Do you find yourself making too many trips to the coffee pot for a refill throughout the day? Or perhaps your eyelids settle at half-mast while staring at your computer? For various reasons, staying awake-and alert-at work can sometimes be easier than it sounds. 

The key to staying alert is to keep your brain stimulated. Try these tips to help you get through a day after little hours of sleep.

Ration caffeine: There is no doubt that caffeine can give you a boost. But overloading on coffee, tea, or soda can result in an inevitable crash. Try pacing your caffeine intake throughout the day to avoid counterproductive effects.

Don’t overindulge: Snacking on healthy food throughout the day can keep your energy level on full. Heavy foods that make you full will drain your energy and induce sleep.

Stay sunny: Bright light energizes you. If you don’t work near a window, take a walk outside for a dose of natural sunlight. If the weather is dreary, add another lamp to your workspace.

Get moving: If your schedule allows, move away from your desk to stretch and walk. Get your blood flowing to beat feeling sluggish. While walking outside, quicken your pace to invigorate and awaken your senses.