We've all had one of those days. The kind where you're running on 5 hours of sleep or less and all you can think about is crawling back into bed. Unfortunately, that's not always an option. Especially with my busy schedule. There are days of the week when I leave for class at 8 am and I don't see my bed again until 8 pm (thank God for coffee!). So on those days there are a few things I do to help me get through the never ending lectures and hours at work.
1. Shower before class. Now I'm not one to shower in the morning because I like to feel nice and clean when I go to bed (I also like to get every last bit of sleep I can). Instead, I wash my face every morning within minutes of waking up. The splash of water on my face wakes me right up. I use Clean and Clear Morning Burst facial cleanser which also helps a lot. Whether you decide to shower or wash your face, it will wake you up and prepare you for your day.
2. Bring a water bottle and drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is a key factor in staying awake. You will never see me on campus without a water bottle in hand. I use water bottles that have measurements on the outside so I can keep track of how much water I drink.
3. Eat a snack. Your brain needs fuel too! Pack an apple or granola bar to munch on during class. It will keep your energy up and help you stay awake.
4. Dress in layers. This is really helpful especially when the weather begins to change. When you're warm, you're more prone to fall asleep. I always dress in layers so I'm prepared to walk from class to class and stay comfortable while inside.
5. Chew gum. Chewing gum keeps your blood flowing and your mind active. It will keep you awake and distract you from feeling fatigued.
6. Daydream after class. It's so tempting to just zone out in class and let your mind wander but in the long run you'll regret doing it. When you aren't focusing on the information in front of you, it's easier to drift off. Instead, focus on your notes. It'll keep you occupied and you'll learn a lot more!
7. Go to the bathroom. When you're feeling like you can't keep your eyes open any longer, walk to the bathroom (if your professor allows it). It's a quick way to get your blood flowing and wake up your body.
8. Sit up and focus on posture. Roll your shoulders back and sit up straight. This will help you be more attentive and slouching actually strains the muscles in your back and fatigues you overall!
9. Tug on your earlobes. Weird, I know. There are actually points in your earlobes that stimulate your brain when tugged. I tend to mess with my earrings when I get bored in class and that keeps me awake!
10. Interact with your professor. Ask questions, answer questions, just listen! All activities stimulate your brain. I'm not one to participate in class often because I tend to get shy but I always pay close attention to what my professor is saying and that never fails to keep me awake.
11. Bring eyedrops. It's difficult to stay awake when your eyes feel dried out from lack of sleep. When I'm running low on sleep, my contacts always bother me so eyedrops are a must. They will keep your eyes feeling fresh and awake.
12. Sit in the front row, or at least the middle. When you sit closer to the professor, their voice is much louder and you'll be almost forced to pay attention. There's also that lingering fear in the back of your mind that your professor will catch you dosing off!
13. Don't browse the web, or anything else on your phone. While your phone may seem like a great distraction, it usually isn't. If I check my phone during class, all I can think about is getting out of class and texting my boyfriend, or looking at the new pictures my friends posted of their weekends. It's just not a good idea.
I hope these few tips help you out the next time you find yourself dosing off during class. Remember to focus and always do your best. It will all pay off in the end. :)
-Rachel
1. Shower before class. Now I'm not one to shower in the morning because I like to feel nice and clean when I go to bed (I also like to get every last bit of sleep I can). Instead, I wash my face every morning within minutes of waking up. The splash of water on my face wakes me right up. I use Clean and Clear Morning Burst facial cleanser which also helps a lot. Whether you decide to shower or wash your face, it will wake you up and prepare you for your day.
2. Bring a water bottle and drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is a key factor in staying awake. You will never see me on campus without a water bottle in hand. I use water bottles that have measurements on the outside so I can keep track of how much water I drink.
3. Eat a snack. Your brain needs fuel too! Pack an apple or granola bar to munch on during class. It will keep your energy up and help you stay awake.
4. Dress in layers. This is really helpful especially when the weather begins to change. When you're warm, you're more prone to fall asleep. I always dress in layers so I'm prepared to walk from class to class and stay comfortable while inside.
5. Chew gum. Chewing gum keeps your blood flowing and your mind active. It will keep you awake and distract you from feeling fatigued.
6. Daydream after class. It's so tempting to just zone out in class and let your mind wander but in the long run you'll regret doing it. When you aren't focusing on the information in front of you, it's easier to drift off. Instead, focus on your notes. It'll keep you occupied and you'll learn a lot more!
7. Go to the bathroom. When you're feeling like you can't keep your eyes open any longer, walk to the bathroom (if your professor allows it). It's a quick way to get your blood flowing and wake up your body.
8. Sit up and focus on posture. Roll your shoulders back and sit up straight. This will help you be more attentive and slouching actually strains the muscles in your back and fatigues you overall!
9. Tug on your earlobes. Weird, I know. There are actually points in your earlobes that stimulate your brain when tugged. I tend to mess with my earrings when I get bored in class and that keeps me awake!
10. Interact with your professor. Ask questions, answer questions, just listen! All activities stimulate your brain. I'm not one to participate in class often because I tend to get shy but I always pay close attention to what my professor is saying and that never fails to keep me awake.
11. Bring eyedrops. It's difficult to stay awake when your eyes feel dried out from lack of sleep. When I'm running low on sleep, my contacts always bother me so eyedrops are a must. They will keep your eyes feeling fresh and awake.
12. Sit in the front row, or at least the middle. When you sit closer to the professor, their voice is much louder and you'll be almost forced to pay attention. There's also that lingering fear in the back of your mind that your professor will catch you dosing off!
13. Don't browse the web, or anything else on your phone. While your phone may seem like a great distraction, it usually isn't. If I check my phone during class, all I can think about is getting out of class and texting my boyfriend, or looking at the new pictures my friends posted of their weekends. It's just not a good idea.
I hope these few tips help you out the next time you find yourself dosing off during class. Remember to focus and always do your best. It will all pay off in the end. :)
-Rachel