How to Stay Alert at Work

By Abigail L. Cuffey

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 34 percent of people are allowed to take naps during work breaks (16 percent even said their companies provide a spot for the snooze). Unfortunately, not all of us have that luxury, so the next time 4 pm rolls around and an extra dose of caffeine won’t cut it, try one of these reenergizing tricks instead.

1. Do chair twists. Stretching increases blood flow to muscles and helps you feel more alert, says Leigh Crews, certified trainer and spokeswoman for the American Council on Exercise. To do this at your desk: Sit up straight, lengthen your spine, twist to the left and hold on to the back of your chair for 10 seconds before switching sides.

2. Pick peppermint. Chew a stick of gum, eat a hard candy or sip some tea. The scent is invigorating and provides an instant boost, says Aimee Raupp, MS , licensed acupuncturist and author of Chill Out and Get Healthy.

3. Take a breath (or four). Stop whatever you’re doing, roll your shoulders back, open your chest and take four deep breaths, suggests Woodson Merrell, MD , author of Power Up. This helps you relax, refocus and refresh your mind and body so you can return to that monthly sales report energized.

Original article appeared on WomansDay.com.