Staying awake and alert at work not only helps with your productivity, but of course keeps your professional image intact. The simplest way to maintain consciousness is to do your work. But, that can be easier said than done if you’ve lost sleep due to a crying baby, family emergency, illness, stress, or other circumstances.

Here are a few tidbits to keep your brain alert so you can successfully make it through the workday after a long night.

Get some sunlight. Your body’s internal clock is regulated by exposure to ample light. If you don’t work near windows, surround yourself with bright lights – like an extra lamp – to stay more alert. Take your lunch break outside, or even just breaks outside when weather permits.

Don’t get too full. Avoid a heavy lunch and a full stomach. A big meal can induce a sleep spell that is hard to overcome. Instead, snack on healthy foods with plenty of protein to give you a boost of energy that will help you get through the day. Avoid snacks that are high in sugar because they can only keep you energized for about half an hour. The empty calories will cause your body to crash halfway through your workday, and falling asleep will be harder to fight off given that you’re already tired. Stick to snacks such as apples, sunflower seeds, whole wheat crackers, raisins, cheese, and nuts.

Get up and exercise. It is recommended that you get up and stretch for every hour that you sit at your desk. Being physical can perk you up and get blood flowing to your extremities, – helping invigorate you at the same time. If you’re able to, take a quick walk outside. The natural environment can awaken your senses, as well as get you that much needed sunlight. Check this past blog for other ideas to stay active at the workplace.

Limit the caffeine. Caffeine can go a long way if you consume it correctly. Spread it out slowly throughout the day to avoid any counterproductive side effects. A cup of coffee or tea can help energize you, but limit yourself to four to eight cups (300 mg of caffeine a day) or you will feel the inevitable crash.

If you feel your eyes glazing over, remember these quick tips to help you make it through the day. However, keep in mind you can have all the tips and tricks to stay awake, but nothing beats a good night’s rest.

Much like a first impression, your workplace attitude can leave a long-term image in others’ minds. Your attitude at work can create a reflects not only on you but also on the work that you do. And, it’s not easy to shake a bad reputation, if you’re known to complain, be arrogant, act lazy, or slack off.

Your attitude can play a large part in determining how your colleagues feel about you as a co-worker. So, make sure you have the right attitude to be seen as a productive member of your team.

Negativity in the workplace only breeds more negativity. It’s never too late for an attitude adjustment. Workers with positive attitudes are a joy to be around. They can be relied upon during important situations and don’t bad mouth the company or co-workers. People with can-do attitudes regularly produce good work because they realize that their thumbprints are on all that they do. So, no matter what the situation, look at it with a positive light. It will go a long way in reflecting the image you want to portray. Check out our five tips to start your day on a positive note. A positive attitude can help you become a worker people look forward to working with. And if you’re a joy to work with, everyone will be happier and more productive.

What image are you portraying at work? Do others with a bad attitude make your job a pain? How does attitude affect your work life?

I recently read a post on Careerealism that talked about a grad who wanted a promotion at his current job but was denied due to his lack of verbal and written communication skills. He was smart, resourceful, and had lots of great ideas, but the way he presented them to others made his co-workers wonder if he was actually a college graduate.

According to recent surveys, hiring managers from across the nation are seeing more casual conversation among 20-somethings, like text messaging and e-mails using shorthand or text lingo. While using these types of communication among certain social networks is OK, it’s not acceptable among more mature workers. Typically, those in a position of authority are older and perceive these types of communication as disrespectful.

Sometimes, I wonder if Generation Y has been stunted by the extreme speed of technology and text messaging capabilities and have lost the invaluable skills and patience needed to communicate clearly with the older generations who still play a vital role in today’s job market. You may not realize it, but OMG, LOL, and other shorthand acronyms for everyday communication among your peers will not pass with everyone in the workplace.

With many different generations in today’s workforce, it’s important to adapt to and learn a variety of communication styles in order to effectively communicate, get the promotion you want, or even land a job. And, when dealing with the older workforce, it’s best to stick with traditional methods of communication.

Instead of relying on e-mail or texting on your phone, try handwriting a thank you note to a potential boss. Write a short, clear message and avoid acronyms or emoticons.

If you’re already in the workplace and use e-mail to communicate with others at work, clearly state your message and try proofreading it before you send it. This will help reduce confusion and miscommunication among you and your co-workers. Also, try these nine simple tips to write an effective e-mail.

So, the next time you think about sending your boss, co-worker, or even a potential employer a text or an e-mail with text lingo or emoticons, think about how you might be perceived and try some traditional approaches instead.

December is here, and for most parts of the country, winter is arriving in full force. The best way to avoid a wreck on the ice is to not drive at all. But, many people must drive through icy conditions just to make it to work. When you head to work in winter weather, keep these few tips in mind to ensure your commute is a safe one.

Plan for Inclement Weather.
If the forecast calls for bad weather overnight, plan for bad road conditions even if your local meteorologist has a reputation for not always being on the money. If you park outside, be prepared to de-ice your car in the morning. Wake up a little earlier to give yourself plenty of time to defrost your car and drive to work unrushed. If you do find yourself with little time to let your car’s defrost system kick in, spray de-icing solution onto your windshield. This can be found at your local automotive store or a homemade mixture of half water and half vinegar will work just as well. Be sure to not pour hot water onto your frozen windshield because it can crack the glass.

Pack Proper Equipment.
To be on the safe side, store jumper cables, a flashlight, a blanket, gloves, a bag of salt or cat litter, and an ice scraper and brush in your vehicle. Then you’ll be prepared to handle the worst no matter where you are. If you’re in the office when snow and ice arrive and you aren’t properly prepared, a credit card can work well as a makeshift ice scraper. Also, make sure your cell phone is always charged in case you get stranded and need to call for help.

Complete Your Tasks on Time.
Missing a deadline or coming in to work late due to inclement weather can cause headaches for you and your team. To help out in times like these, finish your work quickly and work ahead if you can during the winter in case a blizzard hits or schools get cancelled and you have to stay at home to take care of a child. You’ll be less stressed and not so far behind when you return to work. Also, if you foresee a storm, talk to your supervisor about tele-commuting or working from home.

By taking a few precautions and planning ahead before bad weather hits, you can avoid the perils of traveling to work in frigid weather. Drive safely!

Have other winter weather tips? Leave us your thoughts in the comments section below.