Used Cubicles

For me, it always happens around 3 p.m. As lunch is digesting and the late afternoon sun starts blasting the office building with its comfortable solar rays, I start yawning and my mind gets a little cloudy. I then turn to the guy next to me in the used cubicle and say, "I think it's nap time."
And I'm not the only one. I'm sure you've caught one of your coworkers snoozing on the job. Maybe you have stayed up late the night before watching a game or taking care of a newborn, which has made it harder to focus on your work, or caused you to doze off.
But you know the boss doesn't care what your excuse is. Your boss doesn't like to pay employees for snoring and drooling inside the company's used cubicles. It doesn't impress your boss to wake up with a stamp of the keyboard across your forehead just before a big presentation. It's probably safe to say that staying awake at work is probably the first step in job security. If you're struggling to keep your eyelids open, here are five ways to get through the day.
1. Get some sleep before you go to work. It's surprising how many people stay up too late every night. Turn off the TV, brush your teeth and go to bed. Make sure you get somewhere between 7-9 hours of sleep every night. If that means going to bed at 9 p.m. instead of 11 p.m., then do it.
2. So, now you're getting enough sleep at night. Still tired? The caffeine buzz worn off? Try some light exercise in your used office cubicles. Do some pushups, sit-ups, jumping jacks and stretching. It might feel embarrassing at first, but really, your coworkers won't care. Your boss might even like it. Even a little exercise can increase blood flow and raise your metabolism. Something this simple can add lots of focus to your work. Plus, it's both cheaper and healthier than drinking more coffee and soda.
3. Drink lots of cold water. Besides the fact that hydration will keep your body feeling good and fresh, the cold water will pick you up and give you something to do while your slaving away. A full bladder will give you an excuse to leave your used cubicles every so often for the bathroom. When you're in the bathroom, make sure to wash your face with more cold water. While you're walking to, or from, the bathroom, step outside briefly to inhale fresh air and let your eyes focus on something other than your computer monitor and the insides of your used cubicles.
4. Music. It might be one of the greatest work supplements out there. If you're eyes are getting a little droopy inside those crammed, used cubicles, stick a CD into the computer, or pull out an IPOD and start listening to some good tunes. But, please. Make sure you use headphones. One person's music is often another's irritation.
5. Healthy Snacks. Eating healthy in general will help you stave off fatigue. But when you're at your desk, trade M&M's and candy for apples, grapes, raw vegetables. Swap the potato chips for nuts and sunflower seeds. Healthy snacks will give your brain enough activity to keep it fresh and good nutrition to keep you alert.