reasons why are because 1) that part of your body is a pulse point and 2) your radial artery runs along your wrists which makes it easier for essential oils to be absorbed into your bloodstream.
In other words, if you want a quick "hit" of the oil's benefits, your wrists can make that happen for you.
4. Turn Down the Heat
I know that some of y'all like to keep space heaters around your desk but if you're yawning more than a lil' bit, you need to turn those off and open up a window. The reason is, that heat has a way of cultivating vasodilation. That's what happens when your blood dilates which causes blood to rise to the surface of your skin and create more heat which can result in you feeling more fatigued. So, while heat may make you feel more comfortable if the objective is to stay awake, get a little uncomfortable and cool your body down instead.
5. Drink Some Water
Did you know that if you're feeling drained or fatigued, that could be a low-key indication that your system is dehydrated? That's why it's always a good idea to keep a cup, glass, or bottle of water around you at all times during the workday; especially after lunch when you need a bit of a pick-me-up. Oh, and if you add a couple of lemon slices to it, just the smell of the lemons alone can reduce your stress levels and help to put you into a better mood (lemons also help to detoxify your system which can give you more energy too).
6. Nix the Caffeine
If you're someone who feels like coffee is your saving grace while you're at work, I just want to make sure that you know that it's a bit of a complicated solution when it comes to looking for something that will keep you going. The reason why is that it usually takes about an hour from the time you consume it for the caffeine to really take hold of your system. Then it takes around 10 hours for it to clear your bloodstream which could make it harder to sleep at night which can cultivate a pretty vicious cycle of being awake and sleepy when you actually don't want to be if you ask me.
7. Eat Some Protein
You might've heard somewhere that carbs are a great energy boost. While there is some truth to that, because they can also cause you to gain weight (because you end up "eating more energy" than you actually burn, if you're not careful), it can actually be better to snack on protein sources instead. Aside from the fact that protein helps your body to build and repair tissue, it actually provides more of a long-term effect as far as energy charging is concerned. That's why, another recommendation is to snack on foods that are high in protein including nuts, sweet potato fries, yogurt, tuna, or anything containing meat.
8. Take a Walk Outside on Your Break
If you're someone who doesn't take advantage of your lunchtime and regular breaks, you definitely should. When you do, consider going outside, at least one of those times. There is plenty of data to support that even spending 10-15 minutes in the sun (regardless of what time of the year it is) can give your system a vitamin D boost that can help strengthen your immunity and also help you feel more energized in the process.
9. Laugh at Black Twitter
OK, when it comes to this particular point, it really doesn't matter what you laugh at because the reality is that laughter has a way of reducing stress, stimulating your organs, soothing tension, and improving your mood. The reason why I shouted out Black Twitter specifically is that I can't think of a single time when I haven't hopped on that app and cracked up in a way that nothing else has been able to consistently do. So, if you're able to open up your browser to it, I promise you that it's totally worth your while. Not sometimes…every time.
10. Set a Short-Term Goal
If what causes you to feel so drained is that sometimes your work seems, well, monotonous, something else that can put a little bit of pep into your step is to take out 10 minutes or so to set a short-term goal. The clincher here is to focus on something that will benefit you personally — you know, something that you can get excited about because you know that you will directly reap the rewards. First, set the goal, and then, each day, when you're feeling a little on the low energy side, devote some time to making your goal a reality. Sometimes, it really is something as simple as this that can revive you all over again.
11. Suck on a Cinnamon Stick
Aside from the fact that cinnamon is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that can help to keep viruses at bay, something that's really cool about it on the energy tip is it has the ability to improve how your brain functions and processes information while giving it a bit of a power charge at the same time.
Plus, it makes your breath smell great, so if you can't recall the last time you've had a few cinnamon sticks in your possession, now would be as good of a time as any (they typically sell them at health food stores or even at Target).
12. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward to After Work
A word that I happen to like a lot is "reward." It means "something given or received in return or recompense for service, merit, hardship, etc." and if ANYTHING warrants a reward, each and every day, it's having a productive day at work. That's why, I don't care if it's a pint of ice cream, a pedicure, or a new scent of bubble bath, make it a point and practice giving yourself something to look forward to at the end of each day, at least 2-3 times a week. For one thing, you deserve it.
Also, it can also help to get you over the afternoon hump because you know that, once all of your work is done, something is awaiting you that will make you smile — and take it from me, sometimes, that is all the motivation that you need. Real talk.
