3 Easy Ways To Work When You Feel Like An Office Zombie

Are you staring a blank hole through your computer screen? Late night? Feel like an office zombie? Whether you are suffering from sleep deprivation or you just find yourself in an unexplainable fog this morning, it’s time to get to work. We all have days when we just aren’t feeling energetic but when you’ve got important work to do, you can’t simply go back to bed. You need to stay alert, make the most of your day and avoid distractions or making mistakes.

Most office workers have probably been in this situation. The nine-to-five routine can really take a toll on our energy levels. If you need a boost, here are 3 easy ways to work even when you feel like (and probably look like) an office zombie:

Stand Up For Yourself

Sitting down for long periods of time is bad for your health. But when you arrive at work really tired, sitting down in your comfortable office chair sounds better than standing up. However, get too comfortable and you might fall asleep at your office desk. You’ll have a much harder time snoozing if you raise your sit-to-stand office desk up and stand. It might feel uncomfortable at first, since you are already tired, but after a little while you’ll feel more energized for it. Your body and brain will thank you.

Listen To Some Tunes

Listening to music is one of the most effective ways to change a bad mood and increase energy. Music distracts you from feeling fatigue. So, when you would rather close your eyelids, put on some music and jam out to your favorite songs. Just remember to use your headphones as not to disturb your office cubicle neighbors. They may not enjoy Fitz and The Tantrums as much as you do.

Expose Yourself to Bright Light

Turn to the light – preferably the natural daylight. Your body’s internal clock is regulated by your exposure to sunlight. Your body can be “tricked” into believing it should be wide awake even when it feels tired. If your office desk isn’t near a window, then take a brief walk outside. A quick stroll outside (even if it’s cloudy) can still make you feel more alert when you return to your desk.

Hang in there; the weekend will be here before you know it. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment if you are able to power through work even when you feel less than thrilled to be there. And if you find that these tips aren’t doing the job, here are even more tips on how to work effectively with limited sleep.