The start of the new academic year causes a wave of excitement to sweep through schools. However, after the dust on the newly-washed chalkboard has settled, scholars tend to fall back into the habit of getting tired in class. This nasty occurrence can reach dangerous heights and can even cause some scholars to fail their year due to a lack of attention in class. Here is how you can stop it.
1. Eat clean
A healthy diet is the ground in the garden from which energy grows. Cut out fast foods and sugary drinks. Try to eat before 19:00 so your food can process and be digested by the time you go to sleep. When you eat right before going to bed your body uses energy to digest your food in stead of focussing on resting. When you eat clean, healthy, organic food your metabolism gets sped up and you will get hungry more often. Spend 30 minutes the night before to prepare a healthy lunchbox for your day at school to keep your body nourished and energised. Don’t buy chips and sandwiches at the tuck shop. You are wasting money and feeding yourself food that is difficult to digest and may cause you to get sleepy.
2. Get all your work done as soon as you get home
Your mind will be at ease and you can rest assured knowing all your work for the next day is done. Not only does this give you enough time at night to prepare your food for the next day or spend the evening with your family, but you will actually enjoy going to that class and not stress about falling behind. Now you can spend more time concentrating in class in stead of stressing about unfinished work.
2. Get enough sleep, but not too much
You’ve heard this countless times, but it cannot be overstated. Sleep is instrumental for having a clear mind. Go to bed early – before 22:00 – and wake up early. When you wake up earlier than usual, your brain has had enough time to boot up and you will be wide awake by the time you go to school. Going to bed early has proven imperative for alertness in class.
3. Exercise in the morning
If you are not a morning person, then this one is especially for you. Getting up before sunrise, stretching on your porch and going for a quick run around the block will get your blood flowing, oxygen pumping and strengthen your muscles. Since tension builds up in your nerves, stretching will not only make you more supple but you won’t feel the physical effects of all that exam stress. A short run will give you enough energy and endorphins to last you until you go home.
4. Don’t drink too much coffee or too many energy drinks
Rely on your body’s natural energy to carry you through the day. Sugary energy drinks or a caffeine overload may not only cause dependence on the drink for energy through the day, but can actually cause you to crash by the end of the day. In this state, you will not want to do homework. You will only want to sleep. Drinking energy drinks or coffee after 16:00 can also keep you from sleeping, which causes fatigue, which pushes you to drink coffee again and so the vicious cycle continues. Forget what the advertising companies constantly tell you. A healthy diet and regular exercise will be sufficient energy.
