Knowing the best way to stay energized is super helpful when you’re working a long shift and need to stay awake and alert. Especially because it can be a struggle if you were up late attending to other matters. If you’re like many people, you refuel with an energy drink or a cup of coffee, but these quick fixes are just a temporary solution.

Eating a healthy lunch is the absolute best way to keep moving ahead at full steam for the duration of your shift. As a busy person, it can be tempting to grab some fast food, a snack from the vending machine or skip lunch altogether, but this will cause you to crash and burn.

What’s the Best Way to Stay Energized During Your Shift?

Find deliciously healthy recipes

Lunchtime is something to look forward to all morning, so you want something you’re actually excited to eat waiting in the breakroom. Many healthy options are less-than-appetizing, making it hard to follow a better diet, so choose your menu wisely.

Pinterest is filled with easy, healthy recipes that will make your mouth water, so browse the site for inspiration. You won’t be tempted to leave your lunch in the refrigerator and head out for a burger when the food tastes as good as it is for your body.

Prepare lunch ahead of time

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t have a lot of spare time in the morning. If you leave lunch prep until you’re rushing out the door, there’s a good chance you’ll opt out.

Avoid this by making lunch at night, so all you have to do is grab it from the kitchen and go. When possible, make lunch for the entire week at once, so you don’t have to think about it during your hectic workweek.

Monitor the impact

Developing healthy habits can be a challenge, but it’s much easier to stick with it when you’re able to see results in action. The day before you start packing a healthy lunch, take note of when your afternoon slump hits and how long it lasts. Do the same one week later and you’ll likely realize it’s nonexistent.

Watch your level of productivity soar when you don’t spend much of the afternoon tired and sluggish. Seeing real changes is the best way to stay energized and maintain that energy. Before long, you’ll be inspiring your co-workers to change their lunchtime habits as well.

If you need the best way to stay energized during your shift, feel free to use these easy-to-implement tips. Don’t forget that small changes can make a huge difference in the long run.