How to Be Productive When All You Really Want to Do Is Nap CareerMetis.com

How to Be Productive When All You Really Want to Do Is Nap Source â€" DepositPhotos.comStaying awake in the workplace might be harder than you think. According to one survey, 76% of workers are tired at work. Fifty-three percent feel less productive. And 44% have trouble focusing. None of these statistics bode well for business.In some industries, drifting off to sleep on the job is worse than accidentally typing a few random keys when your head hits your laptop. Some workers jeopardize theirs and others’ safety when they are too tired to focus or react.So, how can you be productive in the workplace when all you really want to do is take a nap? How to be productive when you’re exhaustedevalThe majority of us are tired at work from time to time Why do you want to take a nap? Finding out why you’re so tired can help you pinpoint what you need to do to increase your productivity.Some common reasons for fatigue include:Lack of sleepNot enough foodHigh stress levelsInconsistent sleeping scheduleAnxietyDehydrationIf you’re able to get to t he root of your exhaustion, you might be able to fix it without napping Plus, some studies showthat napping for too long can actually make you more groggy and ruin your sleeping schedule.2) Make a to-do listMaking a to-do list can help improve memory function. Not to mention, writing a to-do list helps you track the things you still need to do.When all you want to do is nap, you may be more apt to forget some of your responsibilities. Making a to-do list can help you if you’re easily distractable and unfocused.Writing down the tasks you need to get done during the workday or week can also help you prioritize.evalWhen you list out your responsibilities, you can have a gameplan even when you’re having trouble focusing.3) Power through mindless tasksSome responsibilities require you to use substantial brain power. Others are tedious and monotonous activities that might not need your full attention.According to one study, 90% of workershave boring, repetitive tasks on their plate. A nd the best time to crank these out is when you’re unfocused.Consider getting mindless tasks out of the way when you can’t focus. That way, you can still be productive while also eliminating some of your tedious responsibilities 5) Have some sustenanceIt’s no secret that, for many people, caffeine is the key to waking up.Drinks like coffee, tea, and caffeinated pop might be your go-to when you’re tired. But, they’re not the only sustenance you can turn to when your energy is low.evalIf you’re ready to take a nap, also consider increasing your water intake. Water is especially important when you’re chugging cup after cup of caffeinated goodness.Some foods can also help you stay awake. Snacks like bananas, yogurt, nuts, and hummus might give you the energy you need to power through the day nap-free. 6) Shake off some stressStress can be extremely damaging to your energy levels. If you’re stressed our anxious about work or non-work problems, you may find yourself wantin g to crawl under your desk and take a nap.37% of adultsblame their fatigue on stress. Is stress the cause of your exhaustion?You may need to evaluate your stress levels. Are you tired after a stressful meeting? Did you want to shut your eyes only after adding another project to your plate?evalIf your exhaustion stems from anxiety, deal with the stress head-on. Some tips for handling stressat work include identifying your stressors, creating a plan, and putting an end to multitasking. 7) Crank up your musicIf all you want to do is take a nap, it might be time to crank up your music. Music in the workplace can help boost productivity, especially when sleep is calling your name.In one study, 65% of businesses thought musicmade them more productive.Of course, different music genres have varying effects on productivity. And, music may even limit productivity for some workers. But one thing’s for certainâ€"cranking up your music will help you stay awake.Try out different genres to see w hich can help you stay awake andgive productivity a boost.8) Take a break and stretchProlonged slouching or physical inactivity is a surefire way for your energy levels to deplete.Sometimes, improving productivity is as simple as taking a five-minute walk, doing desk exercises, or stretching.If you’re worried about the few minutes you’ll lose out on while taking a break, think of it this way: You’ll get far more done when you come back refreshed and ready to work.9) Prevent exhaustion in the first placeIf you’re already at the point where you want to nap at work, this tip won’t immediately help you. But, it will be useful for tackling the next workday.Preventing exhaustion before it consumes you at work is the best course of action for consistent productivity.There are three popular ways to discourage fatigue before it damages your workplace:Get enough sleepImprove your dietStart exercising moreGetting enough sleep is clearly an important part of preventing workplace exhau stion. But according to one study, one in three adultsconsistently don’t get enough sleep. Kick this bad habit to the curb by prioritizing sleep and getting at least 7 hourseach night.The food and drinks we consume also impact our energy levels at work. Depending on too much caffeine or intaking foods with low nutritional value can cause energy levels to rise and fall throughout the day.Another way to prevent workplace exhaustion and boost productivity is to get physical activity throughout the week. Taking a 30-minute walk or doing an hour power yoga session can do wonders for your energy levels. 10)Cut your losses and try again tomorrowIt might not be the most popular solution, but sometimes you need to just walk away. This is especially true if you’re exhausted because of working long hours.At some point, you need to recognize that you or your employees are wasting valuable work time and call it a day. You might let employees use paid time off (PTO). Or, if an employee put i n overtime throughout the week, encourage them to take some time to rest. Pushing yourself when the above tips don’t work is overkill. Be honest with yourself, your employees, and your business if you need to take a day off.