FALLING asleep while at work or school is a huge issue for many people. Whether it is that you didn’t get enough sleep the night before, you have as Jamaicans say, “dropsy”, or you find your job boring, you have no excuse to be sleeping on duty. So wake up and pay attention to these tips on how to stay awake.

1. Get enough sleep

Don’t go staying up until three if you know you can’t handle it. Staying up to get work done is great, but if that means that you are going to fall asleep on the job the next day, it’s counterproductive.

2. Have a moderate breakfast

A nutritious breakfast is very important if you are to be productive throughout the day. Even if you are ‘on-the-go’, make sure you get something with enough protein, vitamins and carbohydrates to keep you going. Otherwise, the lethargy from hunger just might turn into sleep.

3. Take breaks

Instead of sitting at your desk and trying to pin your eyes open, take a walk across the office, or make use of the break room. Just take some time to rejuvenate and get your energies back up before you go back to work.

4. Take a power nap

Along the same line, nothing is wrong if you take a few minutes to grab a quick nap. Find a quiet corner (where you are not likely to be seen) and sleep for 10 minutes. A bathroom stall might be a good idea. If you are a heavy sleeper, you might want to set an alarm.

5. Listen to music

This might be a tricky one. You must know what your body responds to and how your body responds to it. So, if music puts you to sleep, this obviously won’t work. Also, don’t go listening to soft classical music if that relaxes you. Pump up the volume with some rock, R&B, pop, EDM or any other high temp music. But don’t forget to use earphones!

6. Wash your face

A splash of cold water on your face can do wonders keeping you awake. It only works for a few minutes though, so you might need to couple this with another strategy… or take several trips to the bathroom.

7. Get some sun

You know that feeling you get when you open the curtains and the sun peeps in and yells “WAKE UP!”? Well, this reaction continues throughout the day. When the sun hits you, your body starts to work. Don’t go burning yourself now. Sunscreen

8. Talk to your co-workers

Be the most sociable one in the office. Immerse yourself in the office banter you previously ignored. Walk to each person’s desk instead of reaching for the extension or emailing them. Anything to keep you engaged and active.

9. Exercise at your desk

Do some leg lifts, extend and contract the arms and legs, twist the upper body from left to right. You can check

Google for some formal desk workout techniques (yes, such things exist), but you get the general idea.

10. Say no to a heavy lunch

Don’t go scarfing down a huge plate of food and expect to be all ‘up an’ at ‘em’ when you’re done. Biologically, your body slows down after a big meal to focus on digestion. The Jamaican notion of “niggeritis” actually has merit, so you might want to substitute the rice and peas and chicken for a salad or wrap.

11. Have coffee or

This should be your last resort. If all else fails, you have no choice but to pull out some good ol’ coffee. Be moderate, however. One cup of coffee or energy drink is enough, as studies have shown that too much can lead to heart attacks.