10 survival skills to help you stay awake at work when you’re totally exhausted

Brought to you by ProPlus. 

The struggle is real.

We’ve all had those days where we struggle to stay awake at work. Jabbing yourself in the hand with a paper clip may not be a long-term solution but it can get you through the weekly sales meeting. However, there are less painful solutions to this age-old problem and most of which won’t leave you with tiny stab wounds in your hands. Check out these useful tips and you'll never have to wake up on your keyboard again.

Move around

Being at work when you’re exhausted can be a bit like being in the film Speed. Sometimes you need to stay in a state of perpetual motion to avoid going down in flames. Obviously, you’ll need to squeeze a bit of work in but find as many excuses as you can to get up from your desk and get the blood pumping.

Drink more water

It’s surprisingly easy to confuse dehydration with tiredness. Both can leave you fatigued, unable to concentrate and unmotivated. Try drinking water if you’re feeling sluggish and you could be amazed at the restorative powers of this magical liquid.

Get some fuel in

If you’ve had a late night or you’re feeling wrecked from a busy week, it’s important to fill the tank if you want to stay awake at work. Try and grab some breakfast to fuel your body and mind. A mix of protein and carbs will combine a slow-burning release of energy with a quick hit to get you going.

Have some caffeine

Caffeine has been the average worker’s best friend for years now. A cup of coffee or some ProPlus caffeine tablets is a surefire way to stave off sleep and help you to attack your day. Just avoid overdosing on coffee if you are relying on the java express to get you to half five.

Splash your face with cold water

It’s an oldie but a goodie. Splashing your face with cold water can cause a sudden shock to the system that will make you feel more alert. It may not be a permanent solution but it could get you through that four o’clock meeting if your concentration is flagging.

Breathe

Generally speaking, breathing tends to be a good idea. But how you breathe can also make a difference. Charge yourself up with some deep breathing, breathing from the belly to fill your lower lungs and get some oxygen in. Think of it as a new twist on an aerobic workout.

Chew gum

Chewing gum for 15 minutes can actually stimulate muscles in your face and increase blood flow to the head, which makes you feel more alert. Think about how animated Alex Ferguson used to look on the touchline. Was it a coincidence that he always had a mouthful of gum? We think now.

See the light

Your body is more sensitive to natural light than you might think. Give yourself a quick injection of daylight by stepping outside or going over to a window. Your circadian biological clock tells your body when it’s time to be sleepy so a blast of sunlight can give your body clock a much-needed kickstart.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil is a natural way to give yourself a quick shot in the arm if you’re fading during work. Simply take a whiff of peppermint oil to get an instant lift.

Have a chat

If you feel yourself drifting away, talking to one of your colleagues can help to stimulate your brain and keep you engaged. It’s a simple way to hang in when the going gets tough, unless your workmate is as dull as Fr Stone from Fr Ted. In which case, it may have the opposite effect. Pro Plus provides you with a caffeine kick that can relieve the symptoms of fatigue and tiredness, helping you to find your focus. Just two tablets provides 100mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to one cup of strong coffee. Available from pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide. For more information, check out the website. Brought to you by Pro Plus.