Most people have a day when they are too tired to concentrate at work. Whether you have been burning the candle at both ends, suffer from insomnia, or have been too busy at work, your boss is unlikely to be sympathetic with your excuse. You know you will have to make it to the end of the day without falling asleep at your desk and landing yourself in hot water. Here are some tips on how to stay awake at work when you are tired.
Drink Coffee
If your company has one of those commercial coffee machines for offices, then you are in luck. Coffee is a great stimulant and drinking it regularly throughout the day will help you to stay awake. It works by blocking out sleep-inducing chemicals and increasing adrenaline production, but it does not replace sleep. An early night or two may be in order.
Eat Fruit
A lot of people reach for chocolate and sugary food when they feel tired. This works for a while as it gives you a sugar rush but the crash that follows will make you feel even more tired. Instead of sugar, you should eat fruit to help wake you up. This will release the sugars more slowly into your body and it will give you more energy for longer.
Turn Up the Air Conditioning
If you can manage to turn up the air conditioning without starting an all-out war with your colleagues, then do so. The cooler air will keep you more alert and help you concentrate when you are tired. If you have windows that open in your office, then sitting next to an open window will have much the same effect on your energy.
Run Up the Stairs
Getting some exercise is a good way to give you energy and get you through the day. Offer to go on some errands or run up and down the stairs a few times rather than using the elevator. This will get your blood pumping, your heart rate up, and increase your energy.
Breathe Deeply
Taking some deep breaths will get more oxygen into your lungs and help to stop you from yawning. This in turn will make you feel less tired. It will have a calming effect on you as well as waking up your mind.
Go Out for Some Fresh Air
The fresher the air you can get when you are feeling tired, the better. Make sure you take your lunch break and use it to sit in the park or find a bench to have your sandwiches on. Depending on the location of your office, you could always use your lunch break to catch up on some sleep. However, do make sure you set the alarm on your phone to avoid sleeping through the whole afternoon.
Tackle The Cause
This may not help you get through the day but tackling the cause of your tiredness could help you out in the future. If your tiredness is self-inflicted, it may be a good idea not to go out partying or staying up playing your Xbox on a weeknight and a couple of early nights should make you feel better.
If you are suffering from insomnia, think about why you can’t sleep and prepare for an early night by clearing your mind and having a warm bath before you go to bed. A warm drink could also help.
These are six great ways to help you stay awake at work when you are tired. Remember, you only need to make it through to the end of the working day and you can go back to bed.