Top 10 Ways to Stay Awake in Class

By Modupe Alabi | VOX Staff

Art by Stanley Stewart | VOX Staff

The second semester slump is always difficult to get over. Try these tips below when you find it hard to keep your eyes open in class, or during standardized testing time. Remember you have only a few months to go, and you have to pass your classes!

10. Tap your feet, do a little dance in your seat. Just keep your body moving, but not to the point where it looks like you have a twitch.

9. Remember your favorite quotes, like Jack Nicholson’s “You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth!” Repeat them in your mind in different ways, languages and even backwards if you can.

8. Wear layers. Most people get sleepy when it’s cold and some when it’s hot. If you feel yourself getting hot or cold, remove or put on jackets as needed until you feel comfortable enough to stay awake.

7. Sing the alphabet song in your head—backwards. This will help build your concentration.

6. Remember your goals in life. Think of your ambitions and how much you want to achieve them. Rewrite them over and over, and this motivation should give you a reason to keep your eyes open.

5. Don’t have your elbow on your desk to hold your head up--that is way too relaxing. Sit straight and don’t slump into a comfortable sitting position.

4. In your head, sing a song; preferably something up-tempo with fast-paced beats.

3. Get a sleep-support buddy. If he/she sees you falling asleep, have them tap you and remind you to stay awake or keep you alert.

2. Take precise notes. It helps to make funny comments, like “E=MC2”as “Eat = McChicken double.”

1. Eat really spicy or really sour candy. Crybabies, Fireballs, or Indonesian Ginger Candy (my favorite is Ting Ting Jahe) will do the trick. Having your tongue on fire will keep you awake!

Modupe, 16, is a junior at Stephenson who’s had senioritis since she was a sophomore and is trying to get past it.