The Women's Link

5 Quick Workplace Pick-me-ups for the Senses

It’s 2 o’clock in the afternoon. You’re foggy, unfocused, and you still have several hours of work to get through. Instead of masking the symptoms through another cup of coffee or blearily checking the time every few minutes, try picking yourself back up using the power of one of your senses.

Sound: Play a little energizing music — something that you love, that’ll get your head nodding and your toes tapping. Sure, your coworkers may catch you dancing a little bit in your chair — but the increased energy and enthusiasm with which you’ll be able to tackle your work is worth it! (Cubicle courtesy: be sure to use headphones if the music will distract others!)

Sight: Few things can stimulate and refresh your brain more than a little bit of natural sunlight. When you’re really dragging, try to take five minutes to duck away from your desk and out the door. Whether you can manage a quick walk or just a few deep breaths of air, the light will help decrease your melatonin levels — and wake you right back up.

Scent: Even people who don’t like coffee often get a kick out of the smell of fresh coffee beans — keep a small container by your desk and take a deep whiff when you’re starting to nod off. Don’t find the fragrance of coffee appealing? Not problem — give one of these a try: the scents of peppermint, pine, citrus, eucalyptus, and cinnamon all have a positive effect.

Touch: When you’re really sluggish, a brisk jolt of cold water can liven you right back up. Try splashing it on your face — or drinking a glass of ice water! As a bonus, water will help combat dehydration, a major cause of a brain slow-down. Other ways touch can wake you up — try snapping your fingers a few times or clapping your hands together. Get the blood moving and it’ll help kick you back into high gear.

Taste: When your energy levels are sagging, a crisp, crunchy fruit or vegetable could just put you back on the right track. Keep an apple at your desk or a few carrots on hand and take a moment to perk right back. Other great choices? Peppermint candy, tea, or gum!

The five senses are strong. So when you’re feeling sleepy, put them to work for you!

Healthy Living: 5 Quick Workplace Pick-me-ups for the Senses It’s 2 o’clock in the afternoon. You’re foggy, unfocused, and you still have several hours of work to get through. Instead of masking the symptoms through another cup of coffee or blearily checking the time every few minutes, try picking yourself back up using the power of one of your senses. Sound: Play a little energizing music — something that you love, that’ll get your head nodding and your toes tapping. Sure, your coworkers may catch you dancing a little bit in your chair — but the increased energy and enthusiasm with which you’ll be able to tackle your work is worth it! (Cubicle courtesy: be sure to use headphones if the music will distract others!) Sight: Few things can stimulate and refresh your brain more than a little bit of natural sunlight. When you’re really dragging, try to take five minutes to duck away from your desk and out the door. Whether you can manage a quick walk or just a few deep breaths of air, the light will help decrease your melatonin levels — and wake you right back up. Scent: Even people who don’t like coffee often get a kick out of the smell of fresh coffee beans — keep a small container by your desk and take a deep whiff when you’re starting to nod off. Don’t find the fragrance of coffee appealing? Not problem — give one of these a try: the scents of peppermint, pine, citrus, eucalyptus, and cinnamon all have a positive effect. Touch: When you’re really sluggish, a brisk jolt of cold water can liven you right back up. Try splashing it on your face — or drinking a glass of ice water! As a bonus, water will help combat dehydration, a major cause of a brain slow-down. Other ways touch can wake you up — try snapping your fingers a few times or clapping your hands together. Get the blood moving and it’ll help kick you back into high gear. Taste: When your energy levels are sagging, a crisp, crunchy fruit or vegetable could just put you back on the right track. Keep an apple at your desk or a few carrots on hand and take a moment to perk right back. Other great choices? Peppermint candy, tea, or gum! The five senses are strong. So when you’re feeling sleepy, put them to work for you!	Click here to view events in your area *“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”* – Dolly Parton *“If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.”* – Peace Pilgrim

About The Women’s Link The Women’s Link monthly newsletter is brought to you by National Seminars Training, a division of Rockhurst University Continuing Education Center. Our sole mission is to provide professionals like you with the training and career tools you need to achieve the career success and life happiness you want and deserve. We’d love to hear what topics are on your mind most. Feel free to contact us with your suggestions at: LinkEditor@ruceci.com.