The Post-Lunch Slump: A Trainer’s Tale from Dhaka

I moved away from contextual content and returned to the main topic of leadership. The trainees leaned forward and the brain has overcome its initial challenge. I knew I had struck the right balance: a little science, a little humor, and some understanding of human nature—bringing the derailed train back onto track.

The room was quiet after lunch—uncomfortably quiet. I looked around and saw a certain sluggishness settle over my trainees, like a thick fog. Just an hour ago, they had been lively, engrossed in discussions about leadership strategies. Now, most of them were slumped in their chairs, eyes glazed, some absentmindedly tapping their pens on the table.

It was 2:00 PM in Dhaka, and we were all facing the inevitable: postprandial somnolence—the strange sleepiness that follows a big meal.

I wasn’t immune either. The mutton korma, biryani, and syrup-soaked sweets had worked their magic—just not the way we wanted. Our brains had slowed down, and our thoughts had become cloudy. But as a trainer, it was my job to help the team push through this physical condition.

Pulling myself out of my trance, I spoke up. I knew I had to get back to the topic, but first, I had to steer this derailed train back on track.

I could tell they were listening, but I also knew from experience that their collective attention was somewhere else. It wasn’t laziness—it was biology. Heavy food had challenged our bodies, and now, energy was being deployed for digestion.

I shifted from the core training focus and started to introduce some contextual content. I explained to them what was happening inside their bodies and why. They understood how their parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest and energy conservation, had been activated by the heavy meal of fats and carbohydrates. I told them that the blood which should have been fueling their brains was now flowing to the stomach and intestines, focusing all resources on digestion. They smiled when I described how their brains were now like deprived lovers, temporarily denied their usual oxygen and glucose supply, creating that familiar fog of longing.

Shahin, a sharp-eyed young man sitting in the back, raised his hand. “So, sir, you mean to say our brains go on ‘low battery’ after lunch?”

I laughed. “Exactly, Shahin. Your brain has entered power-saving mode. And trust me, if the biryani was extra spicy, it’ll trigger super-saving mode! You’ll probably fall asleep, but whether you’ll dream of your princess in that sleep, I can’t say!”

The group burst into laughter, and I could see their shoulders relax. Most of the slouched bodies had now perked up with a bit of energy.

“Let’s talk some psychology,” I continued. “When your body’s energy goes to digestion, your ability to focus decreases. Research shows that heavy meals can impair short-term memory, reduce focus, and even affect decision-making. So, while you’re drowning in food, your brain is running at half capacity.”

Rina, one of the more lively trainees, asked, “So, we’re not just lazy, we’re literally biologically incapable of focusing?”

I nodded. “Exactly. It’s a tough truth, but an important one. Rina, next time you have a big lunch, keep in mind that your afternoon session will probably feel like a nap. I paused for a moment and quoted a reference from the Quran: 'Eat and drink, but do not be extravagant. Indeed, He does not like the extravagant.' (Quran 7:31).

The wisdom of moderation in food is not just spiritual; it’s practical. The key is balance, and you know what? The very foundation of leadership is rooted in self-control.

The room felt lighter, the energy slowly returning. I moved away from contextual content and returned to the main topic of leadership. The trainees leaned forward and the brain has overcome its initial challenge. I knew I had struck the right balance: a little science, a little humor, and some understanding of human nature—bringing the derailed train back onto track.