How to stay in the zone at work when you are exhausted
01-05-2014
It happens to the best of us, you have got a big day at work and you are exhausted. You may have been up all night working on your presentation or you may have accidently got carried away at after work drinks, whatever the cause, you need a solution. You need to be at the top of your game, the last thing you need today is to be falling asleep or behind the 8 ball. You need to be firing on all cylinders but if you haven’t slept properly that is going to be hard. While there are no magic potions or sure fire solutions we can give you, there are a few tips and tricks that can help, here goes:
The art of the power nap: while a nap sounds like something that young kids and retirees have during the day, the reality is that napping is the best way of making up for lost sleep. A 20 minute nap can be incredibly rejuvenating and can make a huge difference to your day. Some people will find napping easy, others will find it difficult. If you are in the latter camp then you need to do everything you can to nap. Make sure you have an eye mask and ear plugs, turn off your phone and give it your best shot. You may want to tell you boss (or not). The power nap is the best way of getting yourself back in peak condition so try this if you can.
Put on your favourite music: ok, if you don’t have time for a nap or cannot nap, then you need to get yourself in the zone. How about listening to your favourite music? This is especially good if you have some high energy, up lifting music, but whatever sounds get you stimulated are the best. Music can actually change your mood so get the right music and get in the best mood.
Get some exercise: Another trick for getting yourself in a good space is to get some exercise. Getting the heart pumping and the endorphins flowing is a great way of giving yourself a quick boost. You could do some star jumps in the office or run up and down the stairs a few times, just be careful not to overdo it.
Bright light: the body clock is what controls our sleep-wake cycle. It pumps different chemicals into our body at different times of the day and night to make us tired and awake. The body clock is regulated by light levels so if you can go outside and get some sunshine then this will make you feel more awake.
Coffee and energy drinks: these are so obvious but we want to give you a warning. Do not overdo it on these as they can backfire. You may experience a brief rush but then you will fall further and harder than before. Use them sparingly and at the right moment and you can benefit but do not expect them to keep you going all day.
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