Need a midday pick-me-up, NOOGA? You’re not alone. According to a recent survey, 71% of desk workers agree that the late afternoon is the worst time for work, with “productivity plummeting between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m.”
Before you reach for a second cup of coffee, opt for one of these quick, easy snacks instead. In honor of National Nutrition Month, here are five brain-boosting snacks to add to your grocery list for your next trip to Main Street Farmers Market or Pruett’s Market.
Main St. Farmers Market is open year-round on Wednesdays so you can snag local, sustainable snacks and more.
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Photo by the NOOGAtoday team
Apples
An apple a day could keep the afternoon slump away. Apples are packed with antioxidants like quercetin, which may protect the brain from damage caused by oxidative stress. Eating apples regularly could improve memory function, and research shows apples also promote gut health, are good for your heart, and more.
Walnuts
Nuts are known as a superfood thanks to their nutrient-rich properties, and walnuts are at the top of the list for brain health. Walnuts are full of omega-3 fatty acids and DHA (known to prevent cognitive decline) and also protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Tuna
Take this as your o-fish-al sign to add more tuna to your diet. If you’re looking for a savory snack, tuna is a great choice. It’s high-protein and packed with omega-3 fatty acids to improve concentration and memory while increasing energy.
Dark chocolate
Now for something sweet. Reach for dark chocolate to sweeten your day and improve cognition, memory, and mood thanks to the flavanols, a plant-based substance which improves blood flow to the brain. (We’ll see you at The Hot Chocolatier.)
Blueberries
We’re rounding out our list with blueberries. Research shows that incorporating blueberries into your diet may help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Pro tip: Use blueberries as a topping for Greek yogurt, which is packed with probiotics and brain-boosting qualities.
Lavender Bliss: Create Your Own Calming Products | Wednesday, March 6 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Ste. 108 | $30 | Delve into the world of lavender and its soothing properties as you craft your very own dream pillow, indulge in a luxurious lavender tub tea, and concoct a soothing lavender sleep balm.
Active
Artful Yoga With Patti Bradley | Sunday, March 17 | 1:30-3 p.m. | Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View Ave. | $5 | Flow into St. Patrick’s Day with an art-inspired yoga practice led by Patti Bradley in the museum galleries — participants must bring their own yoga mat, and all levels of yoga experience are welcome.
Get Moving! Walk | Tuesday, March 5; Every other Tuesday | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Audubon Acres, 900 N. Sanctuary Rd. | Free with park admission | Enjoy fresh air and conversations with other community members during this bi-weekly leisurely forest stroll.
Health
Erlanger Cancer Support Group | Tuesday, March 19 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Erlanger Baroness Hospital - Oncology Conference Room, 975 E. 3rd St. | Free | Those impacted by cancer are invited to share their journey in a safe space + receive helpful education and resources from specialists.
Run
Rump Run | Saturday, March 23 | 8 a.m. | 190 Still Hollow Loop | Registration varies by race | Support colon cancer early detection and the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation by registering for the one mile or 5k at the Screen Your Back Door in 2024 Rump Run.
Community
Erlanger Foundation Believe Bash presented by First Horizon | Saturday, April 13 | Chattanooga Area Convention Center | The eighth annual black tie gala will showcase a theme of Paris: The City of Lights, where guests will enjoy a glamorous evening of celebration while raising essential funds to support the Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
Good health starts with a good night’s sleep. | Photo via Pexels
Getting restful sleep is another way to avoid the midday slump. Here are five helpful sleep habits to incorporate into your nighttime routine to encourage quality sleep:
Create an inviting bedroom environment free of clutter.
Turn down the temperature. Pro tip: Most people sleep best when the room temperature is 60-68 degrees.
Establish a bedtime for yourself that gives you the recommended amount of sleep.
Limit your alcohol and caffeine consumption within a few hours of bedtime.
Exercise to help fatigue your mind and body — but not too close to bedtime.
131 million. That’s how many Americans have difficulty sleeping. This is known as insomnia, a term that encompasses both difficulty falling asleep and difficulty staying asleep. Here are some of the causes of insomnia + how it impacts the body.
Suspect you’re dealing with a sleep disorder? Enter: Erlanger’s Sleep Center. From shift work sleep disorder to narcolepsy, insomnia, sleep apnea, and more, the experts at Erlanger offer testing and treatment. Learn more.
Outdoors
It’s almost time to lace up those hiking boots, NOOGA. Check out these 17 hiking trails catered to all skill levels to start planning your outdoor adventures.
Eat
An apple and walnut salad is the perfect way to combine two of our brain-boosting snacks to make a healthy, delicious lunch. Check out the recipe.
