Speaking from very current (zzzzzzz) experience, making it successfully through an entire day when I have close to zero sleep the night prior? Well that sounds like a dream I wish I had last night. We all have tricks to make it through a no sleep day, coffee (and more coffee) is number one of course but there are a few things that I turn to (am currently doing) to try to make a super tired day at least a semi (sorta) productive zombie day and try to leave most of my short-tempered grumps back home in my warm (cannot wait to get back to you) bed.

STOP AND HYDRATE.

Drink all the water, leave none for the fishes (obv heavy on the sarcasm). And better yet, mix it up with some lemon and maybe a sliver of ginger for a bit of a punch in the face. Keeping your body in tip-top hydrated shape will help, and it’ll keep you awake by having to run to the bathroom every 15 minutes.

SHOW SOME SKIN.

Instead of layering up, shed some layers. When I’m warm, I get cozy and then I sloooow right down. If I’m on the chilly side, I’m more alert, awake (well at least a tiny bit more) and want to power through the day even more so I can get back to my warm cozy blankets.

POWER DOWN.

Stop unintentionally grabbing for your phone! That is me, yelling at myself…mostly. When I’m tired it’s (even more than normal) a knee jerk reaction to grab my phone and check it, over and over again. Even if I just checked it (over and over again) 5 minutes ago. It’s a waste of good old brain power on a regular day, but on an extremely tired day you need all the brain power you can muster. So don’t do it, put the phone down. [photo courtesy of death to stock]

ROLL OUT THE MAT.

Yoga feeds me energy and actually makes me feel much more awake. On days when I haven’t slept, a class or a practice at home invigorates me enough that I can make it through the day without a ton of extra tricks. If you are feeling rather sluggish, stop and do some stretches. If that sounds ridiculous because you are at work, go for a walk, a quick run anything to get your blood pumping and give you a second/tenth wind.

JUST SAY NO TO SUGAR.

When I’m tired, sugar basically taunts me. I think I need it, I swear it whispers to me telling me I need it. But it makes things worse! Instead opt for fresh greens, juicy fruits (sugar of the natural variety) – give yourself a boost with something healthy (a smoothie, fresh pressed juice, a big old salad). Sure you won’t get the sugar high, but you also won’t get the crash.

GET OUTSIDE.

See look how enticing it looks!? If you’re lucky, your outside looks this summery and green. If you aren’t (like me), still go outside. Soak up some sun, and get some fresh air – it’s just the kick in the pants you’ve been needing, trust me.

CAFFEINATE WISELY.

Coffee in moderation, tea in less moderation. Caffeine is good, but don’t over do it – the headache and antsy pants feelings that come with too much, are not gonna be a great feeling you’ll want to hold on to all day long.

And when all else fails: Power Nap! For me, it’s halfway through the day – I’ve made it through this list once and I’m starting back at the top so I can make it through till bedtime without falling asleep standing up. Do you have any tips or tricks you do on days when you’re running on empty?