By Valencia • 6 Comments
Missing out on a good night's sleep can completely throw off your day. You might wake up groggy and irritable, and struggle to keep your mind on your work. It's not the best way to start your day, but there are ways to stay productive when you didn't get a full eight hours of sleep.
Some people reach for coffee the moment they open their eyes. If you're not a coffee drinker, starting your day off with a cup of Joe might be the energy boost you need. Caffeine is in other drinks like soda. But coffee might be a better alternative since you're able to control the amount of sugar in each cup.
If you have a long day ahead of you, stay active and move around as much as possible. The more you sit, the more you'll want to go to sleep. If you have an office, pace the room while answering phone calls. If your job involves sitting most of the day, rise from your desk for a couple minutes every two hours and take a walk.
If you didn't sleep well the night before and you're having difficulty staying productive, you need as much energy as possible. Start your day off with a healthy breakfast and don't skip lunch. Also, pack healthy snacks to avoid the 2 PM slump, such as fruit, nuts or crackers.
If you can control the brightness in your office, turn on an extra lamp or open the blinds to allow more sunlight in. The extra light will keep you alert, and the more alert you feel, the more productive you'll be. You can also turn up the brightness on your computer screen - enough to increase alertness without straining your eyes.
If you deal with insomnia often and it impacts productivity on a regular basis, keep a small portable fan under your desk. Keeping your work area cool is another way to wake up and increase mental alertness when you're feeling sluggish.
When your breaks roll around, play a few games on your phone. This might be the last thing you want to do when feeling tired and unproductive. But playing games on your phone or computer stimulates your mind, which can help you wake up and stay alert as you're trying to get through the day.
I've never been able to take power naps, yet I know people who can take a 10 or 15-minute nap and wake up refreshed and ready to continue their day. If you're this type of person, try and squeeze in a short nap at your desk on your lunch break, or take a quick 20-minute nap in your car. Just make sure you set the alarm so you don't oversleep and take a longer lunch.
Not being able to sleep at night can throw a wrench in your day. But the entire day doesn't have to be a lost. Knowing tricks to keep your mind alert can help you remain productive. What are other ways to be productive when you didn't sleep the night before?