How to Stay Awake and Focused While Working Late

It's pretty hard to work when you're in this state.

We've all had those late nights at the office. Whether they're due to a colleague's ineptness, our own lack of productivity or an overbearing boss, the extra hours you spend at your desk can be a drag--literally. Read on to learn how you can stay awake at your desk when even the sun's gone home and, additionally, how you can keep focused on the task at hand, instead of on the task that should be at hand--sleep.

Instructions

1. Make a prioritized list of all the tasks you need to accomplish while working late. Determine if there are any tasks that can be saved for tomorrow.

2. Work at a steady pace in order to prevent burnout.

3. Look away from your computer every 15 to 20 minutes, even if it's just for a few seconds to gaze out the window. This will give your eyes a break from the computer screen and break the monotonous, almost hypnotizing appearance of all those words on a glowing screen.

4. Walk around the office every 45 minutes or so. Take a bathroom break, grab some food or do a few calisthenics.

5. Eat every few hours to keep your blood sugar stable and your mind focused. For meals, pack entrees like chicken and rice, veggie burritos, a bowl of soup or a large salad. For snack, pack apples, peanut butter and crackers, granola and power bars.

6. Check yourself from time to time to ensure that what you're reading or writing makes sense. It's easy to gloss over text without fully interpreting its meaning, especially when we're tired, bored or restless.

7. Make personal phone calls, check your personal e-mail, surf a few of your favorite websites or read a book or magazine to take a break from work and connect with the rest of the world.

8. Drink coffee as necessary, but try not to exceed your normal dose by much, as too much caffeine can make you jittery, nervous and unable to focus.

Tips & Warnings

• Know when you've had enough. Take breaks when you're body's telling you to, and realize that if you absolutely can't focus anymore it may be time to throw in the towel and go home for the night.

• Though you may be focusing all your attention on your work, remember to make safety a priority when you're working late. The office will be empty and many other floors may be dark, so use caution when moving about the building or parking lot.

Resources

• 16 Ways to Keep A Razor- Sharp Focus at Work
• Night Moves - staying productive while working odd hours - Company Business and Marketing (2000)
• Top 5 Tips for Staying Awake