Ever find yourself staring blankly at your computer screen around 2:00 in the afternoon, wondering if another cup of coffee will help—or just make you jittery and tired? You’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not alone.

According to a recent study by Talker Research, the average American hits their absolute lowest energy point at exactly 2:06 P.M. That’s right—there’s an actual time when we collectively feel like we’re running on fumes, and it’s smack in the middle of the workday.

We’re All Running on Empty

The study revealed some pretty eye-opening statistics about our daily energy struggles. The average person wishes they had twice their current energy levels. Let that sink in for a moment—we’re all operating at what feels like half-capacity most days.

And the impact goes way beyond just feeling tired. When researchers asked what people would do with more energy:

• 74% believe they’d actually be earning more money if they had higher energy levels
• 44% blame their lack of energy for not exercising as much as they’d like
• 31% say low energy keeps them from outdoor activities with their families
• 18% would prioritize spending more time with friends and family

As working moms, that last stat hits particularly hard, doesn’t it? How many times have your kids asked to go to the park after school, and you’ve had to muster every ounce of willpower just to say yes—when all you really want is to collapse on the couch?

When We Need Energy Most

Here’s where it gets interesting: If people could choose just one day to have an energy boost, here’s how they’d pick:

• 24% would choose Mondays—because starting the week strong matters
• 22% would pick Fridays—to actually enjoy those after-work plans instead of canceling them
• 22% would want it on Saturdays—to make the most of precious family time

The fact that people are split between wanting energy for work days and wanting it for their days off really shows the catch-22 we’re all living in. We need energy to get through work, but we also desperately want energy left over for the people and activities we actually care about.

Why Does the 2:06 P.M. Slump Happen?

While the Talker Research study identifies when our energy crashes, science tells us why. According to research from the National Institutes of Health, our bodies naturally experience a dip in core body temperature in the early afternoon, which triggers drowsiness. It’s literally built into our circadian rhythm.

Add to that the post-lunch blood sugar drop (especially if you grabbed something carb-heavy), and you’ve got a perfect storm of fatigue right when you’re supposed to be powering through the second half of your workday—or picking up kids from school and shuttling them to activities.

Fighting Back Against the Afternoon Crash

So what can busy working moms actually do about the 2:06 P.M. slump? Here are some realistic strategies:

Move your body. Even a 10-minute walk can boost energy levels. If you’re working from home, this might be as simple as a lap around the block. Office-bound? Try the stairs or a quick walk to refill your water bottle at the farthest water cooler.

Strategic snacking matters. Instead of reaching for that vending machine candy bar, try pairing protein with complex carbs—think apple slices with peanut butter or a handful of nuts with some berries.

Reconsider that afternoon coffee. While caffeine can help, drinking it too late can mess with your sleep, creating a vicious cycle. If you do need that pick-me-up, try to keep it before 3 P.M.

Get some sunlight. Natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm and can provide a natural energy boost. Even just standing by a window for a few minutes can help.

Don’t skip lunch. We know you’re busy, but scarfing down something while answering emails or skipping lunch entirely sets you up for an even worse energy crash later.

The Bigger Picture

What really stands out about this research is how much our energy—or lack thereof—impacts every area of our lives. When you’re exhausted, everything suffers: your work performance, your patience with your kids, your ability to take care of yourself, and your capacity to enjoy the life you’re working so hard to build.

The good news? Just knowing that 2:06 P.M. is peak slump time means you can plan around it. Maybe that’s when you tackle the easier tasks on your to-do list. Maybe it’s when you schedule your kids’ quiet time. Or maybe—just maybe—it’s when you give yourself permission to take a real break instead of pushing through.

Because here’s the truth: You don’t need to be superhuman. You just need to work with your body’s natural rhythms instead of constantly fighting against them.

What’s your daily energy low point? Do you experience the 2:06 P.M. slump, or does your crash hit at a different time? Share your experiences and energy-boosting tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear what works for you!

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Listen to The Zach Attack Show weekday afternoons from 2-7 PM on Froggy 102.7 for more conversations about real life—including how we’re all just trying to make it through the day with our sanity (and energy levels) intact.