How To Stay Awake At Work

To stay awake and alert at work, we need to follow proper “sleep hygiene”. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, putting away any screen before going to bed, keeping your bedroom dark and cool are some of the examples of sleep hygiene. But sometimes, even if we try our best, we can’t maintain that level of sleep hygiene. In such cases, you can follow the given tips in this article to stay awake at work.

1. Wash Your Hands, Feet, and Face with cold water

This may sound cliché but this works most times. Splashing freezing cold water on the face and hands may help wake up the body and brain, as the body must then strive to replenish the lost heat. Get rid of your jacket or any other clothing that is keeping you warm and turn the air conditioning on. It can help the body cool down and keep the mind attentive.

2. Begin a Conversation to Awaken Your Mind

Engaging in conversation helps keep your thoughts working again if you’re fading quickly. Talk to a co-worker about a business concept, politics, or religion. It’s a really potent behavioural stimulant, especially when it’s a political conversation.

3. Play Some Music to Lift Your Mood

Humans are emotionally affected by music, which causes our brains to use a variety of functions. Play music that gives you a sense of vigour. If you can, join in the dancing or singing, even if you merely nod or murmur. You could stay awake longer to annoying or upsetting music than to familiar music. Just remember to use headphones and be kind to your co-workers.

4. Chew on ice

It’s nearly hard to fall asleep when chewing ice. Even when you are driving late at night, worn out, and would really want to sleep, the chilly temperature keeps the brain active. Your body senses that you are preparing to eat when you chew anything, even a pencil or pen. You’ll get more awake when your body releases insulin to be ready for eating.

5. Power Nap Awakes and Energises You

It’s no secret that sleep energises us. Even a small amount like for 15-20 minutes can fill you with alertness and required energy. This can be accompanied with any kind of caffeine like tea or coffee. Just drink a cup of tea before you sleep. Caffeine starts its work in about 15-20 minutes, by that time you would have finished your nap. More energetic and awakened, you are ready to take on the work.

6. Take Frequent Breaks from Your Workday

If you’re trying to figure out how to stay alert at work, consider interrupting dull or tedious jobs by working for 25 minutes at a time, then taking a 5-minute break. You’ll be able to work for longer because of the diversity, which may also increase your productivity. During your break, stand up and get some exercise to help you feel better.

7. To Help You Wake Up, Choose Stimulating Smells

Another way of feeling more alert and awaken your senses is having sharp or strong smells around you. Aromas like eucalyptus, peppermint, bergamot, lemon, camphor when inhaled can really help in bringing alertness. Another thing that might wake you up is the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Making additional coffee, even if no one intends to drink it, just to have the aroma in the air could make people feel more awake.

8. Drink Water

Caffeine might offer you a short-term energy boost, but staying hydrated and attentive during your shift with water is considerably better. This is because being dehydrated might make it harder for you to focus on your task.

9. Give Yourself a Massage

By simply massaging specific pressure points on your body, you may give yourself a boost of energy. The back of your neck, between your thumb and index finger, below your knees, and right below the balls of your feet are some crucial locations.

10. Play Some Games.

There are a tonne of interesting websites on the internet where you may find a wide selection of games to play online. Choose a game that appeals to you, whether it be a word game, puzzle, racing game, or anything else. Your mind will be stimulated by playing a game for just 15 to 20 minutes because it is neither difficult nor monotonous. Selecting a game you’re skilled at, will make it more enjoyable.

11. Increase Lighting to Reduce Fatigue

Fatigue is made worse by dimly lit environments. Bright light exposure has been found in studies to promote attentiveness while reducing drowsiness. When you’re at work, try turning up the light.

Final Words

Though these points are helpful, the best way to stay alert is getting enough sleep (7-8 hours) every night.

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How to Stay Awake at Work