Five Ways to Avoid the Afternoon Slump When You're Working at Home

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A lot has changed this year, and most of these changes haven't been easy. Many of us are still adjusting to this wild new world of working from home, too. Without shared kitchens to gather around and coworkers to distract you, the day can be hard to fill — and feel pretty lonely at that. The hardest part of the day is hands down the arvo, when you're halfway between lunch and clocking off. So, to help give you some ideas for your working week ahead, we've teamed up with Oporto to bring you five ways to avoid the inevitable afternoon slump. Whether it's getting in a quick workout, going for a short walk or organising tea with your coworkers, this list has your afternoon perk-ups covered.

MONDAY: TEND TO YOUR PLANTS

The Monday blues come in many forms — and being cooped up at home all day can make it worse. But one benefit of working from home is having the chance to build an indoor oasis filled with plants, plants and more plants. If you're already living in an indoor oasis, this is your chance to tend to them properly — no more dead fiddle leaf figs on your watch. Spend some time in the arvo giving them your love, and receiving that love right back. There are therapeutic and health benefits to keeping plants in your home, too, including improving air quality — some, like the devil's ivy or the peace lily, help to remove extra nasties like benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene from the atmosphere. If you're keen to add to your plant collection, we've rounded up the best places to buy plants in Sydney, or you can order delivery to your door from Marrickville's Plant Girl.

TUESDAY: SCHEDULE A CATCH-UP WITH A COWORKER

Just because you're no longer working in the office every day doesn't mean you have to forego a tea or coffee catch-up with your coworkers. Instead of scheduling yet another Zoom session, find an office mate who lives nearby and take your hang to the park. Getting a bit of fresh air and socialising IRL (at a distance, of course) will do you both some good. Of course, you'll need plenty of snacks to get your metabolism going for the arvo, and to prevent pre-dinner hanger from setting in. On the way to the park, grab a quick bite from Oporto to bring along. Its new Rappa Range includes the Pulled Chicken Rappa, which has hand-pulled chicken cooked in a lemon and herb sauce, crunchy slaw, spicy rice and your choice of sauce, all wrapped up in warm pita bread.

WEDNESDAY: SQUEEZE IN A QUICK WORKOUT OR MEDITATION SESSION

Possibly the best way to energise yourself through the afternoon slump is by getting in a quick workout. There are plenty of 15-, 20- and 30-minute workouts available for free online, so you don't even need to leave your house to exercise. One of our favourites is Yoga with Adriene, whose YouTube channel includes 15- or 20-minute classes focused on themes like unwinding, uplifting, resetting and focusing — all great ways to get you back in action for the rest of the working day. For more high energy stuff, The Fitness Marshall has quick (and very fun) dance workouts to pop songs like 'Work' by Rihanna, 'Truth Hurts' by Lizzo and 'Womanizer' by Britney Spears. Or, if you just need a break from all that thinking and doing, check out the Smiling Mind meditation app. Find more quick (and free) ways to workout at home, here.

Destination NSW

THURSDAY: GO FOR A SHORT WALK WHILE LISTENING TO YOUR FAVOURITE MUSIC

It's been pretty difficult being stuck at home all winter. Now that the weather is back to its regularly scheduled sunshine, you can take advantage of it like never before. Step away from your desk, get some fresh air and move your body — it will wake you up for the afternoon and give you the energy to keep going. It may even improve your attention span when you get back to work. While you walk, we suggest popping on your headphones and listening to your favourite music. Whether that's Beyoncé, Tame Impala or Ella Fitzgerald — or whatever your musical preference is — it's sure to put you in a great mood and mean that when you get back to work you'll do so with a positive attitude.

FRIDAY: COMPLETE ONE LIFE-ADMIN TASK (THAT YOU KNOW YOU WON'T GET TO AFTER 5PM)

It's finally Friday, and the weekend is within arm's reach — which means this time can often be the hardest to stay focused. But, since you're working from home, it also presents an opportunity to get some life admin out of the way before the weekend starts. Whether that's dropping by the post office, paying a bill or picking up toothpaste, you know you won't get to it after pens down, and you'd rather not do it on a Saturday, obviously. With life admin out of the way, you can clock off with the blissful feeling of two days of complete freedom ahead of you — there's no better feeling.

Check out Oporto's full Rappa Range here, then make tracks to your closest store — or order online.

Top image: Marine Parade, Manly courtesy Destination NSW