How to Stay Awake Without the Jitters

Quality sleep is a luxury nowadays and lucky is the person who can get some. Our modern lifestyle have taken a toll on our body's ability to take complete rest and sleep. Because of this, many of us feel sluggish during the day, especially at work. It is so hard to keep focused on tasks ahead and more often, we tend to grab a bottle of our favorite energy drink or an espresso to give us that java jolt. This then leads to a vicious, unhealthy cycle.

How Do You Stay Awake Naturally?

When our society runs 24 by 7 and normal sleep cycles are disrupted, it is time to look for natural ways to stay awake and make the most out of the day by:

1. Taking a Brisk Walk

Just move around and take a quick walk, even for 10 minutes to pump oxygen to your blood. This can also help you stay energized for the next two hours. Don't just sit down all the time and get yourself walking during office breaks.

2. Love Power Naps

When you feel that the whole world is literally spinning around you, you need to take a pause by taking a power nap. You can do this up to 30 minutes. If you do it at work, make sure you do it at break time. If you can't do this, just close your eyes and give it a rest for ten minutes.

3. Avoid Eyestrain

Don't stare too much in your pc and make sure your monitors are covered with anti-glare screens. You can rub your palms and placed it over your closed eyes to soothe tiredness.

4. Eat Healthy

Try to eat light and smaller portions of your healthy fruits and veggies instead of feasting on sugary treats. Try switching your doughnut with an apple, or enjoy celery sticks than a bag of potato chips.

5. Engage Your Mind

Try anything that will challenge your mind to think. Perhaps, you can have a meaningful discussion with your colleagues about a new idea or you may try challenging yourself to word games.

6. Brighten Up

Use white lights instead of dim, incandescent lights. Fluorescent lighting can help keep you awake and is widely used in production lines in the manufacturing industry.

7. Take a Deep Breath

Taking a deep breath increases blood oxygen levels in your body, boosting your performance and energy levels as well. You can try breathing through your mouth and exhaling through your nose, and vice-versa.

8. Having Common Sense

Don't ever drink and drive at the same time. If you feel sleepy behind the wheels, you can always pull over and take a nap. You can also chew a spearmint gum to keep you awake, or just tune in to your favorite song and sing along the beat.

9. Avoid Boredom

Repetitive tasks can make you feel sleepy, so try switching it during the day.

10. Hydrate

Nothing can keep you feeling more tired and sleepy than getting dehydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water each day and that you eat foods high in water content.

11. Bask in the Sun

If you work graveyard shifts, you need to get at least 30 minutes of natural sunlight to help balance your sleep-wake cycle.

12. Exercise

Keep that oxygen pumping by doing regular exercises that can boost your body's energy, helping you combat fatigue and stress.

13. Binaural Beats

Appreciate the science behind binaural music, which can help you feel fully rested at nights and totally energized during the day.

If you find yourself too sleepy or if you have difficulty staying awake for more than a week, consult your sleep doctor. You may have a sleep disorder. Still, nothing beats healthy choices and habits that will keep you alert and worry-free. Focus!