Exams are coming round again, which for many of us means studying late and fighting to stay awake! Here are some tips to help keep your eyes open while you’re working.
Turn on bright lights. By making your body think that it’s still daytime, you’ll be altering your circadian rhythm and be able to stay up longer.
Chew gum! It’ll make you more alert, according to Psychology Today, and the chewing action keeps your mouth busy.
Eat healthy snacks. Avoid carbohydrates and stick to proteins, which keep you more awake, and there’s also the added bonus of the chewing action to keep you occupied.
Stand up or improve your posture. It’s physically impossible for humans to fall asleep while standing up, since you have to keep adjusting your position. If that’s too much, then even sitting up straight in your chair can help.
Take exercise breaks. Elevating your heart rate, and increasing blood flow will help you stay awake while you’re working.
Switch topics! When you’re sleepy, you’ll burn out much faster on individual topics. Switching it up keeps you interested and alert.
Keep yourself cold. Warmth makes you sleepy, so open windows, get rid of blankets, and don’t study in bed.
Listen to uptempo music. Avoid ambient or monotonous music and keep yourself awake with something upbeat and invigorating.
Turn off the computer unless necessary, and if it is, then avoid eye strain! Dim the screen and give your eyes a break every fifteen minutes to avoid overexerting them.
Take timed naps. It’ll help you stay more alert, and can also help to decrease some stress.
Drink water. Not only does it keep you hydrated, but it’ll force you to get up and take a walk every now and again when you need the toilet.
Good luck! Be sensible with how late you stay up, and avoid pulling all-nighters if at all possible. Try and start studying ahead of time so you don’t need to use these tips, but in case you do, I hope they help you out!
