After a fulfilling lunch break, it’s easy to fall into habits that can potentially hinder productivity and cause a negative impact on overall well-being.

While it’s essential to take breaks for one’s mental and physical health, it’s important to be mindful of detrimental habits that can follow this downtime.

Here are seven common mistakes that people make after their lunch break and how to avoid them.

1. Napping for Too Long

It’s no secret that taking a nap after lunch can provide health benefits, improving memory, and reducing stress. But napping for too long can lead to grogginess and impede productivity.

Instead: Keep your nap to around 20-30 minutes or stick to a power nap of just 10-15 minutes. This will allow you to reap the benefits of napping without impairing your ability to work or focus later in the day.

2. Indulging in High Sugar Snacks

After a long morning, it’s easy to indulge in snacks like donuts, chocolate bars, and cookies. While they may provide a quick energy boost, these high sugar snacks can cause a crash later on, leaving you feeling sluggish and drained.

Instead: Opt for snacks that contain fiber and protein, such as Greek yogurt or an apple with almond butter. These snacks will provide a more sustained source of energy, keeping you energized and focused throughout the day.

3. Skipping Water

Hydration is essential for overall health and productivity. Dehydration can cause fatigue, brain fog, and irritability, all of which can hinder one’s ability to work effectively.

Instead: Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water throughout the day. Keep a water bottle on your desk and set reminders to drink water every hour to stay hydrated and alert.

4. Staring at a Screen for Too Long

After lunch, it’s easy to dive back into work and become absorbed in your computer screen. However, staring at a screen for an extended period can cause eye strain and fatigue, leading to headaches and decreased productivity.

Instead: Implement the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen for 20 seconds and focus on something 20 feet away. This will allow your eyes to rest and reduce eye strain.

5. Avoiding Movement

Sitting at a desk all day can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk of obesity and other health problems. After lunch, it’s tempting to sit back and relax, but this can cause fatigue and negatively impact productivity.

Instead: Take a short walk after lunch. This can provide a burst of energy and help combat the midday slump. Additionally, consider incorporating stretching or desk exercises throughout the day to stay active and improve overall health.

6. Taking On Too Much/Overcommitting

After lunch, it’s natural to feel recharged and ready to tackle new projects. But taking on too much can lead to burnout and a decreased ability to complete tasks efficiently.

Instead: Prioritize tasks and focus on completing them one at a time. Delegate tasks if necessary, and ensure that deadlines are realistic and achievable.

7. Failing to Plan/Prepare

Without proper preparation, the afternoon can feel unstructured and chaotic, leading to stress and decreased productivity.

Instead: Take a few minutes after lunch to plan out the remainder of the day. Create a to-do list and prioritize tasks accordingly. Preparing for the remainder of the day can help reduce stress and increase productivity.