How to Ward Off a Mid-Day Slump

A long day on the job has its productive moments and those that cause many of us to start to fade. Morning starts off with an energetic rush and when the day is nearing its end, most people find a renewing burst of excitement for the evening of "me time" ahead. But then there's that draining mid-day slump that can lead to lethargy and lack of productivity.

The afternoon crash does not have to be your daily destiny. You can ward off the mid-day dip by making plans to trump the slump with these 4 tips to pep you up and keep you going strong 'till it's time to head home. Working with fervor and staying on top of your game will make each day one to be proud of.

1. Graze on Snacks All Day

In order to keep your blood sugar levels steady and to be sure you are well-energized all day long, opt for small meals or snacks throughout the day rather than waiting until you're famished and then devour a big lunch that will surely make you sleepy.

As per Reader's Digest, "You want a snack that combines protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates (such as whole-grain crackers or raw vegetables)." Be sure to stay well-hydrated throughout the day as well and limit caffeine so you don't rely on that coffee kick to keep you falsely fresh.

Snacking regularly will keep your mind active and your body going strong for hours. It's great for your metabolism and sense of focus. Just be mindful of your portions and calorie count and you'll gravitate towards grazing rather than gorging.

2. Use Lunch Hour for Some Exercise

Since you won't need your lunch hour to eat since you've been noshing on small snacks throughout the day, use your break to get your blood flowing and your body moving. Some companies offer a staff gym, but if yours doesn't have such a perk, get outside for a brisk walk or head for a 45-minute workout at your local gym.

Another idea for being active as suggested by Greatist, "Try a walking meeting. Take that meeting to the streets and discuss what you would in the office outdoors." The fresh air paired with the multi-tasking is a win-win.

If it's too cold outside or you can't get away from the office, Greatist offers some clever ways to "deskercise." 33 workout ideas you can do right in the office. Tone up, get your energy pumping, and make the most of your day.

3. Stretch

Even if you are able to fit in some exercise during the day, it's also important to stretch periodically to improve circulation, perfect your posture, and reel you in from any distractions or dull moments. As per Huffington Post, "Research shows that straightening your posture can help give you an energy boost and even pump up your confidence."

Reader's Digest recommends to, "Roll your shoulders forward, then backward, timing each roll with a deep breath in and out. Repeat for two minutes." Do some stretching any time you feel the threat of a slump ready to strike. You'll be more limber and less lethargic.

4. Schedule Mid-Day Meetings

Get together with co-workers to work on a group project or hold your daily "pow-wow" mid-day. Just at the time when a slump might slip you up, get up and move to a meeting room and get the momentum back into your day by allowing collaboration to crush the nap that's calling your name.

According to Reader's Digest, "We are social animals, and interactions always rev us up. But make sure it's an interesting, interactive activity." Plus, as per Greatist, "A change of scenery may boost productivity."

Not only will you slay the slump, but you'll have a productive afternoon that will keep you on your toes for the remainder of the day.

The mid-day slump can be a thing of the past when you ward it off wisely. Every moment of each day is valuable and staring blankly at your computer screen is no way to get the job done.

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Where to Donate to Support Afghanistan and Haiti

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NBC

Over the past month, both Haiti and Afghanistan have been pummeled by tragic disasters that left devastation in their wake.

In Haiti, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake erupted, leading over to 2,189 deaths and counting. A few hours later, in Afghanistan, Kabul fell to the Taliban just after U.S. troops had pulled out after 20 years of war.

In many ways, these disasters are both chillingly connected to US interference. The United States invaded Haiti in 1915, ostensibly promising to restore order after a presidential assassination but really intending to preserve the route to the Panama Canal and to defend US creditors, among other reasons.

But the US forces soon realized that they were not able to control the country alone, and so formed an army of Haitian enlistees, powered by US air power and intended to quell Haitian insurrection against US controls. Then, in 1934, the US pulled out on its own, disappointed with how slow progress was going. Haiti's institutions were never really able to rebuild themselves, leaving them immensely vulnerable to natural disasters.

Something similar happened in Afghanistan, where the US sent troops and supported an insurgent Afghan army – only to pull out, abandoning the country they left in ruins, with many Afghans supporting the Taliban.

In both cases, defense contractors benefited by far the most from the conflict, making billions in profits while civilians faced fallout and devastation. While the conflicts and circumstances are extremely different and while the US is obviously not solely to blame for either crisis, it's hard not to see the US-based roots of these disasters.

Today, in Haiti and Afghanistan, civilians are facing unimaginable tragedy.