Featured image by Getty Images
Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next October (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
This Black Woman-Owned Creative Agency Shows Us The Art Of Rebranding
Rebranding is an intricate process and very important to the success of businesses that want to change. However, before a business owner makes this decision, they should determine whether it's a rebrand or an evolution.
That's where people like Lola Adewuya come in. Lola is the founder and CEO of The Brand Doula, a brand development studio with a multidisciplinary approach to branding, social media, marketing, and design.
While an evolution is a natural progression that happens as businesses grow, a rebrand is a total change. Lola tells xoNecole, "A total rebrand is necessary when a business’s current reputation/what it’s known for is at odds with the business’s vision or direction.
"For example, if you’ve fundamentally changed what your product is and does, it’s likely that your brand is out of alignment with the business. Or, if you find your company is developing a reputation that doesn’t serve it, it might be time to pump the brakes and figure out what needs to change.
She continues, "Sometimes you’ll see companies (especially startups) announce a name change that comes with updated messaging, visuals, etc. That usually means their vision has changed or expanded, and their previous branding was too narrow/couldn’t encompass everything they planned to do."
Feature image courtesy
The Brand Doula was born in 2019, and its focus is on putting "the experiences, goals, and needs of women of color founders first," as well as brands with "culture-shifting missions."
According to Lola, culture-shifting is "the act of influencing dominant behavior, beliefs, or experiences in a community or group (ideally, for the better)."
"At The Brand Doula, we work with companies and leaders that set out to challenge the status quo in their industries and communities. They’re here to make an impact that sends ripples across the market," she says.
"We help the problem solvers of the world — the ones who aren't satisfied with 'this is how it's always been' and instead ask 'how could this be better?' Our clients build for impact, reimagining tools, systems, and ways of living to move cultures forward."
The Brand Doula has worked with many brands, including Too Collective, to assist with their collaboration with Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty and Balanced Black Girl for a "refresh," aka rebrand. For businesses looking to rebrand, Lola shares four essential steps.
1. Do an audit of your current brand experience — what’s still relevant and what needs to change? Reflect on why you’re doing the rebrand in the first place and what success would look like after relaunching.
2. Tackle the overall strategy first — before you start redesigning logos and websites, align on a new vision for your brand. How do you want your company to be positioned moving forward? Has your audience changed at all? Will your company have a fresh personality and voice?
3. Bring your audience along the journey — there’s no need to move in secret. Inviting your current audience into the journey can actually help them feel more connected to and invested in your story, enough to stick around as changes are being made.
4. Keep business moving — one of my biggest pet peeves is when companies take down their websites as soon as they have the idea to rebrand, then have a Coming Soon page up for months! You lose a lot of momentum and interest by doing that. If you’re still in business and generating income, continue to operate while you work on your rebrand behind the scenes. You don’t want to cut existing customers off out of the blue, and you also don’t want so much downtime that folks forget your business exists or start looking for other solutions.
While determining whether the rebrand was successful may take a few months, Lola says a clear sign that it is unsuccessful is negative feedback from your target audience. "Customers are typically more vocal about what they don’t like more than what they do like," she says.
But some good signs to look out for are improvements in engagement with your marketing, positive reviews, press and increase in retention, and overall feeling aligned with the new branding.
For more information about Lola and The Brand Doula, visit her website, thebranddoula.com.
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If you’ve never heard of the word “anorgasmia” before, it’s the technical term that is used for women who have trouble achieving an orgasm. Actually, if we’re gonna get super technical about it, women who have infrequent ones (check out “Why Are My Orgasms So Damn Inconsistent?” and “Why Do Orgasms So Often Seem Like A ‘Hit-Or-Miss’ Experience For Women?”) or women who experience orgasms that oftentimes lack intensity can also fall under this category.
And although everything from age and hormonal imbalances to stress/anxiety and even low self-esteem can play a role in why climaxing can be difficult, after touring with an organization that dealt with porn and sex addiction for almost 10 years, having countless sessions with married women and also researching and writing on sex for over two decades at this point, what I realize hasn’t been discussed enough is that a lot of women can have orgasms — just not vaginal ones via intercourse (check out “Ladies, Please Stop Pressuring Yourself Over Vaginal Orgasms”).
The next thing that should be brought up more in the discourse is the fact that many women have orgasms — they’re just not always earth-shattering ones (like the ones that you feel when you have, say, a blended orgasm).
