Turn on as many lights as you can. If you’re not a position to control the lights, then position yourself as close to a light source as possible. Suck on a mint or chew gum to keep your mouth alert. Sniff peppermint oil to wake up your sense of smell. If you’re in a place where you can listen to music, listen to jazz, hip-hop, rock, anything that makes you feel alert. If your eyes are hurting, take a break and look at a wall or even out a window. Splash cold or warm water on your face. Meditate sitting up for 15 minutes.
Splash your face with cold water. Try to keep your eyes open as you splash water on your face without hurting them. Gently pull down on your earlobes. Pinch yourself on your forearm or under your knees. Put your hands in fists and open them. Repeat ten times. Tap your feet lightly on the floor. Stretch your wrists, arms, and legs. Roll your shoulders. Step outside and fill your lungs with crisp fresh air. Massage your hands.
Take the opportunity to walk whenever you can. If you’re at work, take the long way to get to the break room, or walk across the street to get coffee. If you’re at school, take the long way to your next class, or even take a lap around your cafeteria before you sit down to eat. Take the stairs instead of the elevator when you can. Unless you’re headed to the fiftieth floor, taking the stairs will give you more energy than standing around in the elevator. It will get your heart rate going and will keep you alert. Make time for a ten-minute walk when you can. While you may not be able to exercise right then and there, make a habit of exercising regularly, for at least thirty minutes a day. Daily exercise is proven to improve your energy level and to help you stay alert.
Avoid eating foods that are high in sugar and simple carbs. Don’t eat huge meals. Instead, eat a few measured meals a day, and graze lightly throughout the day when you’re feeling hungry. Avoid eating heavy meals, starchy foods, high-fat meals, and alcohol. All of these will make you more tired and will wear on your digestive system. Don’t skip meals. Even if you’re so tired that the thought of food doesn’t appeal to you one bit, not eating will make you much more fatigued.
Snack on peanut butter and celery or yogurt.
You can also get some caffeine from dark chocolate. Caffeine flavoured sweets can trick your brain into keeping you alert. Avoid energy drinks. Though they will give you a quick fix for waking up, in the long run, they will make you feel tired while also disturbing your ability to sleep, which will make you more tired the next night.
If you’re in class, make an extra point of paying attention. Write down everything your teacher says and even reread it to stay focused. Raise your hand and answer questions. If you’re confused about a certain concept, ask a question. You’ll be unlikely to fall asleep if you’re in the middle of a conversation with your teacher. If you’re at work, talk to a colleague about a work-related task or strike up a conversation about history or politics, or even your family, if you’re on a break. If you’re struggling to stay awake at home, call a friend, write an email, or listen to an engaging radio talk show. Switch tasks. To keep your mind active, try to switch tasks as often as you can. If you’re in school, you can do this by writing with a new pen, using a highlighter, or getting up to get a drink of water. If you’re at work, take a break from typing to make copies or file papers.
Find a comfortable spot. If you’re at home, a couch is ideal, and if you’re at work, recline in your chair. Minimize distractions. Turn off your phone, close your door, and do what you need to do to let others around you know you’re sleeping. When you wake up, take a deep breath, and have a glass of water and some caffeine to feel energized. Take a three-minute walk to get your body going. If you’re having trouble taking a power nap, try using a power-nap app on your smartphone to help you fall asleep.
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to get your body in a healthy routine. [14] X Expert Source Sari Eitches, MBE, MDSleep Specialist Expert Interview. 3 April 2020. Start your day off strong with a great morning routine that will make you alert and ready for the rest of the day. Be responsible. Don’t stay up until three in the morning if you know you have to be up for work or school just a few hours later. [15] X Expert Source Sari Eitches, MBE, MDSleep Specialist Expert Interview. 3 April 2020. If you’re tired because you had to stay up all night to study for an exam, try to set up a studying schedule that will keep you from staying up all night next time. Most people can’t receive information when they are tired. If you are regularly having trouble falling asleep and feel like you’re always struggling to stay awake during the day, then you should see a doctor to see if you have a sleep disorder. [16] X Research source
