If you've ever had a sleepless night or slept badly, you know how hard it is to stay awake in class despite being tired. The classroom can become a dreary environment, lessons can seem boring, and the teacher's voice may begin to sound like a lullaby. To stay awake, try to be more involved in class, bring yourself a snack to munch on, and adopt other smart strategies.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Participating in the Class
Step 1. Sit at the first desk
You will be more motivated to stay awake if you know the teacher can see you. Also, when you are sitting close to the desk, you will have less difficulty paying attention and following the lesson. You will also find yourself next to far more attentive companions whose voices will help you stay awake.
Step 2. Join the class
Ask questions, answer them and listen to the lesson. This behavior will be of enormous help when you are tired or the explanation you are bored because, by asking a few questions to the teacher, you can clarify the passages that you did not understand. Also, as you talk, you will feel more engaged and attentive.
- Try to set a goal: answer or ask at least 3 questions for each subject.
- Try to stick to the topic covered in the explanation to avoid annoying the teacher. For example, you might ask, "I didn't understand the last part of the proof. Could you please explain it again in more detail?"
Step 3. Listen actively
Active listening is a great way to force yourself to stay awake, as it requires physical and mental commitment. Even if you don't take notes, this method can help you keep your eyes open throughout the lesson.
To listen effectively to the teacher you should try to look him in the eye, turn in his direction, pay close attention, imagine what he is saying, ask questions during the pauses of the explanation, answer when you are questioned and perceive through gestures and tone of voice. when information could be particularly important
Step 4. Interact with your classmates
Group discussions are great for working with other people and keeping awake. So, get involved and try to make useful contributions. Try sitting next to enterprising peers who collaborate meaningfully during classroom comparisons.
Step 5. Take detailed notes
It's a great way to pay attention and engage in class. Listen carefully to the lesson and try to write down the concepts as carefully as possible. You can use highlighters and pens to indicate different steps and change colors from time to time so as not to lose focus.
Some people learn best by taking advantage of visual memory. If you have this learning style too, scribble in your notebook what you need to learn. Mind maps, images, and patterns are all useful tools for impressing the information you receive into your mind
Step 6. Ask your teacher to turn on the lights
If you know before class starts that you will have difficulty staying awake, approach the teacher and ask if it is possible to keep the lights on. Unless you need to watch a movie or PowerPoint presentation, you will have no problem agreeing.
Step 7. Trust your mates
Sit next to someone who can concentrate in class. Before class begins, ask him if he can nudge you or move your chair as soon as you fall asleep. If you can count on the help of someone to stop you from falling asleep, you will have less difficulty staying awake.
Part 2 of 3: Eat and Drink to Keep Your Attention
Step 1. Drink coffee or tea before entering class to feel more energetic
A good coffee or a nice cup of tea can hinder sleepiness, especially before a long lesson. If you can, drink a latte or make some tea at home and take it to school in a disposable glass. Caffeine will wake you up in no time!
Step 2. Bring an energy drink to instantly recharge
If you have a chance to have a drink in the classroom, an energy drink like Red Bull could be the solution if you don't like coffee. However, if you choose this method, you may experience a drop in sugar over the course of the day.
Energy drinks should be consumed sparingly because they are rich in sugar and caffeine, which promote fatigue if consumed continuously
Step 3. Drink cold water to keep you awake and alert
Bring a bottle of cold water to school. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it will also give you a good boost of energy every time you take a cold sip. By drinking water, you will promote attention and avoid feeling confused and fatigued.
Step 4. Eat right 3 times a day
Whether you have class in the morning, afternoon or evening, three regular and balanced meals will help you fight fatigue. Food will provide you with energy and allow you to stay awake and focused. Before taking a class, you should avoid heavy foods, such as pasta, as they can make you sleepy.
- A balanced meal should include fruits, vegetables, proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats.
- For example, breakfast might include Greek yogurt stuffed with granola or bran flakes and berries.
Step 5. Have some snacks to nibble on in class to keep your energy levels high
If the teacher allows it, bring a snack with you to make the lesson less monotonous and to stay focused. This way you can recharge and commit to following the explanation instead of thinking about how tired you feel.
- Try making yourself a healthy snack consisting of nuts, berries, fruits or vegetables, including baby carrots or celery sticks.
- Do not chew loudly and avoid attracting attention while eating, otherwise you risk distracting your companions.
- Avoid fatty, sugary, or salty foods as they can promote fatigue.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Your Body
Step 1. Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night
It's the best way to stay awake in the classroom. 8 hours of sleep are sufficient for most students, but this can increase according to individual energy consumption. Going to bed at the same time every night will get your body used to knowing when to sleep and when to be awake.
- Before going to bed, take the time to relax and unwind, without using your cell phone, doing homework or stressing yourself out in other ways.
- Combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet, adequate night sleep can alleviate many problems related to daytime fatigue.
Step 2. Sit with your back straight and stretch out on the chair
Good posture will help you stay awake mentally and physically. You can straighten your limbs slightly while standing on the chair so that you can recover. Start by making rotational movements with your wrists, shoulders, and neck.
- Take it as a personal challenge not to collapse. As soon as you start slouching, correct yourself and sit with your back straight.
- If you can, choose a slightly uncomfortable chair or an uncomfortable bench to avoid bending over.
Step 3. Take a walk before or after class
Physical activity tells the body that it is not yet time to sleep. Walk during recess, go outside (if you are allowed) thus promoting blood circulation to improve your attention. As soon as you stop, you may feel tired again, but physical movement will help you for a while.
- If you feel heavy eyelids, ask permission to go to the bathroom. Even a short walk can wake you up.
- Climb the stairs to go to class. Physical movement will increase your heart rate and make you feel more awake.
Advice
- Get 8 hours of sleep before school to avoid feeling tired.
- If you have a long break during the day, take a nap.