Here are charities offering support in Afghanistan:

1. The International Rescue Committee is looking to raise $10 million to deliver aid directly to Afghanistan

2. CARE is matching donations for an Afghanistan relief fund. They are providing food, shelter, and water to families in need; a donation of $89.50 covers 1 family's emergency needs for a month.

3. Women for Women International is matching donations up to 500,000 for Afghan women, who will be facing unimaginable horrors under Taliban control.


4. AfghanAid offers support for people living in remote regions of Afghanistan.

5. VitalVoices supports female leaders and changemakers and survivors of gender-based violence around the world.

Here are charities offering support in Haiti:

1. Partners in Health has been working with Haiti for a long time, and they work with the Department of Health rather than around them, which is extremely important in a charity.

2. Health Equity International helps run Saint Boniface Hospital, a hospital in Haiti close to the earthquake's epicenter.

3. SOIL is an organization based Haiti, "a local organization with a track record of supporting after natural disasters." They are distributing hygiene kits and provisions on the ground to hospitals and to victims of the earthquake.

4. Hope for Haiti has been working in emergency response in Haiti for three decades, and their team is comprised of people who live and work in Haiti. They focus on supporting children and people in need across Haiti.

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How the Beyoncé and Jay Z Controversy Shows Gen Z's Money Priorities

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When the new Tiffany's campaign was unveiled, reactions were mixed.

Tiffany's, the iconic jewelry brand which does not (despite what some might be misled to believe) in fact serve breakfast, featured Jay Z, Beyoncé, and a rare Basquiat painting in their recent campaign.

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How to Save Money on a Road Trip

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Stacker.com

Road trips can be a lot of fun — but they can also drain your wallet quickly if you aren't careful.

From high gas costs and park admission fares to lodging and the price of eating out every night, the expenses can add up quickly. But at the same time, it's very possible to do road trips cheaply and efficiently. Without the headache of worrying about how much money you're leaking, you can enjoy the open road a whole lot more. Here's how to save money on a road trip.

1. Prepare Your Budget, Route, and Packing List in Advance

If you want to save money on a road trip, be sure you're ready to go. Try to count up all your expenses before you hit the road and create a budget. It's also a good idea to plan your route in advance so you don't end up taking unnecessary, gas-guzzling detours. And finally, be sure to pack in advance so you don't find yourself having to buy tons of things you forgot along the way.

2. Book Cheap Accommodations — Or Try Camping

All those motel rooms can add up surprisingly quick, but camping is often cheap or free, and it's a great way to get intimate with the place you're visiting. You can check the Bureau of Land Management's website for free campsites. Freecampsite.com also provides great information on If you don't have a tent or don't want to camp every night, try booking cheap Airbnbs or booking hotels in advance, making sure to compare prices.

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If you're planning on sleeping in your car, a few tips: WalMart allows all-night parking, as do many 24-hour gyms. (Buying a membership to Planet Fitness or something like it also gives you a great place to stop, shower, and recharge while on the road).

3. Bring Food From Home

Don't go on a road trip expecting to subsist on fast food alone. You'll wind up feeling like shit, and it'll drain your pocketbook stunningly quickly. Instead, be sure to bring food from home. Consider buying a gas stove and a coffee pot for easy on-the-go meals, and make sure you bring substantial snacks to satiate midday or late night cravings so you can avoid getting those late night Mickey D's expeditions.

Try bringing your own cooler, filling it with easy stuff for breakfast and lunch — some bread and peanut butter and jelly will go a long way. Bring your own utensils, plates, and napkins, and avoid buying bottled water by packing some big water jugs and a reusable water bottle. Alternatively, try staying at hotels or Airbnbs with kitchens so you can cook there.

4. Avoid Tolls

Apps like Google Maps and Waze point out toll locations, so be sure to avoid those to save those pennies. (If it takes you too far off route, you might have to bite the bullet and drive across that expensive bridge).

You can also save on parking fees by using sites like Parkopedia.

Road Trip Road TripThe Orange Backpack


5. Save on Gas

Gas can get pricy incredibly fast, so be sure that you're stopping at cheap gas stations. Free apps like GasBuddy help you find the most affordable gas prices in the area. Also, try going the speed limit on the highways — anything faster will burn through your tank. Be sure that you don't wait till you arrive at touristy locations or big cities to fill up.

6. Get a National Park Pass

All those parks can get really expensive really fast. If you're planning on visiting three or more parks, it's a great idea to get an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. For $80 you can get into every National Park for one year.

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