YOUR spirit is so determined to get to your goals for the day. But your yawns are starting to infect the whole office!
Why is your brain not cooperating? Why does it seem like you left your logical thinking still cuddled under the blanket of your warm, cozy bed? You're so tempted to follow that Tom and Jerry cartoons and just raise your eyelids with a toothpick so you can keep your eyes open at work!
It's perfectly normal to feel drowsy especially when you're in a deskwork most of the time. It's understandable that the ungodly hours after lunch can slump even the most determined person.
But we have assignments to do and deadlines to finish. And that 3rd cup of coffee is now giving you palpitations and hyperacidity!
How then can we fight off sleepiness naturally?
Barring the existence of all-nighter sessions or exhaustion due to sleep problem diagnosis, Samantha Rideout of Reader's Digest Canada shares these helpful tips:
1. Play Music -- This brain hack works best if you opt for something cheery, with a beat that's strong and fast but not exhausting (100 to 130 beats per minute).
2. Go Outside or Place Yourself Near a Bright Light -- Your body takes its sleep-wake cues from light. If it's not high noon on a sunny day, fool your system into thinking it is.
3. Drink Water -- Dehydration increases sleepiness. Keeping yourself hydrated can help to curb fatigue.
4. Exercise -- Aerobic activity pumps oxygen through your system and releases hormones that give you energy.
5. Stimulate Your Mind -- Boredom promotes fatigue. Start a conversation or read an article about a topic that interests you.
It may also help not to consume too much carbohydrates during lunch as according to some studies, carbo loading can cause drowsiness especially when you're not doing much physical activity. Opt for some protein instead or take small meals spread throughout the day.
A short power nap has also proven to be effective to some. Just make sure you're not like me who gets headaches with short, interrupted sleep (either give me at least an hour of sleep or none at all!).
Drowsiness is part of everyday working life. We give our best effort to fight it as we show ourselves and others that despite this, we can prevail and deliver. Now on to kicking off that 3rd cup of coffee habit!