We've all been there: You're sitting in your morning class and suddenly you feel a wave wash over you. Your eyes get heavy and your brain gets a fogginess. Then you catch your head drooping as you begin to fall asleep. On days like these, it seems pointless to even be in class because it's not like you're paying attention anyways. How can you combat this? I'm glad you asked.
1. Take a shower before class
It doesn't even have to be a cold shower! The water will usually be enough to wake you right up. Try adding a morning face wash or something with a strong mint/citrus scent (those smells tend to make people feel more awake compared to other scents).
2. Bring a nice cold drink
Water is preferred, but if you can't live without your morning coffee try getting it iced. The coldness will wake you up and make you feel more alert.
3. Chew gum
Try chewing a mint or cinnamon flavored gum. Not only will the task of chewing keep you awake, but the flavors will make you more alert. This also has the bonus addition of if you chew the same flavor during a test you are more likely to remember it.
4. Interact if possible
If you are trying to actively participate in class you are more likely to pay attention and this will help prevent you from falling asleep because you aren't just sitting there passively.
5. Make friends with the person sitting next to you
If you sit next to a friend then you can ask them to make sure that you stay awake during class. Like make sure they will slap you if you fall asleep (or at least take notes for you if you accidentally fall asleep).
6. Stretch
Stretching is a good way to wake your body up and can provide a much-needed break from a teacher's lecture.
7. Take a bathroom break
If you can leave the classroom for a few moments, take advantage if it. You don't even have to go to the bathroom, just walk around for a few seconds and that should be enough.
8. Take detailed notes
If you are actively trying to take the best notes ever, you are less likely to drift off and fall asleep. Most of the time you just need to focus your brain to get it to wake up.
9. Count things
If the lecture is super boring and that is the reason you want to fall asleep, then a way for you to occupy yourself without the teacher finding out you aren't paying attention (sometimes they notice when you are drawing instead of taking notes) is by counting. Try counting people wearing a certain color or boys versus girls.
10. Eat a quiet snack
Some teachers don't like students eating in their class because it disrupts the other students. Find a quiet and non-smelly food to bring to class. For example, cut up an apple or bring a biscuit.
11. Make sure you get enough sleep the night before
This one is pretty self-explanatory.
