Writing Tips: How to Stay Awake(Without Coffee!)

Tired? Need sleep, but need to finish some work? Here are some ways to stay awake for those last few hours. These are just some tips that work for me, and I hope that they work for you!

1. Sweet food- If I'm very tired, sweet food wakes me up. For example, a tiny piece of chocolate(dark chocolate is healthier) helps a lot. Sometimes, it prevents me from sleeping. Don't make this a habit, though.

2. Stretches- What's important is to get your heart pumping a bit harder. The extra oxygen to your brain will ward off some of the sleepiness. Also, walking or standing up while working may help.

3. Deep Breathing- It's the same concept as above. More oxygen, less sleepiness.

4. Desk Light- Having a desk light helps. I can never sleep in a bright room, so the extra light prevents me from dozing off. Make sure it's not shining in your eyes!

5. Water- I'm not sure if it's the task of getting up to get water or drinking it that wakes me up, or a combination of both. Water is good, and it won't prevent you from sleeping afterwards.

Make sure that you get 8 hours of sleep on most days, and sleep an extra hour on the weekend to refresh yourself. Keeping your mind healthy and rested is important in everyday life! 

Good luck!

-The Nocturnal Writer