Inevitably it will happen to you. You’ll realize somehow a midterm or paper has slipped your mind and you only have a day or maybe even a matter of hours to study for it or complete it. To pull off this feat without passing out on your laptop there are a few helpful items you should have at the ready.
1. Snacks.
It’s recommended to eat protein-rich foods like mixed nuts, dairy products, and fruit when trying to stay awake and alert, so think twice before grabbing that cookie or handful of Halloween candy because it may give you a temporary sugar high and then make you crash.
2. Caffeine.
The key to drinking caffeine without the crash is to stay hydrated with water while doing so. For every serving of coffee, black tea, an energy drink, or soda, you should also have a glass of water. You’ll need to make more bathroom breaks, but you will feel much more refreshed by doing so and you’ll be able to stay up longer.
3. Naps.
Napping can be the best tool in your all-nighter experience. We all need sleep, but we also need to pass our classes. The key to not overdoing your nap is setting alarms to make sure you actually wake up. WebMD recommends the 20 minute power nap for alertness and motor learning skills like rapidly typing the night away.
4. A list of specific goals.
Setting goals or writing out a to-do list beforehand can be helpful in both staying positive and remembering what you need to actually accomplish. The later it gets the easier it is to forget important tasks, so this is a good way to stay on track.
5. A study buddy.
Having a study group can be helpful in staying up later because you all can motivate each other to keep working. Split up questions and then work through them together, or simply work through a study guide together and compare answers. Give each other breaks and take time to have a quick laugh or watch a cute puppy video. If you’re going to stay up all night you’ve got to pace yourselves. Pinch each other if one of you is falling asleep or watch their stuff as they take a quick nap.
6. Exercise.
Studies show that working out for 30 minutes at a mild-intensity can help you with memorization which can be helpful in remembering facts and trying to study for an oral language exam or a performance.
7. The willpower to avoid distractions.
Shut off your phone, delete game apps, set up an account on a website blocker, turn off the tv, and whatever else will get you in the zone! If you don’t have the willpower to completely avoid these things, set up 10 minute breaks each hour or two where you allow yourself time to use them.
Good luck on midterms and finals, Beaver Nation!