Take a nap before you try to stay up all night. Even if your nap lasts less than an hour, it can still help your mind and body rest and recuperate. Napping when you have a chance can help you stay healthy and alert throughout the night.
Eat a high-energy dinner before attempting to stay awake all night. Foods such as pasta, eggs, brown rice and quinoa are carbohydrate- and protein-packed. These essential nutrients give your body the energy it needs to stay up, stay alert and move for extended periods.
Take a cold shower or toss cold water in your face every few hours. The jolting sensation of cold water on your skin can help stave off sleep for a short time. Drink plenty of cold water, too, as staying comfortably hydrated can help you stay energized and alert.
Go for a short run or walk outside. While strenuous exercise can tire you out and cause you to fall asleep faster, light exercise can help for short periods. The stimulation your mind and body gets from walking or running outside is a great energy booster. If you are unable to walk outside, consider some light aerobic exercises such as push-ups or jumping jacks, then stretch gently afterward.
Turn on the TV, radio or your own personal music player. These entertainment options can either keep you alert while you work or give you a break from thinking about how tired you are. Keeping something interesting on your TV or radio can stimulate your mind and help you stay awake if, for example, you drive long-distance all night.