We spend hours a day just sitting in a chair staring at someone talk. Sometimes, we’re in class longer than we were asleep last night. That’s just college.
For me, I have super weird sleeping issues, and the doctors haven’t figured out what’s with me wrong yet. Until they do, I am the most prone to nodding off in class of anyone I know. It’s not that I don’t care about my studies. I do. In fact, I almost always sit in the front row because I want to pay attention. That means, unfortunately, that if I start nodding off…well, I can’t really hide it from anyone.
These are some things I’ve used to help me stay awake. A few of them are a little weird, but I get desperate sometimes.
1. Chew gum or have snack food handy.
Keeping your jaw moving helps you keep those eyes open. Healthy foods will also increase your energy. Nibble an apple, peanuts, or almonds. My favorite is sunflower seeds. (However, you shouldn’t do this all the time. I had been chewing gum in almost every class for one too many days in a row when my jaw got so sore all I could stand to eat for supper was soggy cereal.)
2. Keep yourself cool.
If it’s warm, you’re more likely to start dozing off. Shed a layer of clothing, wear thinner socks, or put your hair up.
3. Take a trip to the bathroom and the water fountain.
It gets you moving. Take a long drink because staying hydrated helps keep you alert. Plus, it gives you a chance to try these next few tips.
4. Splash some water on your face.
When your face feels cold water, it tricks your brain into thinking that you’re swimming, which will increase oxygen flow to the brain and increase alertness. If you don’t want to mess up your mascara, wipe some water on your forehead for the same effect.
5. Pour a little cold water down your back.
Get some water in your hand or on your finger tips (I use the lid of my water bottle) and pour it or dab it on the back of your neck. More is better, but just a few drops of cold water tickling down your spine will give you new energy. It’s sounds weird and it feels weird too, but it will help every time. Don’t worry. Your shirt won’t take long to dry.
6. While you’re up, pose like Superman!
Stand up straight, put your hands on your hips, pull your shoulders back, and pump out your chest like Superman. It’s a good stretch to help you get some energy back.
7. Don’t slouch.
Slouching actually makes you more tired because it strains your muscles. Keep a good posture. One semester, the majority of my classes were in one room with chairs that naturally made you sit with horrible posture. I literally brought in a chair from across the hall, and the professors let me leave it in the back of the room after class.
8. Keep your hands active.
Doodle. Fiddle with a small object. Squeeze one of those squishy stress toys. Keeping your hands active is great for staying awake. I like to mess with play-dough under the desk. Yes, it’s weird, but it works.
9. Air out your feet.
You may have heard that fresh air helps wake you up. Your feet need fresh air too! Between classes, take off your shoes and socks. The longer the better. Fifteen minutes is optimum, but since you won’t often have that much time, five minutes or so can help. If you can, put on a new pair of socks and/or shoes.
