YES, THERE ARE BETTER WAYS TO FEND OFF A NAP THAN JAMMING A PEN INTO YOUR THIGH UNDER THE TABLE.

Open a window. Warm, stuffy rooms promote brain fog. Fresh air and street noise will help you keep alert even when the subject matter doesn’t.

Apply (accu)pressure. Tap your fingers on your forehead, massage your muscles between your thumb and index finger, rub the base of your skull, or knead the spot below the knee.
Touching your private parts could also perk you up, but HR might obect.

Peel an orange. Or pop an Altoid or similarly strong mint. Citrus and mint aromas not only help you stay focussed, they also reduce anxiety and frustration.

If you’re the boss, have mercy. Don’t schedule meetings between 1 and 4pm. People get mighty drowsy after scarfing down large North Indian meals. And save those long, tedious speeches for morning sessions.