How do you cope with LO fighting sleep!?

Ive tried everything! He fights sleep like no other during the day! When I do get him to sleep and lay him down he wakes up shortly after. When I hold him he sleeps a bit longer but not much. I don't want to have to hold him to sleep as I will be going back to work in a month. By the end of the day he is a mess because he is so tired. But he WILL NOT NAP! :S plus it can get a little rough for this momma.