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You know that sensation. The one where you’re fighting to keep your eyes open and you don’t even realize they have closed until you wake yourself back up when your head drops forward. This procedure repeats itself over and over as you sit at your desk, engaging in
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Comments
08.12.09
I have to pass this post on to some of our developers here at Brazen. We're working on a bunch of big changes and their sleep schedules have been totally erratic.
We actually had a company meeting last week about the importance of sleep. It says a lot about being devoted when you're willing to work long nights, but if you're doing it all of the time, it's going to effect your ability to function in one way or another.
08.12.09
You know what else helps?
Naps. A 20-30 minute nap (with my iPhone set to wake me up) does great things for me.
My laptop bag is surprisingly soft pillow, so the brainstorming room couch (reserved for 30 minutes during my lunch break) is awesome.
08.12.09
I heard about micro-sleep! Taking naps every 4 hours for 30 minutes. It'll keep you alert. I hate to sound like a exercise addict, but it really does give you the energy boost you need.
Water is a great option. Just think, if you drink enough of it eventually you will need to use the bathroom.
It's hard to balance a full social life, academics, and work life without sleep. It's just a matter of cutting down or multi-tasking.
08.12.09
My problem is I wouldnt be able to fall asleep fast enough to have time for a 20 minute nap. I'll just stick to the caffeinated beverages :) I drink a lot of watter and yes mountain dew does help if you're really tired.
08.12.09
Such great suggestions! I had to narrow down the list, but I agree with The Ability Project--I always feel more alert when I work out in the morning. It definitely helps me through the day . Or, I once had a gym in my office so I would go at lunch time....made the afternoon cruise by and I was wide wide awake then.
The nap part is a good idea, you just have to be cautious with that because of your particular office environment. Some places are cool with that, but every office I've been in would not have been at all. If you can do the power nap, you might want to escape to a near by spot outside your office, maybe your car or a book store, just to keep appearances. Not every manager gets that...
08.12.09
If you can swing a place to nap, try downloading a guided meditation or meditation music to your MP3 device. They may help you get to sleep faster during your napping time.
There are several meditation podcasts out there. They tend to come-and-go so I won't mention any, but I'm sure you can find one. I'm definitely into the new-agey stuff they talk about, but a relaxing voice does wonders to help me nap.
For relaxation music, I use the CD "Resurface" that you can find here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/elektrus . In the interest of full disclosure, the artist is my brother-in-law. Since I paid for the CD, and I'm a cheap b*stard, you know my recommendation is honest. :)
08.12.09
The good thing about the tips in this post is that they're options for lots of people, and not just those with offices or available quiet spaces.
08.12.09
Yes! Definitely don't sleep in the office unless they support a rest and relax program.
Great point Sharalyn. Napping in your car or a bookstore is a practical choice - perhaps during lunch?
Of course not everything is for everyone, some people become groggy after a nap.
08.12.09
Sleep, isn't that a totally inadequate substitute for caffine?
08.12.09
Caffeine isn't a terrible choice, but it can get expensive as a person builds a dependency. Maybe a decent balance of caffeine and sleep would be better.
08.12.09
Classroom whiplash definetly described my senior year of high school. I'm not a big coffee person and snacks could barely help me get through math class. The only thing that helped me was when the bell rang and I was able to move. I think getting up and stretching or doing small hops after setting at your desk or workplace for a long time can do miracles...and more sleep of course. Great post.
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