It’s two o’clock in the afternoon and you’ve still got hours until the workday is done. You check the clock again and only five minutes have gone by but it feels like hours. You feel tired, sleepy, and the only thing that’s keeping your eyes open is sheer will power.

Sometimes the hardest thing to do at work is to keep yourself awake.

Everyone has had workdays like these because no matter how interesting your job is, there are always times when the sleepiness is just too much to handle.

The main fix of every professional when they’re feeling a bit sluggish is a good, old-fashioned caffeine boost. But there are days when even the cure-all cure cup o’ joe just isn’t cutting it.

So, what do you when the coffee has ceased becoming an option? You try one of these awesome tips and tricks to staying awake at work.

1.      Exercising gives you more energy

Yes, it’s true! Incorporating exercise into your work routine can make you more productive. It helps get your blood pumping which helps you feel more active and refreshed.

Simple things like going for a quick walk or jog during your lunch break can give you that energy boost you need to be up and alert the rest of the day.

If you don’t want to break a sweat during work hours, do some stretches during your spare time to keep your blood flowing.

Stuck at a desk all day? You can do stretches in your seat. Neck and shoulders rolls, heel lifts, and massaging your calves can help your blood circulation. Even with these sit-down stretches, it’s still best to get up and move around every 20 to 30 minutes.

2.      Be more social

When you’re feeling sleepy, talking to someone is a good thing. Being chatty combats sluggishness and perks you right up. It also keeps your brain active and refreshed.

Socializing also makes for a better workplace environment. A good mood is contagious. If everyone is having a nice time at the office, then work becomes more fun and motivates you.

3.      Stay hydrated

Drinking water has many health benefits which include improving energy levels and optimizing brain function. Staying hydrated keeps you alert and helps you focus.

Instead of drinking more coffee to keep you awake, hydrating with water is a better long term solution.

Pro tip: Keep ice-cold water in your tumbler or reusable bottle for the best energy boost.

4.      Snack up!

Midday snacks are a fantastic way to boost your energy levels, but be smart about what type of food you’re going to snack on.

Fruits and nuts are the best for an afternoon pick-me-up because they’re filled with nutrients, protein, and natural sugars. Apples or bananas with peanut butter are sure to give you a much-needed boost during the mid-afternoon slump.

Avoid junk food and soft drinks because their sugar content won’t give you the right kind of boost. You might even feel more lethargic after the initial sugar rush.

5.      Don’t eat a heavy lunch

Speaking of food, what you eat for lunch can greatly affect your mood and productivity for the rest of the day. For some people, eating a heavy meal induces the kind of drowsiness associated with a food coma. Research suggests that rich food triggers a neural response in the small intestine, a response that tells the body to slow down as it focuses on digesting your meal.  Opt for smaller meals spread throughout the day, or go for lighter lunches with more fiber like veg, brown rice, and fruit.

Don’t be a slave to your desk and screen. A change of scenery during your lunch break will do you some good. Have lunch outdoors or try someplace new. Leaving your desk even for just a few minutes will get you out of work mode and help you relax.

6.      Get your daily dose of Vitamin D

Lighting affects your mood more than you think. If your workspace is dark and dreary, then you’re not going to feel motivated to work. Taking your break outside and getting some sunlight will do wonders for your energy and mood.

Getting your daily dose of Vitamin D can also help you sleep better at night, which can make you feel more energized in the morning. You should also work in bright and well-lit places to elevate your spirit.

7. Sit up straight

When you’re sitting at your desk all day, you might not notice how you’re slumping over. Maybe your shoulders are hunched or you’re leaning back on your chair too much. These small details could negatively affect your energy levels. By simply sitting up straight, you’re improving your posture and breaking out of the workday slump.

8.      Plan your day

Last but not least, a simple and effective way of avoiding that afternoon slump is by planning. Break down your day into tasks that are more manageable and easier to accomplish.

Completing different goals motivates you to power through the workday. There’s nothing more encouraging than the sense of accomplishment you feel after completing a task.

Pro tip: Avoid being a clock-watcher.  If you keep tapping your phone to check on the time, you’re only going to feel restless.

Bonus: Some preventive measures to keep you awake at work all-day

• Eat a good breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day for a reason. Skipping breakfast could set a bad precedent for the rest of the day.

Make sure your first meal is balanced and nutritious with carbohydrates, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Cereal and coffee don’t count as a well-balanced meal, sorry.

• Stay awake during your commute. It’s tempting to nod off during the ride to work especially with Manila’s slow-crawling traffic, but keep those eyes open! Napping when you’re on the way to work will leave you feeling groggier and more lethargic when you finally get to the office.

• Change your workspace. Still having trouble staying awake even after all these neat hacks? The good news is your drowsiness might have nothing to do with your habits. Your work environment may have something to do with why you’re feeling listless.

If you have the luxury of switching desks or workspaces, choose a place in the office where it’s brighter, quieter (or more social, depending on your work style), and with more natural light. Or, look for a coworking space with better perks.

Get your creative juices flowing and boost your productivity in one of LOFT’s flexible coworking spaces! Our officers were designed with independent professionals, digital nomads, and solopreneurs in mind.

Book a tour of our coworking spaces today! Reach out to [email protected]. We’d love to work with you.