Tip of the week: How to work late into the night

Fuel up early. Nothing beats a quick nap for clearing your brain of a chemical that inhibits quick thinking and builds up the longer you’re awake. But if the adenosine is the problem, caffeine can be a work-around. Drink a tall coffee in the afternoon; the caffeine will fool your brain into acting as if its adenosine levels are low, giving you several extra hours of relative nimble-mindedness.

Snack wisely. Sugar provides only a temporary boost to brain activity, so skip the candy bar and reach instead for a handful of almonds or walnuts. “Their balance of carbs, protein, and fat delivers a prolonged energy boost.”

Stir the pot. Break from your work occasionally to stimulate your brain with a brief and engaging off-task activity. Play a quick trivia game, for instance, or make a 10-minute call to another night owl.

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Source: Men’s Health