When you’re too sleepy to work, it’s almost impossible to get things done. It’s very easy to give in and it feels so right to close your eyes and wander into the field of dreams.
Ever experience feeling so sleepy you almost bump your head on your computer screen? What about almost giving in but the thought of too much work is holding you back?
It almost feels easy to give in. But if there’s a lot of work to do and you have to stay wide awake, you can do some simple hacks to keep sleepiness at bay.
1. Take a nap
Instead of fighting it, go ahead and get some sleep. Nothing beats a power nap when you’re too tired to work. Being sleepy could be your body’s way of telling you to slow down and take some rest. So go ahead, take that well-deserved power nap to recharge your body. You’ll notice it’s easier for you to focus and you will be more energized after that.
2. Switch up your tasks
It could be that you’re bored with your tasks and that’s why you’re sleepy. So switch up your tasks. This way, you’re breaking the ice and it introduces your brain to another stimuli which will help you to stay alert and awake.
Switching up your tasks also gives you a different perspective. Instead of forcing yourself to work on a project that doesn’t resonate with you at the moment, focus your time and energy into something that you feel you are called into. This way, you can work better and stay alert because your brain is cooperating.
3. Get moving
Do some stretches or walk around. Stay away from your computer for a while. If you work from home, it’s nice to get out of your home office and breath some fresh air. Then come back again when you feel rejuvenated. You can also do some stretches. This way, you’re waking up your body and it gets you ready for the tasks ahead.
Sitting all day is not healthy and encourages drowsiness. If you’re not used to physical exercises, small movements or stretches can give you an energy boost.
4. Watch what you eat
There are some foods that help you sleep. Be wary of the times you eat these. Also, don’t overeat during lunch as this tends to make you feel sleepy after lunch. Finish your meal as soon as you feel satisfied. Eating until you’re fully stuffed is not only unhealthy but it induces sleepiness.
5. Toothpaste with peppermint
Brush your teeth with peppermint toothpaste. Peppermint is a natural stimulant which makes you stay alert.
6. Coffee break
Of course, when all else fails, nothing beats good old coffee. Go ahead and indulge in a nice cup of coffee to awaken those senses. Coffee contains caffeine which is also a stimulant. Just be careful how much you drink, though.
7. Meditate
Meditation is not only done to make you feel relaxed. There are meditations that are effective to make you stay awake. When meditating, the best position is to sit upright and make sure your breathing isn’t compromised. If you have no idea how to meditate effectively, you can listen to an audio meditation using earphones.
With these seven tricks to choose from, you can stay away from being sleepy at work. But remember, sleep is one way our body relaxes and rests. Do not deprive yourself from your much needed sleep and rest so that you can wake up feeling energized. Keep your body healthy as this is your greatest asset. Give it some love and treat it well.
Which among the seven is your favorite trick to chase away drowsiness at work?
Featured photo credit: Antranias via pixabay.com
