The truth behind that mid-afternoon crash and how Toronto workers can beat it

We all know the feeling: 3 p.m. hits in Toronto, and suddenly your energy and motivation disappear. Call it the mid-afternoon crash — when it comes to staying energized all day, the struggle is very real.

From coast to coast, Canadians are hitting a wall, with a recent study revealing that 94 per cent of employed Canadians experience an afternoon slump.

Science behind the slump

Bad news: it gets even worse when you look at high-focus professions like tech, education, service, and healthcare, which are reported to experience more frequent crashes. Age is a factor, too — younger Canucks (Gen Z and millennials) are actually more likely to experience daily dips.

So how do Canadians deal with it? Well, according to the Factor 3PM Crash study, employed Canadians most commonly have a caffeinated drink (29 per cent) or push through it (23 per cent) to get past the afternoon slump. Others say they take a break or walk (18 per cent), reach for a snack (17 per cent), or take a power nap (11 per cent).

So what’s the deal? The science behind that feeling — fatigue, cravings, brain fog, irritability, and difficulty concentrating — is actually fairly straightforward, though it’s often misunderstood.

Besides long workdays, the study found that under-fuelling, meal-skipping, carb-heavy lunches with little to no protein, and irregular eating patterns can all contribute to low blood sugar drops during the peak mid-afternoon.

Proper nutrition for a full day of energy

With the New Year in full swing, now is the time of year when the crash is even more noticeable, as we adjust to new routines and more structure. So what’s a worker to do?

Answer: Focus on better nutrition.

Proper nutrition is a key element to beating that crash, helping to make it a preventable event. Fuelling up earlier in the day means stabilized energy and sharpened performance.

According to the study, 82 per cent noticed a difference in energy levels based on food, while only 22 per cent said they eat lunch with afternoon energy in mind.

This is where Factor comes in. Factor is a subscription-based meal delivery service that delivers chef-prepared, ready-made meals to you. Meals are full of balanced nutrition to support stable blood sugar and provide long-lasting energy.

Think high-quality ingredients without refined sugar or fillers — Factor is all about using nutrients to bring in a daily advantage, instead of a daily struggle.

Factor defeats the 3 p.m. crash

To combat the city’s under-fuelled epidemic and save busy workers from low energy, Factor will be deployed at THE PATH, Commerce Court, to intercept Toronto workers with ready-to-eat, chef-prepared meals designed to support sustained energy and focus.

On Feb. 25 and 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., workers just need to look for the illuminated LED activation and choose one of the three nutritious Factor meals for free, and a branded cooler bag.

A registered dietician will also be on-site, available to chat about ingredients, nutrition, and how balanced meals are key in staying ahead of the 3 p.m. crash.

Workers can pick from protein- and fibre-packed meals like Beurre Monte Chicken with Roasted Potatoes and Honey Garlic Carrots, Babette Steak Mac & Cheese with Roasted Green Beans and Carrot Coins, or Coconut Lime Curried Tofu with Lentil Rice, Spicy Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli.

A free lunch full of heavy-hitting ingredients that will keep you sharp and focused? Talk about a win-win situation.

Skip that dreaded 3 p.m. crash and visit the Factor activation on Feb. 25 and 26. For more information on these nutritious and delicious meals, visit the Factor website.