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Life is stressful, and work even more so. Even as our jobs are increasingly automated and outsourced, our brains are having a tough time tuning in.
Workers today are finding it more and more difficult staying away at work. Whether it’s sleep deprivation or boredom, many people are seeking aids through coffee, soda, and prescription drugs.
While these can offer a quick fix, you may want to seek out a more natural solution. In this article, we will be going over the best remedies that will benefit your body, while keeping you awake and alert.
Sight
1. Give your eyes a break.
When you feel you’re about to doze off, practice eye workouts by rolling your eyes back and forth.
Feel free to shut them or widen them to help prevent eye fatigue, which can cause serious damage to your sight. Sound crazy? Eye workouts are a real thing, and can help combat eye strain and fatigue.
During your work shift, remember to get up occasionally and do these eye workouts to help battle sleepiness.
2. Increase your light exposure.
Believe it or not, your body responds better to light. When your body is exposed to sunlight, your cells synthesize vitamin D, so find a workplace near an open window to stay alert.
Your body’s internal rhythm is regulated by the amount of light you receive. The greater your exposure, the more alert you will feel.
So, open your shades and windows and get the sunlight you need. Also, be sure to turn off any artificial lighting since that isn’t a shortcut to getting your necessary light exposure.
3. Observe your surroundings.
Although you should be focusing on work, focusing on your environments, such as surrounding people and objects, can help keep you alert.
Take note of the windows that you can see outside with, as well as the colours and shapes of the room you are in.
This visual stimulation will help keep your body more alert and prevent slumping back to sleep.
Taste
4. Eat a hearty breakfast.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. To get your morning off to a good start, work on filling up on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and healthy fats.
Forget about consuming greasy sausages or simple carbs like bread and waffles, which can leave you drowsy throughout your entire day.
5. Consume energy-packed food.
If you find yourself eating nachos and Doritos at work, it may be time to switch to something a little healthier.
Consuming food like fruits and nuts can leave you energized and alert for your entire workday. Plus, they aren’t so full of calories that you’ll be packing on pounds behind your desk.
6. Drink water.
Really, it’s as simple as that. Not only is drinking at least eight cups of water a day mandatory to leading a healthy life, but it’s also important for preventing you from slipping into sleep mode at work.
(I prefer to drink at least 6 liters a day.)
Plus, don’t forget that you can easily dehydrate from work that can leave you feeling sluggish.
Hearing
7. Listen to the right kind of music.
Now, I’m not talking about soothing classical music that will help you drift asleep. Try listening to jazz and or hip hop to keep you awake and alert.
However, classical music is great brain food, as the lack of lyrics is less distracting and the complex patterns stimulate your mind.8. Be social.
Instead of trying to talk yourself out of fatigue, talk to your fellow coworkers. Talk about work drama, current news, or topics that excite you.
You should also work on listening to work conversations to and from another colleagues to keep your brain active.
Touch
9. Get up, move, and stretch.
If you find yourself sitting in a chair all day at work, take mini breaks throughout the day to walk a lap around the office or up and down the stairs to your work.
You can even do simple exercises such as moving your feet under your desk and periodically stretching to help combat any brain fatigue you may be feeling.
Yes, you’re going to get some weird looks. But your coworkers may catch on and join you!
10. Get a massage.
Applying specific amounts of pressure to different parts of your body can help improve your alertness and prevent you from feeling tired throughout the day.
This is definitely one of the most off-the-wall ways to beat workplace fatigue (and my personal favourite), but it’s quite the story to tell your friends about.
It’s no wonder that modern, progressive workplaces are starting to include massage parlours as an employee perk (no joke).
11. Splash some cold water on your face.
It doesn’t matter when or where you do it, but pouring cold water on your face will help regulate your body’s internal temperature and boost your adrenaline, to help keep you on high-alert.
Plus, it’s a great way to snap yourself out of feeling sleepy while at work.
Smell
12. Don’t stop smelling!
In recent studies, aromatherapists have recorded that types of essential oils can help boost your overall awareness.
For example, eucalyptus is used to increase oxygen and cedarwood can be used to help increase your brain function.
However, if you’re all out of essential oils, you can always use scented candles or perfumes to receive nearly the same results.
Closing thoughts
Feeling tired at work is one of the unhealthiest workplace conditions.
This is mainly because it can lead to an overconsumption of caffeine and prescription drugs that can dangerously impact your life. Leave the harsh meds like Xanax and Adderall at home, and try a more natural alternative.
Then, incorporate some of these helpful tips to help fight against workplace fatigue and drowsiness. And of course, the best way to feel happy and awake during the day is to get a good night’s sleep the night before!
http://www.collective-evolution.com/2017/06/10/how-to-stay-fully-engaged-at-work-without-caffeine-and-stimulants/
