5 Ways to Stay Awake During the Day

We’ve all been there; we fully intend to lock in a solid 8 hours of sleep every night, but life happens, and that’s not always possible. So you’re at the office, fighting to keep your eyes open with everything you have, and counting down the minutes until it’s time to leave. Most people gravitate to coffee in a scenario like this, and although that’s not the worst thing you can do, caffeine has a number of disadvantages including dehydrating your body and interfering with your sleep. Try these five caffeine-free methods the next time you’re battling heavy eyelids during the day.

1. Pinch yourself

As cliche as this sounds, it actually works. If you’re sitting in a team meeting at work and you just can’t keep yourself from drifting off, give yourself a good hard pinch. By administering a tiny jolt of pain, you’ll surprise yourself and gain some temporary alertness.

2. Daydream

Now, we don’t recommend doing this one during an important meeting, but if you’re doing some mundane tasks and you’re finding yourself drifting off, try getting excited about something. Maybe you have a vacation coming up or an event you’re looking forward to. Whatever it is, think about something that excites you to keep your mind preoccupied.

3. Eat

Try snacking on something light that can last you a long time, like a bag of carrot sticks or some nuts. This will once again keep you preoccupied and will also provide you with some energy.

4. Drink a lot of water

Being even slightly dehydrated can make you feel that much more tired. Drinking water will not only give you something to do and act as a refreshing pick-me-up, but it will also hydrate your body, allowing you to be more alert.

5. Get cold

If you need a quick pick-me-up during the day, try splashing cold water on your face. Or, if it’s a chilly day, go for a quick walk outside. The temperature shock will provide a nice jolt to your system, and you’ll return to your duties feeling quite refreshed.

Whether you’re trying to get things done at home or at the office, daytime dosing can be tricky to combat. Try these five tips to fight the daytime drowsiness and stay awake.

Are you dosing off during the day despite getting a good night’s sleep? This could be why.