The key to a happy and productive life is to stay busy and active. However, when it comes to juggling the responsibilities of both your personal and professional life, things can quickly become hectic. Although proper sleep is necessary for optimal health, you will find yourself in situations where actually getting the right amount of sleep is impossible.
When this happens, consider Modafinil, a wakefulness promoting nootropic which has been proven to improve memory recall by 10% while being safe. Other than this, here are other ways to stay alert, even when tired.
- Proper Stimulation
If you have the ability to control your environment, there are steps you can take to keep your senses stimulated, thus helping you remain alert. For starters, keep the lights bright or open windows to allow sunlight. A report from 2013 suggested that exposure to more direct sunlight can double your alertness.
You can also play upbeat music to keep you going. Chewing mint gum or taking advantage of the aroma therapeutic properties of peppermint oil simply by sniffing it periodically throughout your day has also proven to help.
- Tricking Your Body
There are also things you can do to trick your body into remaining alert when you are ready to fall asleep in your seat. Take a break to the restroom and splash cold water in your face for a quick pick-me-up. Other ways people use to stay alert include:
- Pulling on the earlobes
- Pinching the forearms
- Rolling the shoulders
- Tapping the foot on the ground
- Taking a moment to stretch
- (More caffeine-free tips here)
- Encourage Circulation through Physical Activity
You don’t have to do an intensive workout to get the blood flowing. Take advantage of opportunities to move whenever they present themselves. For example, if you are just getting to work, park at the far end of the parking lot. If you are on your way to class, take the long way around campus to get to your destination. You can also opt for taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
A More Productive You
You likely have an full schedule, and you have to get as much done as possible to succeed. Next time you have to work on little sleep, employ these tips to stay awake and alert.
