💭 Cure the midday slump

Thursday 6/26: Sponsored by Everyday Dose - midday slump, functional mushrooms, burnout

Thursday

Welcome to Thursday! Today, we're chatting about:

True or False?

Feeling tired all the time is the only symptom of burnout.

Scroll for the answer!

Struggling With The Midday Slump?

If you’ve ever found yourself fighting to stay awake at 3 p.m., you’re not alone. The midday slump is a common issue and causes a dip in energy levels after lunch. But this dip is not inevitable! There are a few simple strategies you can use to combat it and keep your focus sharp throughout the afternoon.

First, don’t skip breakfast! A balanced breakfast jumpstarts your metabolism and fuels your body for the day ahead. Foods with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide quick energy. Pairing these with protein-rich foods helps keep you full.

When it’s time to snack, aim for mini-meals that provide balanced nutrition. Focus on slow-digesting foods that give your body sustained energy throughout the day.

Hydration is another key factor in keeping your energy levels up. You can also try reaching for some caffeine, but you’ll want to avoid side effects like jitteriness. It may even be worth trying coffees that specifically combat the caffeine jitters.

Lastly, consider taking breaks to move your body. A quick walk or some stretches will get your blood flowing and refresh your focus. Incorporating these habits into your routine can help you stay sharp and energized, even as the afternoon wears on.

How Mushrooms Can Help You Stay Focused and Energized

The secret to not getting distracted? You may be surprised to hear that it’s mushrooms! Functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps are gaining attention for their ability to boost mental clarity, calmness, and energy.

Lion’s mane, for example, is great for supporting focus and memory. It encourages the growth of new brain cells, helping you stay sharp and alert throughout the day. It’s especially helpful when you need to stay focused or get through mentally demanding tasks.

Reishi mushrooms are known for their relaxing effects. They help calm the body by lowering stress levels, making them perfect for unwinding after a busy day or when you’re feeling anxious. Reishi also promotes better sleep.

Cordyceps, on the other hand, give you a natural energy boost. They increase stamina and help you stay energized without the crash that often comes from caffeine.

All this being said, if you're looking for a natural way to feel more balanced and alert, functional mushrooms might be a great addition to your self-care regimen!

This Coffee Stops Midday Drowsiness

Mornings shouldn’t feel like a battle. If your coffee leaves you wired, jittery, or crashing by 2 p.m., you’re not alone—and there’s a better way.

Everyday Dose is coffee that actually helps you feel awake without the crash. It’s 100% Arabica coffee + a powerful functional stack: Lion's Mane for laser focus, Chaga for gut and immune support, collagen for radiant skin and joint mobility, and L-Theanine for calm, crash-free clarity.

For a limited time, we're offering Note to Self readers an exclusive offer: Get 45% off your first subscription order of Coffee+ Mild Roast or Coffee+ Medium Roast and a FREE starter kit valued at over $100!

Your Free Starter Kit includes:

  • Rechargeable Frother

  • Gunmetal Spoon

  • Breathwork app from Othership

  • Wellness Booklet

  • Everyday Dose Sticker

  • Free Shipping

Plus, when you subscribe, you'll get free gifts throughout the year and 20% off all future subscription orders.

Thank you to Everyday Dose for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Is There a Difference Between Stress and Burnout?

It's easy to confuse stress with burnout, especially when you feel overwhelmed. But they’re not the same. Stress is typically caused by feeling overburdened, while burnout is more profound. It’s an emotional and physical exhaustion that leaves you questioning the value of your work.

The key difference lies in how you feel. Stress often leaves you anxious, trying to push through with energy that slowly depletes. Burnout, however, brings a sense of hopelessness and apathy that doesn’t fade with rest. Even the smallest tasks can seem insurmountable, and you might feel disconnected from everything that once motivated you.

To combat burnout, it’s important to first acknowledge it. Ask for help at work, set clear boundaries, and make time for self-care activities that rejuvenate your spirit. Taking a break from responsibilities and reconnecting with what matters most can help restore your sense of purpose.

If you’re feeling disconnected or drained, consider talking to a healthcare professional to get guidance on how to address burnout. Recognizing the difference between stress and burnout is the first step toward regaining balance in your life.

A Note From Us

Want coffee that actually supports your energy and focus? Pick your roast, serving size, and more with Everyday Dose.

Get 45% off your first subscription order of Coffee+ Mild Roast or Coffee+ Medium Roast and a FREE starter kit valued at over $100!

Wellness Round-Up

The Pause

Before you go, take a small pause from your day with this tip brought to you by The Note To Self editors.

Summer Recipe: Watermelon, cucumber, and lime salad. Chop watermelon and cucumber into bite-sized chunks. Add a squeeze of lime, a pinch of salt, and torn mint or basil. Toss gently. Eat cold, ideally outside in the sun.

Parting Thoughts

  • ✅ True or False: False. Burnout can also include emotional numbness, irritability, reduced motivation, and trouble focusing.

  • 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

  • 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Small shifts matter. A quiet morning, a shorter to-do list, or simply saying no can help you start to feel like you again.

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Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!