Five Tricks To Help You Stay Alert and Motivated at Work

Staying motivated is one of the most universally difficult things to do, especially in the workplace. Most people struggle with staying motivated and productive on a daily basis. There’s no shame in acknowledging this — in fact, it’s the first step in addressing how to fix it. Here’s just a few tips that can keep you alert, focused, and motivated during your work day.

  1. Hydrate Yourself. Being dehydrated is not only uncomfortable for the body — it can seriously impair your concentration and cause brain fog, sluggishness, and irritation. The good news is that the battle to beat is very easy: just drink more water! The World Health Organization suggests 2.2 liters of water a day for women and 2.5 liters for men. If this is difficult for you “swallow”, then try adding a bit of fruit or lemon to your water to make it more enjoyable. Keep in mind, however, that sugary drinks don’t count — in fact, they make you thirstier!
  2. Healthier options. Maintaining your energy levels and staying motivated may not be that tough a job if you have a healthy diet. Plenty of whole carbs, fruits, and vegetables take a longer time to digest, which means this process can keep you energized for a longer period of time. Processed foods move through your system very quickly, and when paired with sugar will give you a rush of energy — right before you crash. And don’t forget supplements, vitamins, and nootropics to keep your brain boosted and ready for the work day.

Put your trust into green leafy vegetables like kate and spinach. They are wealthy in vitamin K and vitamin B folate, which are well-known nutrients that contribute to brain development and focus.

  1. Timely breaks. When you get a migraine or tired, dry eyes after gazing at your computer for ages is what is called the “computer vision”. The American Optometric Association suggests taking 15 minutes breaks every 2 hours to fight this.

These breaks will not only soothe your eyes, but also changing your location can help invigorate your brain. You may follow something like the 20-20 system, which caters to taking away your eyes from your screen and looking at 20 feet away for around 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This gives your eyes a chance to unwind and find your concentration again.  

  1. Read. In spite of the fact that it might sound counterproductive, building up a daily habit to read can lengthen your attention span and keep you motivated when you’re on the job. Knowing you have a cliffhanger waiting for you at the end of the day will surely keep you focused and on track!
  2. Take walks. This does not have to be rigorous exercise — all you have to do is take a stroll in your neighborhood to feel invigorated again. Walk down a few blocks and the let the fresh air do the magic for you. Smell the morning dew, enjoy the mist in the air, and look around you with no distractions like music or your smartphone. This will energize you to the core and make you feel refreshed and ready to get back to work.