Today, we’re going to hone in on the latter point. If you know (that you know that you know) that you have orgasms yet the more intense ones don’t happen nearly as often as you would like, there is something that you can do that has been proven to help you out — and the title of this piece is a huge hint as far as what that is. #wink
How Does Weed Help to Create More and Better Orgasms?
Weed and sex being a cool combination is not something that I haven’t addressed before. A few years back, I penned a piece for the site entitled, “7 Proven Ways Weed Makes Sex So Much Better.” So, why did I feel the need to write this one too? Because I think all of us (who’ve had sex before) can vouch for the fact that you can have a wonderful sexual experience and still not have an orgasm or the kind of orgasm that you’d prefer to have. And when that is indeed the case, well, something that can help you out is yep, marijuana.
For starters, did you know that there are literal studies to support that weed can help women to have more frequent orgasms? Yep. One article that I read stated that out of almost 400 people surveyed, 52 percent said that they had trouble climaxing; however, after a bit of weed use, orgasm frequency increased by almost 73 percent, orgasm satisfaction by 67 percent, and the ability to have orgasms more easily increased by 71 percent.
And since some of these individuals deal with something known as female orgasmic disorder (FOD), because the findings are so significant, there are some states that are actually pushing for FOD to qualify for medical marijuana treatment. Yep, that’s how effective weed use is proving itself to be in this realm.
So, just what is it about weed that makes climaxing a more probable experience for so many of us? For one thing, weed is seen as an aphrodisiac by many individuals. One reason is that it contains properties that help to relax your system as well as intensify the sexual experiences that you have by literally helping to make them feel more pleasurable.
Some studies also reveal that weed use can lower your inhibitions and increase the amount of time you spend engaging in foreplay too. If you add to that the fact that weed also amplifies the sense of touch — well, I’m sure that you get how all of this combined can help you to have not just more but better quality orgasms, for sure.
How to Effectively Bring Weed into Your Sexual Experiences
So, now that you know all of this, I’m sure some of you are wondering how to bring marijuana into your boudoir in a responsibly effective kind of way. Good question. For one thing, it’s definitely best to start off in small amounts (if you’ve never experienced weed before); you can probably do this best with edibles because many of them are sold in pre-dosed amounts. In fact, although you might think that, when it comes to weed consumption, “the more the merrier,” the reality is actually that overdoing it could decrease your libido instead of elevate it.
Also, it’s a good idea to remember that while CBD is good for ointments and creams that can help to reduce anxiety before sex or enhance afterplay (check out “Sure, Your Foreplay Game Is On Point. Now What About The ‘Afterplay’?”), THC — the active ingredient that is responsible for getting you “high” — is what has a stronger reputation for making sex itself a more pleasurable experience; especially as far as women go. So, what you might want to do is start out with something like a chocolate edible (since it also is an aphrodisiac) with a low amount of THC in it along with a CBD-based lubricant.
Just make sure to keep in mind that edibles can bea bit unpredictable (as far as how high you will get and how soon along with how you will feel once you come down from the high experience), plus, their effects tend to last longer than smoking (edible highs can sometimes last six or more hours while smoking ones are around four or more) — so, if it’s your first time trying all of this out, a night before going to work isn’t a good idea; wait until the weekend instead.
On the other hand, if you’d consider yourself to be a bit of a “weed pro” at this point, you might want to experiment with some different strains of weed. Ones that are somewhat popular in the sexual stimuli department contain what is called limonene. It is actually a chemical that isfound in citrus fruit; however, when it’s combined with weed, not only can it help the weed to taste better, but it canelevate your mood, reduce your stress, andgive your libido and energy levels a bit of a boost as well.
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Listen, if there’s one thing that I’m gonna do, it’s provide a hack to make sex better for you — and there is just too much data out in these streets to not shout out weed as far as achieving quality orgasms go.
That said, if weed ain’t your thing, don’t force it to be just because you read this. There are other ways to have amazing orgasms (check out “15 Women Share Their Personal Hacks For Better Orgasms (And Sex Overall)”). Oh, but if it is (or if you’ve always been curious about it), why not approach cannabis from a strictly sexual angle? At the very least, you’ll get a bit of a euphoric feel. At the most, you’ll have an avenue to experience more of the orgasms that you crave.
Hell, sounds like a win/win to me, sis.
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