All-nighter: a phenomenon, usually common in college, where one spends the night up either studying, working, or just lurking about. Can cause sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and eye twitching.
All-nighters are never fun; however, sometimes they are just simply a necessity for college students. Whether you're studying for a final, working the overnight shift, or just out partying with friends here are the quintessential do's and don'ts of all-nighters.
Drink a lot of water
Perhaps one of the keys to surviving an all nighter, water is bae. Seriously, never even begin an all nighter without heaping amounts of H20. From working the overnight shift many times, I can truly attest to this. Energy drinks & caffeine will only get you so far. Water is the perfect element to completely wash out your system and keep you fresh.
DON'T
Drink energy drinks
I repeat, DO NOT CONSUME energy drinks. These toxic refreshments only poison your body and cause increased anxiety, cardiac arrest, insomnia, and even type 2 diabetes. Though I have been pressured into trying Red Bull and Vault from exhaustion whilst studying and working, I have yet to put the sugary poisons into my body.
DO
Drink tea
Tea is the perfect (and natural) beverage to keep you alert and awake when you need to be. Plus, unlike energy drinks, there is no added sugars, chemicals, or dyes. Nature has known for a long time how to keep the body alert and focused without the need for sugary lab creations.
Bonus: Drinking tea will keep you healthy and vibrant during winter months when the flu runs rampant.
DON'T
Use the computer or other digital devices for long periods of time
If possible, try to avoid as much electronic use as possible during your all-nighter. Read traditional books, take notes on paper, outline your paper by hand. Decreasing your activity on digital devices can help you sleep better once your all nighter as finished. Too much interaction with electronics confuses your eyes and can lead to sleep deprivation and insomnia.
DO
Listen to calm music
Put on a mix of calm instrumental tunes. Music can be calming and soothing and promote a great work ethic. The calm element will foster a sense of collectivity and prohibit stress and anxiety.
DO
Take breaks
One of the best strategies for all-nighters is to pull through, work hard, and get in two solid hours of work at a time, taking a 20-30 minute break in between each two hour session. Breaks help clear the mind, unclog the brain, and promote a sense of rest and well-being. Without breaks, the mind and boy will get tired at an alarmingly faster rate.
DON'T
Use social media
Stay away from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and whatever else might distract you. Social media is the enemy during times of deep concentration. Try out sites like keepmeout.com that lock you off certain websites for designated amounts of time. Trust me, your snap story and and status updates can wait.
& LASTLY...
DON'T
Make a habit of all-nighters
Perhaps the most important tidbit, please DO NOT make a habit of al- nighters. Try to not procrastinate and get work done or other commitments finished in a timely manner. Your brain and body will thank you profusely.
