It’s 8:15 a.m., and you feel like your eyelids have 20 pound weights added to them. You probably woke up half an hour ago. Maybe you had time to scarf down some breakfast and fall into your seat just in time for the professor to start class. But now, you’re really wishing you had just stayed in bed; drooling onto your notes is just not worth it.
We’ve all been there. Turns out “I had class at 8 a.m. all through high school, I can do it in college too!” Just might be the biggest lie you’ve ever told yourself. Well have no fear, because people smarter than me have given me advice and now I am here to help! With this advice, you might be able to make it through class without passing out into your textbook.
1. Pack provisions
Having a water bottle or something to snack on gives you something to focus on other than the droning of your professor. Good snacks will also give you an incentive to stay awake, and chewing is a motion that requires you to be awake. Gum also works well for the same reason, plus, minty gum is refreshing and stimulates your memory and brain processing speeds.
2. Have caffeine
Caffeine is almost always a good idea. I personally prefer coffee, but if your main supply is the college dining hall, you risk it being horribly diluted and not very effective. If coffee isn’t working for you, black tea is usually caffeinated and often tastes yummy. Energy drinks like Red Bull or Monster are great too, but they smell like poison and might try to kill you, so try to stick to one a day at the most.
3. Doodle
I once had a teacher who forbid us from doodling during class. So instead, he got to lecture to a class of head-bobbing students because no one could stay awake. Doodling gives your hands something to do. And even if your mind ends up wandering, at least you won’t be obviously asleep.
4. Take notes
Taking notes is exactly like doodling but more academic! It not only requires you to be completely awake and functioning, but paying attention to what the professor is saying too! Who knows, it might even help you on the exam.
5. Sit up straight
I know, I know - I sound like my mother. But seriously, this helps. Very few people have perfect posture without concentrating on and putting energy into keeping their back straight. If you force yourself to sit up straight enough that even my mother would be proud, not only will your back feel better, but you might be able to make it through class without slumping into your desk.
6. Hold your breath
Holding your breath for 10-30 seconds will increase your heart rate and wake up your brain. It also gives you something to do without calling a ton of attention to yourself: practice holding your breath for longer and longer to distract yourself from falling asleep. Just don’t pass out; passing out will call a lot of attention to yourself, and your professor will definitely know who you are for the rest of the semester.
7. Exercise
Desperate times call for desperate measures. If you’re really struggling to keep your head up, just get out of the class for a few minutes. Go to the bathroom, get a drink of water, do 10 jumping jacks in the hallway, whatever it takes to get your blood pumping and mind moving enough to make it through the rest of class.
I hope these tips help you make it through your 8 a.m. class, even if it’s just so that you remember never to sign up for one in the future. Good luck out there, knowledge warriors.
