How to Fight 3 O’Clock Depression

You wake up in the morning, grab your cup of coffee, head to work and think to yourself, "I'm going to be productive today, it's going to be a great day."

Noon comes around, you either grab lunch or spend the time to chat on the phone. You feel you still have a good dose of energy since you're up on your feet and letting blood circulate through your veins. Until you sit back down.

Zip ahead: three o'clock comes around and you're waiting to clock-out and be home already. But, once you get home and take off your shoes you feel exhausted.

The comfort of your own home lulls you to sleepy town. You know you have other things to do. You start feeling as if you can't get things done. You wonder what your loved ones are doing and if they're having fun, knowing that if they ask you to come out you'd still say, "No." You scheduled to walk your dog or go for a jog, but you can't seem to put some running shoes on. No matter what you do, you feel you are not up to the task. Except maybe for eating, laying on the couch and watching some good ole TV. You get lazy!

It messes with your mind. You start to worry and overthink. Sometimes, it even angers you for reasons you know you shouldn't be mad about. These are signs of three o'clock depression.

Most people who work around 40+ hours a week tend to feel they can't do anything else once they've come home. If this is you, you may want to read ahead. These things may be common knowledge, but the power is in your action.

Get your mind right.

Sounds simple, but you may not think it is. It's mentally draining to go through eight-hour work days. The trick is to create a mantra - something that you know will keep the fire to your flame. Tell yourself, "If not now, then when?", "I can do this," and "Don't let things build up, you can do this." Whatever the mantra is that you tell yourself, it should be something that will keep your energy and inspiration flowing. Sounds silly, right? Add a little trickle of belief in your mantra, it'll take you far.

"But what if I start to worry too much, the mantra will just turn into mere words?"

Do some mental exercises that will help you get back into positive thinking. Tell yourself, "Is it worth the stress? No. Is it beneficial to me? No. What do I get out of worrying about "what ifs" all the time? More stress, no! Will it matter later? No."

Feelings of negativity are temporary and last as long as you allow it to.

You have the power to change your thoughts and actions. (You may want to stop, take a breath and think about that the next time you're in an argument.)

Don't sit down.

The moment you hit the couch, it's game over. Do something that is not of your natural day-to-day habit. Instead of kicking up your feet grab some iced-water, the cold will perk you right back up. If you need to go for a jog, walk your dog or meet up with some friends, go. Change your clothes and shoes if you need to but keep moving.

Stretch! Make yourself feel limber and ready to go. Stretching those muscles that always work the same way day-to-day need to bust a new move.

Being active, even just a little, can boost endorphins to help you think right and move right.

The more you move, the more your blood will circulate through your body and help you gain momentum.

Have a snack.

Eating too much will make you feel heavy and sleepy. If you have things to do, have a snack of something small and fulfilling. A granola bar, a banana, or an apple can do the trick!

Don't forget to have a good meal at the end of it all.

Overall Willingness

If you really want it, you have to be willing to make it work. It all starts with you. Mantras motivate you. Actions build you. Remember, a little bit goes a long way. If you've started but given up soon after, praise yourself and continue. Never put yourself down. Negative energy is heavy. No one can walk a thousand miles without making that first step. It doesn't end if you don't start.