It’s that time of the semester again. The work is starting to pile up, and all you really want to do is sleep. Though caffeine is usually the go-to solution to fatigue, sometimes it’s not always ideal.
If you’re fighting a coffee addiction like I am, here are some options — granted they’re not the most pleasant — that will help you wake up and stay awake.
Get up early
Don’t let your warm, cuddly blankets and pillows tempt you. You and I both know “five more minutes” actually means “lie here for the next hour or two.”
I hate getting up early as much as anyone, but giving yourself at least an hour for your brain to wake up can improve concentration in class and in life.
Sure, you might have to set 10 alarms, walk around like a zombie for a few minutes or even stick your head in what’s left of the snow, but at least you’ll be awake enough to function in the end.
Exercise
You don’t have to be a marathon runner to benefit from exercising. Now I sound like I’m teaching middle school health class.
Yes, sometimes exercise is draining, but it will wake you up. It’s backed by science!
In a study done by the University of Georgia, people who made a habit of exercising just a little bit a few times a week decreased their fatigue by 65 percent.
Carbo load
This goes well with the whole exercising thing. If eating 10 plates of spaghetti gives runners energy before a race, then it must work for life in general right?
OK maybe I just need an excuse to eat spaghetti for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Take a cold shower
You know what? Never mind. This is a stupid idea. Please don’t get hypothermia!
Massage your ears
Just do it. You will look kind of weird doing it, but just trust me on this one.
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