7 Tips For Keeping Alert At Work

While napping can help to keep you going through a long shift, there are a number of other steps that you might consider taking to keep you alert.

1. Take a number of short breaks throughout your shift, rather than one or two longer breaks.



2. Try not to work alone. Having a fellow worker to talk to can help you to stay alert and focused and stop your mind from wandering.



3. Take some light exercise during your breaks, even if this is just taking a walk around the car park or climbing a few flights of stairs.



4. Try eating three normal meals a day regardless of your shift pattern and avoid foods that might upset you stomach. If you do need to snack between meals then chose something light and healthy, such as a piece of fruit.



5. Try to limit your intake of caffeinated drinks and, if you do drink coffee (or indeed tea or a cola) then do so early rather than late in your shift.



6. Try not to leave tedious, repetitive or boring tasks until the end of your shift when you're at your drowsiest. Clear these tasks out of the way as early in your shift as possible.



7. Finally, get together with your fellow workers to monitor each for signs of drowsiness.

These tips are fine in themselves, but they are also a little bit like 'sticking your thumb in the dyke' and so we also need to consider some ways for improving your work schedule. >>>