Have you ever been in class and found that your head was bobbing up and down as if it were on a spring? It’s not just you – everyone has experienced this phenomenon at one point or another. But with these 18 tips on how to stay awake in class, you’ll be able to fight off urges to fall asleep in class without any problems!
1. Drink caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea before class
Caffeine is a stimulant that can help keep you awake. Drink a cup of coffee or tea about an hour before your class starts to give it time to take effect. If you’re not a fan of caffeine, consider drinking energy drinks instead. These drinks are loaded with caffeine and other stimulants that can help keep you awake.
Too much caffeine can have adverse side effects, such as anxiety and insomnia. So be sure to drink caffeinated beverages in moderation to avoid these problems.
In addition to caffeinated beverages, there are other ways you can get a dose of caffeine without drinking it. For example, chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine that can help keep you awake throughout the day. So instead of reaching for a cup of coffee in the morning before work or class, why not eat some dark chocolate?
Just make sure that whatever source of caffeine you choose doesn’t contain a lot of sugar. Sugar can have the opposite effect of caffeine and make you feel more tired.
2. Sit near the front of the class
The closer you are to the teacher, the easier it will be to pay attention. Sitting in the back of a classroom can make it easy to nod off as there aren’t any distractions from classmates, and your view is generally more obstructed than if you sit towards the front.
If possible, try to sit in the first row so that you’re right in front of the teacher. This will help keep you more alert and engaged in class.
If sitting near the front of the class is not an option, try to find a seat as close to the center of the room as possible. This will help reduce distractions from classmates seated on either side of you.
Avoid sitting near windows, as the sun can be a big distraction. Instead, sitting in front of a whiteboard or blackboard may help keep your attention on what’s happening in class and prevent dozing off.
3. Keep a notepad and pen nearby
When you’re taking notes, you’re more likely to stay awake. This is because writing helps keep your mind active and focused. Conversely, if you’re not taking notes, you may find yourself more easily distracted and more likely to doze off.
Make sure to bring a pen and notepad with you to class to take advantage of this tip. If you don’t want to take handwritten notes, consider using a laptop or tablet instead. This will allow you to type your notes rather than writing them out by hand.
Just be sure that you’re not using your devices as a way to procrastinate or check social media during class. That can lead to you being more tired and less productive.
Having a notepad and pen nearby will also come in handy if the teacher asks questions that require students to participate in class. You’ll be able to jot down your ideas quickly rather than trying to remember them later.
4. Do some light stretching
Stretching in between classes can help keep you awake and prevent your muscles from becoming cramped. This will give you a second wind that may make it easier for you to stay focused during the rest of the day.
There are a lot of different stretches you can do, and you don’t need any special equipment. Just search for “light stretching exercises” online to find simple, step-by-step instructions.
You don’t want to do anything that might be seen as a distraction in class. So, a simple stretch might be in your best interest unless there’s a short break where you can do much more strenuous activities.
5. Avoid heavy meals
A heavy meal will leave you feeling tired and sleepy. On the other hand, overeating before class can cause stomach pains, making it hard to concentrate on the lesson at hand. Try eating a light snack instead of a full-course meal if you find yourself dozing off during class.
You should also avoid foods that are high in sugar. Sugar can cause a blood sugar crash, which will leave you feeling tired and drained.
Some good snacks to eat before class include fresh fruits or vegetables, yogurt, whole-grain toast, trail mix, and fruit bars.
If you’re in the habit of eating breakfast before class, try choosing a lighter option like oatmeal or cereal. This will give you more energy and help prevent your stomach from rumbling while the teacher is speaking.
Just be sure to avoid eating anything too sugary or starchy, as this could make you feel even sleepier during class. For example, don’t eat a doughnut for breakfast if it typically causes you to doze off in class.
6. Drink plenty of water
Dehydration can make you feel tired and sluggish. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you have classes back-to-back. This will help keep you feeling alert and awake.
And remember to drink water before bed, too. Even mild dehydration may interfere with your sleep and cause you to feel fatigued the next day.
A good goal is to try drinking at least eight glasses of water per day (or about two liters). You can also keep a bottle of water handy in case you get thirsty during class or throughout the day.
Drinking water is one of the least expensive ways to increase your energy levels and help you stay awake all day long! So, whether it’s first thing in the morning or during class, make sure that you’re drinking enough fluids throughout each day.
7.Take a nap
Napping is one of the most effective ways to beat fatigue and boost your energy levels. A quick power nap can help recharge your mind, body, and spirit when you’re feeling too tired or sluggish. It might even make it easier for you to concentrate in class if you feel like sleeping during lectures.
Just be sure not to nap for too long, as you may end up feeling groggy and more tired when you wake up. A good rule of thumb is to keep your naps short (15-20 minutes) and schedule them for earlier in the day. This will help ensure you’re not too drowsy when it’s time for your next class.
There are many different ways to take a nap, so find the method that works best for you. Some people like to take a nap in complete darkness, while others prefer to listen to calming music or white noise. Experiment until you find what helps you relax and fall asleep the quickest.
8. Take a cold shower before class
If you’re feeling exhausted and sluggish, a cold shower may be just what you need to perk up. The sudden temperature change will shock your body and help wake you up almost instantly.
Just make sure that the water isn’t too cold, or else it could have the opposite effect and make you feel even more exhausted. You might want to try taking a lukewarm shower instead.
Some people find that the shock of cold water is too much for them, in which case you can also try splashing some cold water on your face before class. A splash of ice-cold water may be all it takes to wake up and feel refreshed throughout the rest of class.
