Best Ways to Keep Alert?

RNDreamer · Jun 3, 2008

Each class I took required a different way for me to study. If I knew I had a long night ahead of me, I ALWAYS took a few hours nap before studying. Spending all night studying, not getting any sleep, then going to school the next day always resulted in me feeling very sick.

If the class required a lot of reading, I would break down the studying into increments. For example, study a section, take a break while I allow the information to absorb (no more than 15 min), then go back and study the next section. After a few sections, I'd go back and make sure I understood the previous sections before moving on.

If it was a class like general chemistry or statistics, I found that I excelled on exams when I created a study guide with all the formulas, etc that I needed to know. I would focus on areas that I had trouble with, while not forgetting to review areas that I was confident in.

Good Luck!

MLMRN1120 · Jun 8, 2008

chocolate covered espresso beans work for me lol. Also short breaks in between as the last poster said.

dee78 · Jun 8, 2008

JOLT chewing gum!!!

Okay well I haven't given it a shot for studying but when I'm working long shifts it does help me to stay awake. I used to drink the energy drinks but they are just nasty. My DH helped the kids pick out a single serving coffee/tea maker for my Mother's Day present. It's so easy to use and only takes a few minutes to make. I buy different teas and coffees so I don't get bored with it.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2008

It's really hard to force myself to do, but exercise makes me feel much better and focus better when I'm tired. If I'm too tired for the treadmill, I do yoga.

Atheos · Jun 14, 2008

Speed.... No. Just kidding. If you are not having enough time to go to class, study, sleep and whatever else you have to do, maybe try cutting back on something. Preferably not the going to class, studying or sleep of course. Lack of sleep actually makes it harder for the brain to form newer memories. Nothing does as much wonder for alertness as an occasional snooze. I had to cut my class load because 15 credit hours and 40 hour work weeks do not play well together... My grades were great then and are now but I feel much better and seem to be absorbing more than I was before.

Bicster · Jun 14, 2008

Most of these responses have been quite disapointing. They either involve short term unhealthy solutions or just cutting back.

Here is what I do, and I have energy to spare:

-A balanced diet, with healthy fats, low glycemic carbs and quality protein

-At least 30mins of excercise a day. Some days I have to do it at 4:30am some days at 11pm, but I always get it in.

-A good multivitamin

-Most importantly, staying focused on my goal. When I dont feel like studying anymore, I take a deep breath, remember why I am doing this, and suck it up. My second wind never fails to come.

Dont seek your energy from manufactured sources, it doesnt compare to what your own body can produce, if you give it the right ingredients.

AtomicWoman · Jun 14, 2008

I don't know if this is good or bad, but I am too old to stay up all or most of the night studying! :chuckle If I do that, I am a non-thinking, non-functional zombie the next day.

Given that, I have found that some exercise in the evening can be quite invigorating. You don't want to wear yourself out, but a brisk 30 minutes on the treadmill should be enough. And avoid sugar!!! Sugar can make you feel sleepy so fast, and then when your blood sugar plummets, you really feel horrible. So while you're studying, eat healthy, whole-grain stuff and/or proteins.

Someone else suggested a nap earlier in the day. That's a good one, too, but I know you may not always have the time to do that.

Atheos · Jun 14, 2008

Most of these responses have been quite disapointing. They either involve short term unhealthy solutions or just cutting back.
Here is what I do, and I have energy to spare:
-A balanced diet, with healthy fats, low glycemic carbs and quality protein
-At least 30mins of excercise a day. Some days I have to do it at 4:30am some days at 11pm, but I always get it in.
-A good multivitamin
-Most importantly, staying focused on my goal. When I dont feel like studying anymore, I take a deep breath, remember why I am doing this, and suck it up. My second wind never fails to come.
Dont seek your energy from manufactured sources, it doesnt compare to what your own body can produce, if you give it the right ingredients.

Exercise, vitamins and 'staying focused will not work if you don't get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation will cause errors and forgetfulness. The only cure for sleep deprivation is more sleep... Sorry to disappoint.

Bicster · Jun 14, 2008

Exercise, vitamins and 'staying focused will not work if you don't get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation will cause errors and forgetfulness. The only cure for sleep deprivation is more sleep... Sorry to disappoint.

I suppose I will just continue upon the path that has made me successful.

Feel free to stick with the "cutting back" method posted earlier, its always nice to have that option I guess.

DesertRoseAZ · Jun 14, 2008

Well, so far I've been just getting a nap in during the day. I got to class 7am-11:30a, and take the bus and get home around 12:30pm. Study a bit, relax, and nap at 3pm usually.

It's the only thing keeping me going.

Atheos · Jun 14, 2008

I suppose I will just continue upon the path that has made me successful.
Feel free to stick with the "cutting back" method posted earlier, its always nice to have that option I guess.

I never said what 'enough' sleep was. I personally only sleep about 5 hours a night and am fine. Some need less some need more. I am only saying to moderate what you do. I have a fellow aide that works full-time takes 18 credit hours and has a kid and wonders why she is failing. Big wonder...