Although we “gain” an hour of sleep in the fall, the ever-darkening days are always hard to deal with and leave us just as tired (if not more) than before. As college students, there is always tons of running around at this time of year due to our packed, hectic schedules; our array of classes; semester projects/papers; textbooks to read; and the ever-approaching finals.
Need tips to stay awake? Here are 7:
1. Get a good night of sleep
As a college student, it’s not always easy to get in enough sleep between early classes and late nights. However, on days when it is possible to get a solid night of sleep, remind yourself that Netflix will be there tomorrow.
2. Coffee
Yes— drinking coffee is a cliché soultion to the question of what to do when you’re tired. However, luckily for us at GW there are various coffee options all over Foggy Bottom. So when you’re feeling a need for a quick jolt of energy and something to make you more alert, coffee may be the perfect pick-me-up.
Quick coffee stops around GW:
- The Gelman Starbucks “Gelbucks”
- Marvin Center
- Whole Foods
- Dunkin Donuts in Shenkman Hall
- G-Dub Java in Duques Hall [Takes Dining Dollars]
3. Take naps
Ironically, it seems like we need more naps now than we did back in kindergarten. Sometimes getting a full night of sleep is not an option or you’re still tired despite getting one. It happens. So if there’s a break between classes, a quick power nap could help keep you awake (at least until your next class is over).
4. Workout
Get up out of your chair, take a break from studying, lift some weights, dance around your room, or go for a run in-between your classes. Getting your heart racing and your body moving can give you energy, helping you stay awake and attentive.
5. Take a walk
If you don’t feel you have time for a workout, try going for a short brisk walk. Walking can give you a mental break and can help with tiredness.
6. Drink water
While slurping down my coffee in an early morning class, I had noted that quite a few people were drinking water and not caffeine… and were actually staying awake. Turns out water actually works. Try to drink water throughout the day to keep from feeling tired – it can help you stay more alert. (And quick note: Dehydration can cause fatigue— so just drink your water, anyway).
7. Eat healthy snacks
Although I’m sure you have tons of candy left over from Halloween, processed sugar may give you energy for short amounts of time, but ultimately leaves you feeling tired. So try to limit your candy intake; instead, eat more foods that are high in protein or other healthy snacks.