Staying Awake in the Office

Even though you slept 10 hours the night before, you still feel your head bobbing or your leg doing that crazy twitch as you slip into unconsciousness. It seems inevitable that at one point during the work day you are desperately fighting to stay awake. What causes this sudden narcolepsy and how do I combat it?

There are a number of reasons why staying awake at work can be difficult: bad night of sleep the night before, you ate a carb filled breakfast, drank an energy drink, are bored out of your mind, or maybe your even hungover, whatever the case may be, you can’t afford to slack off. So how can you fight off this sleep you so desperately want?

Eat a Healthy Breakfast

If you wake up each morning and eat a big bagel or donuts, you are already setting yourself up for failure. Carbs can be loaded with sugars that may give you an initial sugar high, but as soon as it wears off, its sleep city. Try eating eggs or fruit for breakfast; it can give you a boost of energy that doesn’t make you tired.

Work Out Before Work

Though working out before work isn’t for all of us, it can make a difference in your overall energy levels throughout the day. Getting a small workout in before you start your work day can get your juices flowing right from the start and carry over into your workday. Not to mention you could get buff.

Power Nap

Try taking a quick power nap, 10 to 15 minutes, on your lunch break. A power nap can help trick your body into thinking it is fully rested, thus boosting your energy level.

Avoid Sugary Drinks

REDBULL GIVES YOU WINGS! Well, maybe not. Energy drinks might seem like a good idea but all they do is give you an initial energy rush that wears off in no time. Before you know it you are coming down from the sugar rush and no longer have wings, or motivation for that matter.

Listen to Music

If your work permits it, try listening to music. Music can help energize your mind and fight off boredom. Listen to techno for maximum output.

Go Outside

Take a stroll outside and soak in some sun. Breathe in the fresh air and walk around. Something as simple as getting some rays on your break can go a long way (and let you know you’re still alive).

I understand that sometimes it’s nearly impossible to fight off the mid-day yawns, but if you follow some of these steps you just might be able to combat dozing off.

What techniques do you use to stay awake in the office?