How to Stay Awake at Work?

Have you ever been so tired that you almost fell asleep at work? Too often the demands of life and family mean that your sleep suffers. We all have been there. You may have stayed up with a newborn, partied all night, or lost sleep while finishing up a project, but now you can't keep your eyes open at the desk. Some people even get their best sleep while at work. But there's no need to be a sleepy head at work. Here are some very simple and easy tips to keep your sleep away from your work:

1. Get uncomfortable: This may sound strange, but if you are too comfortable you will most definitely fall asleep. Try to sit in a very uncomfortable chair, or in a chair with back upright (forcing you to sit up very straight), and in a very cold room. The cold will make sure that you will not fall asleep. Stretching also keeps you away from dozing off.

2. Smell: Smelling certain scents can make you more alert and attentive. For example, scent of rosemary oil stimulates mental activity and is often used by students during exam times to increase concentration. Scent of peppermint oil boosts your mood and reduces mental fatigue. Even aroma of freshly brewed coffee can make you more alert. Use scented hand lotions or burn scented candles to get benefits of these aromas.

3. Move constantly: Just moving the body gets blood pumping and fights fatigue. Don't call your colleagues on their extension, go ahead and meet them at their desks. Client's Call? Why not take it on the move. You can even schedule your meetings on the move.

4. Listen to music: Experts say that listening to music while you work can help keep you awake and increase your concentration levels. The other way of looking at it is that listening to something that you do not prefer. It keeps you distracted from focusing on the fact that you are sleepy. Of course, make sure your office allows it.

5. Talk a lot: If you are feeling sleepy when at work, it's a good idea to start talking. Talking takes your mind away from the oncoming sleep and also keeps you engrossed. Be it meetings or office gossip, anything can be a point of discussion.

6. Wash your face with cold water: The good old trick of splashing some cold water on your face always works. Doing this will awaken your senses at least enough for you to finish your current task.

7. Power nap: Taking a power nap is also a good idea. It is the best way to get rid of drowsy eyes, and improve your productivity and alertness. However, make sure the nap does not last longer than 15-20 minutes. You can also have a cup of coffee just before you take a nap. Coffee takes a few minutes to go through your system, so it will give you a "kick" at the end of the nap without affecting your nap.

8. Take a break: Whenever possible, take a few moments to take a break from the job. Avoid delaying a break and give yourself a moment to clear your head. During the break time, do some jumping jacks or stretching to get the blood circulating.

9. Coffee time: Most of us know and have used coffee as a way of trying to stay awake. Apart from caffeine drinks, even consuming energy drinks can also help as they also contain a lot of caffeine. But remember to limit the intake of coffee and energy drinks as too much of them can make you jittery.

10. Have a light meal: For most people, after they get a full stomach, they tend to fall asleep. If you want to prevent yourself from feeling drowsy after lunch, it will be a good thing to spread out your calorie intake throughout the day and eat a light meal in the afternoon. Instead of digging in the junk food, bring something from home, like nuts, fruits, or vegetables.

11. Avoid sugary snacks: Sugary snacks will only keep you awake for a short while - about half hour. As the sugar rush wears off, it will be followed by another low that will make you feel more sleepy than ever. Instead a snack of complex carbohydrates and protein - like fruits, nuts, whole grain bread sandwich - will provide a more lasting stream of energy for your body.

12. Get bright sunlight: Sunlight can influence your body clock. So by exposing yourself to sunlight you will get rid of the sleepiness that has been hounding you through the morning. Open the windows and blinders, letting the sunlight stream in and over you, or take a 10 minute walk to soak in the sunshine. You can also occupy a sunny corner of the office, if possible, for the day.

13. Multitask: Doing one thing for a long period of time will make you zone out and fall asleep easier. Do many things simultaneously as it keeps you alert.

Being tired at work really sucks and staying awake at work can be a challenge. But with a few simple tricks, fighting fatigue can be so easy!