How to Not Fall Asleep at a Business Meeting

There are many creative methods to keep yourself alert during meetings.

As the business day heads for the after-lunch long haul, it can seem difficult to stay awake -- especially during those long, boring business meetings. Falling asleep can be more than unprofessional; it can cause you a great deal of embarrassment and may even get you in trouble with your boss. However, you must find a way to stay awake that is non-disruptive as well as effective.

Instructions

1. Bring a drink into the meeting and take occasional sips, making it your mental goal to spread out the drink throughout the meeting. The drink does not even have to have caffeine for this trick to work. The goal is to keep your mind actively occupied doing something.

2. Stand up at the back or sides of the meeting room, if allowed. By standing, you will be much less likely to fall asleep, and you will appear more alert and interested in the meeting.

3. Excuse yourself for a bathroom break. If the meeting is running especially long, quietly slip out and use the bathroom at a time when nothing important or applicable is being discussed. Once you are out of the meeting, get your blood flowing again with some jumping jacks or fast walking. Moving your body will bring more oxygen to the brain and help you stay awake.

4. Create a body language or jargon bingo card to bring to the meeting. The game card will help you remain alert and entertained in the meeting. Cross off phrases or actions as the presenters do them. If you get a bingo in the meeting, reward yourself with a special treat after work. Get multiple coworkers interested in participating and come up with a prize for the first winner. Just make sure that the winning signal is discreet during the meeting.

References

• Docstoc; Do You Keep Falling Asleep in Meetings; 2011
• TheYanec; Save a Bad Time at a Conference; Yaniv Yaakubovich; October 2009