9. Exercise regularly
Exercising is a great way to get your blood pumping and increase your energy levels. Try to fit in at least thirty minutes of exercise each day if you can. This could be anything from running or biking to playing sports or going for a walk.
Not only will exercising help keep you alert during class, but it’ll also have long-term benefits for your energy levels and overall health. So, if you’re looking for a way to stay awake during class, try fitting in some exercise each day.
You may find that exercising close to bedtime makes it harder for you to fall asleep at night. If this is the case, try working out earlier in the day instead.
But don’t overdo it! Exercising too close to bedtime can stimulate your body, energize you further, and make it hard for you to fall asleep at a reasonable hour.
Exercise is one of the best ways to stay awake in class without consuming caffeine or energy drinks. Plus, by exercising regularly throughout the day, you’ll also be able to improve your mood and overall health.
And don’t forget that exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or lifting weights. You can take a walk around campus between classes, go bike riding with friends after school, or play sports during lunchtime! No matter what type of exercise you choose, make sure that you’re getting your heart rate up and sweating a little bit.
11. Chew gum
Chewing gum is another great way to wake yourself up without drinking caffeine or energy drinks. The act of chewing will help get your blood flowing and improve your focus and concentration.
Plus, the flavor of gum can also help perk you up and make you feel more alert. So choose a flavor that you enjoy and chew on it for a few minutes before class starts.
Just be careful not to chew too much gum, as it can negatively affect your teeth if you do it regularly. Instead, try to stick to one or two pieces of gum at a time and brush your teeth after you finish chewing.
12. Avoid eating sugary foods
Eating sugary foods can make you feel tired and sluggish. So if you’re looking for a way to stay awake during class, try avoiding sugary snacks and drinks.
It’s not always easy to resist sugar, especially when it’s in the form of candy or cake. But if you can avoid eating these types of foods, you’ll likely feel more awake and alert during class.
Instead, try eating foods that are high in protein and fiber. These types of foods will help keep you feeling energized throughout the day.
13. Take breaks
It’s essential to take breaks during class to stay alert and focused. By getting up and moving around every once in a while, you’ll help refresh your mind and body.
Just make sure that you don’t take too many breaks, as this can have the opposite effect and make it harder to concentrate during class. Instead, try taking a break every hour or so if you want to be able to stay awake throughout the entire lecture without dozing off.
14. Stay away from screens
If you want to stay awake during class, try avoiding all electronic devices as much as possible. The blue light produced by computer and smartphone screens can make it harder for your body to wind down at night.
Just a few hours of exposure to this type of light before bedtime can suppress melatonin levels in your body and make it harder for you to fall asleep. So, if possible, try limiting your screen time to just an hour before bedtime each night.
Too much screen time can also be distracting and make it harder for you to focus during class. So, if you want to stay awake and alert in class, try putting your phone away and avoiding all electronic devices when you don’t need to use them.
15. Get enough sleep
It’s hard to stay awake during class when you’re exhausted all the time! It may seem tempting to pull all-nighters or catch up on homework in between classes, but you’ll be better off if you make sure to get enough sleep each night.
If possible, shoot for eight hours of sleep every single night. This will help improve your mood and give you more energy throughout the day. Plus, getting at least seven or eight hours of quality rest can also increase your concentration levels during class!
Too little sleep can also have adverse effects on your academic performance. So, if you want to stay awake and alert in class, make sure to get enough shut-eye each night.
16. Sit up straight and don’t slouch
Slouching can make you feel tired and sluggish. If you want to stay awake during class, try sitting up straight with your back against the chair.
This will help improve your posture and keep you feeling more alert throughout the day. You may also want to avoid crossing your arms or legs, which can have a similar effect.
By sitting up straight and staying aware of your posture, you’ll help keep yourself awake and decrease the chances of falling asleep. However, Slouching can also make it harder for you to take notes and pay attention in class, so try to avoid this position as much as possible.
Slouching is more comfortable, but it can make you feel tired and unfocused. So, if you want to stay awake during class, try sitting up straight with your back against the chair.
17. Get more involved in what’s being taught
If you’re not interested in what’s being taught in class or feel like it doesn’t apply to your life at all, there are probably going to be a few moments when you start to feel drowsy or fall asleep.
To stay awake during class, you must try your best to get as much out of each lecture as possible by asking questions and trying new things. If the material applies more closely to a subject you’re interested in, this will likely help keep you engaged throughout the entire lesson.
If you’re struggling to pay attention, try taking more notes or rewriting the professor’s lecture slides word-for-word. This will help keep your mind active and engaged in what’s being taught.
When you’re interested in a topic, it’s easier to stay awake and focused during class. So, if you want to stay alert in class, try getting more involved in what’s being taught.
18. Do breathing exercises that focus on your breaths
Breathing exercises are a great way to stay awake and alert during class. They can also help you relax and focus your mind on the present moment.
Try doing deep breathing exercises that focus on your breaths for at least five minutes before class starts. This will help relax you and improve the rest of your day, allowing you to feel more awake in class.
By slowing down each breath, you can also reduce anxiety levels throughout the day! So try practicing a few short breathing exercises right now to stay awake and more focused in class.
You can even do breathing exercises during class if you start to feel your eyes getting heavy. Just make sure to do them quietly and subtly, so you don’t disturb your classmates.
Final Words
So, if you’re looking for ways to stay awake in class, try implementing some of these tips into your daily routine. From getting enough sleep to sitting up straight, there are plenty of small changes you can make to help yourself stay alert and focused during lectures.
If you’re having a hard time staying awake or find yourself dozing off often, don’t worry! Just try one or two of these tips and see if they make a difference in your concentration levels.