Ten Ways to Feel More Awake

As a student, it can be hard to get the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep. We’re constantly overloaded with assignments, extracurriculars, and other responsibilities that keep us awake. This lack of sleep makes us tired and prevents us from functioning as well as we could when well-rested. So, here are ten ways to feel more awake to get you through the school year:

1. Drink water - Not drinking enough water can make you feel even more sluggish and fatigued. So staying hydrated is essential to feeling your best, especially when you’re not getting enough sleep. 

2. Exercise - Whether it’s a high-intensity workout, a stretch, or just a short walk, movement is essential for feeling more awake. This is because exercise releases endorphins that increase activity in your brain, making you more energized.

3. Fresh air - It can be hard to find time to go outside with a full day of school and extracurriculars, but it’s worth it to get some fresh air, even if it’s just a short walk. It clears your lungs and boosts your mood. Being inside all day can make you tired, even when you’re running on a full night’s sleep.

4. Sunlight - Sunlight is hard to come by when you’re inside a classroom all day, especially during the winter. But it’s a natural signal to your brain that it's the time to be awake, so if you can get sunlight, take advantage of it. Of course, going outside is the best option, but if you can’t, even just taking a break and looking out the window can work. There are also Vitamin D supplements that supply the nutrients you get from sunlight that may be lacking during the winter. 

5. Wear bright clothing - When you’re tired, you might feel tempted to throw on a dark hoodie and sweats. But in reality, wearing bright clothing makes you feel more awake and energetic, so it’s definitely worth the extra effort. 

6. Take a brain break - Sometimes you may not just be physically tired, but mentally tired as well. This can often be a result of overworking, so it’s important to take breaks to rejuvenate.

7. Have a conversation - Similarly, when you’re sitting alone with your thoughts, it can be easy to drift off, especially if you’re working on something particularly challenging. So taking a break and talking to someone can help you refocus and prevent you from falling asleep. This can also be beneficial for what you’re working on if you have a conversation to work through the problem.

8. Listen to upbeat music - It’s no secret that the music you listen to has a significant impact on your mood. For instance, listening to sad music can make you more gloomy, while listening to positive music can make you feel happier. So when you feel tired, listening to upbeat, fast-paced music can make you feel much more energetic and awake.

9. Nutrition - I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Well, it’s a cliche for a reason—having a balanced breakfast in the morning can be the fuel you need to get through the day, especially if you’re running low on sleep, so it's beneficial to take the time you need in the morning to eat. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—something is better than nothing. If you’re at a loss for ideas, check out our article A Week of Healthy Recipes.

10. Caffeine and chocolate - If you’re still exhausted, caffeine can keep you awake and alert. But it does have some negative side effects and if you tend to rely on caffeine, it won’t work nearly as well. Another alternative is dark chocolate. Like caffeine, chocolate has a chemical that keeps you awake. This chemical in chocolate, theobromine, is different from caffeine in that it’s milder and has longer-lasting effects, so it can be a good substitute for coffee in your breakfast. 

These methods work pretty much anytime, whether you’re falling asleep in class or struggling to get up in the morning. Hopefully these tips help you feel more awake and make your year so much easier. Good luck!