Sometimes even your favorite job could get monotonous and boring. It gets unbelievably hard to keep your eyes open and not yawn constantly while it work. Especially if it’s a night shift, things get much more complicated. Usually not getting enough sleep is the reason of being sleepy at work. However, sometimes even perfect sleep does not help when the work is too boring for the day. At such times to stay awake at work becomes another task of the day. Nevertheless, following are some simple and doable ways to avoid being sleepy during work hours.
Exercise before work
Try to squeeze in a workout session or a short walk before your shift. Exercise increases the oxygen flow in the body and makes it active. Doing it at the start of the day will help you to stay fresh throughout. It is an excellent way to stay fit as well.
Stay hydrated
Sometimes dehydration is also a major cause of dizziness and sleepiness. Make sure you drink enough water throughout the day so that the electrolytes are balanced. Low electrolytes cause weakness which in turn makes a person sleepy.
Stretch throughout the shift
Stretching is extremely important for the body. It is not just to stay awake at work but also a basic tip to keep your body healthy. Stretching after every 15-20 minutes while you are working will make you feel fresh. When the muscles are stretched, all the stress releases out. When there is no stress in the body, you will not feel tired as easily. Therefore, make it a habit to stretch after every few minutes to keep your body active.
Take regular breaks
Just like regular stretches, regular breaks in between work is also important. Even a small 5 minutes break makes a whole lot of difference on your productivity. To stay awake at work throughout the shift time, it is important that you take a small break after every two hours or so. You can simply get up to go have water or to the washroom. If the work environment allows, you can also head out towards the cafeteria just for a few minutes. It will help you to have a change of scenery, environment and will relax your mind from constantly working. Some people would think it will make the working hours longer and will be a waste of time. However, that is not the case and would rather speed up your work. The productivity increases when the mind and body is fresh.
Have a consistent sleep schedule
Apart from having 8-9 hours of sleep everyday, it is important to have a consistent sleep schedule as well. Try to sleep at the same time everyday, Eventually you will wake up at the same time as well. A consistent sleeping pattern helps the mind setup the body clock. The chances of feeling sleepy at any other time would be less likely.
Get some caffeine
The good old caffeine to the rescue! Try to have some caffeine when it gets unbearable. However, remember not to overdose on it because then the body gets too used to the caffeine supply and does not work normally without it.
Listen to music
Listen to some happening music while working to avoid feeling sleepy. It is important that you’re listening to some fun and loud kind of music to stay awake at work. Slow and subtle music will just make you more sleepy and it would be useless.
Engage in conversations
Engage in conversations with your colleagues. According to a research, people who engage in conversation with the colleagues are more active and productive at work. It is a wrong perception that talking at workplace reduces productivity. Of course, one needs to be responsible and mindful of not causing disturbance or not finishing the given tasks. But, not talking to anyone the whole day will just slow down the brain and cuts down the productivity level.
Physical exercise while working
If nothing is helping, try to do a little bit of exercise to forcefully open your eyes and stay awake at work. It could be some pushups against the wall, squats or even light jumping. If there’s no other place, do that in the washroom!
Healthy snacking
Keep some healthy snacks with you to recharge. Body needs fuel and food is the fuel to it. Snacking will recharge your body and can tackle sleepiness easily.
Light up the workspace
Last but not least, make your work station bright and fun. Add lights and other decorative stuff to make it interesting and engaging. A stress ball can also help you to feel good and is a good accessory for workstation.
