Keep awake at work!

We all know the feeling. Last week Gordon Brown was photographed nodding off as Tony Blair spoke in the House of Commons. There's something about afternoon meetings - the need for 40 winks sweeps over the body and nothing can prevent your eyelids from drooping. Or can it? Gordon, here's a few tips on how to beat fatigue and stay awake at work ...

Stage a walk-out

Exercise is one of the best ways to give your system an instant energy boost. Heading outside for a stroll will leave you energised. Soaking up natural daylight will also work wonders. "As it passes through the retina in the eyes, light reaches the pineal gland in the forehead where it slows the production of melatonin, the hormone substance that makes us feel sleepy," says Louise Sutton, head of health and exercise science at Leeds Metropolitan University.

Become a yogi

According to Jerry Hall's yoga teacher, Vimla Lalvani, a yoga jump can wake you up. "Jumping increases the heartbeat and circulation," she says. "Raise your arms straight above your head towards the ceiling. Keep your fingers together and place your feet hipwidth apart. Inhale, bend your knees and throw your arms forward. Exhale and jump as high as you can, throwing your arms back and keeping your feet together. Breathe through the nose and repeat six to 12 times." Although not proven, the yogic Om Namah Shivaya bangle, as worn by Robbie Williams, Kylie and Sting, is claimed to have energising powers. From Ancient Roots 020 8421 9877, £19.95.

Take ginseng

Instead of caffeine and sugary energy drinks, which may boost your energy quickly but lead to a sudden slump, try ginseng - a natural stimulant available in capsules and as a tonic. Taken as a cure-all tonic in China for centuries, Korean or Chinese ginseng is said to stimulate the nervous system and strengthen the immune system as well as fighting fatigue.

Energise your workplace

Working in an office with bad lighting could be sapping your energy. "Tests have found that full-spectrum lighting, which simulates daylight and promotes better vision - will boost your energy levels as well," says Jan Pleshette, author of Instant Energy Boosters (Orion, 4.99). The lights are available from electrical suppliers. A small ioniser will remove energy-sapping negative ions from the atmosphere. Or simply place a bowl of water on your desk containing a few drops of essential oil of lemon grass, lemon, pine or thyme.

Go green

Plants help keep us awake, says Professor Virginia Lohr of Washington State University. When two groups of students, both in windowless offices, were asked to complete computer tests, reaction time was 12 per cent faster and fatigue levels lower among those who were allowed plants on their desks. Dr Ronald Wood of Sydney University of Technology, advises using varieties such as peace lilies, Kentia palm and fine-leafed figs. "The larger the leaf area, the greater the surface area for absorbing pollutants and chemicals."

Instant boosts

Jane Scrivener, author of Detox Your Mind (Piatkus, 6.99), says menthol or peppermint sweets can give you a simulated fresh-air injection. Their vapour clears the airways so you breathe more easily. She also advises a simple breathing exercise. "Relax your stomach muscles, inhale through the nose slowly until it feels like the base of your stomach is full of air," she says. "Pause briefly and then exhale through the mouth. This will feel strange at first but is an instant energiser." Also, carry essential oils in your bag - basil, grapefruit and lemon are excellent energisers - and use them whenever you need a boost.

Put on your headphones

Psychologists at London's Brunel University have shown that listening to motivational tunes delays fatigue. "Music boosts emotional and physical arousal levels and can be used as a stimulant," says senior lecturer Dr Costas Karageorghis. "Music acts as a distraction, it alters perception of how hard you are working so that you keep going for longer."