March, the most anticipated month for American university students, is my month from hell. March madness is filled with midterms, essays, applications, and looking for summer jobs, and there have been way to many nights where I have to unexpectedly pull all-nighters. Just this past weekend, I pulled two all-nighters and I can feel parts of my body slowly dying.
So with everything that is coming up, including finals, I would like give some advice to my fellow collegiettes for surviving an all-nighter.
#1: Caffeine.
Even during a long day at school, I require a large amount of caffeine – the x-large cup at Tim Horton’s to be specific. Caffeine makes you less sleepy and gives you a higher chance of staying up. Keep in mind, you can overdose on caffeine, so let’s not drink 5 red bulls in a row.
#2: Drink water.
If caffeine just ain’t your thang, then try water. It has been proven that water can help you stay awake but even if it only keeps you hydrated at least it makes your skin a little bit better. If water itself doesn’t keep you awake, at least running to the bathroom all night will keep you up.
#3: Make your own playlist.
I have just found the amazing site 8tracks. I have absolutely fallen in love with it. I know for a fact that different people study with different music. I personally like to hear piano covers of pop songs but some people like dubstep, some like classical, and some like Justin Bieber. I don’t judge. Making your own playlist or listening to someone else’s playlist can make your feet tap, your head bob, and your eyes a little wider.
#4: Take breaks – you deserve it.
Because you are staying up all night, it doesn’t matter if you take a 15 minute break after you finish making notes for a chapter in your textbook. Breaks give you something to look forward to and an immediate goal for your tired mind at 3 AM. Even if it’s a silly cat video, it won’t wear out your brain.
#5: Have a study buddy.
Now this is a tough one, it really depends on the person. If you are able to study with others, without initiated conversations, then I say study with someone, especially if you’re in the same course. With a study buddy, you are able to ask questions, explore the topic more, or even just complain about how stupid the textbook is – it definitely makes a difference. If people are just distractions for you, study alone. Go to the library on a Sunday afternoon, I personally suggest Robarts.
#6: Take a shower.
If you are at that point where you no longer have control over your eyelids and you’re whipping your hair back and forth unconsciously, its time to take a shower. If you depend on this all-nighter, try taking a cold shower, it’s proven to be extremely effective!
#7: Set Goals.
Before you start studying and planning an all-nighter, set goals. Write out what lab reports, comparative essays, and chapters of the psych textbook you need to read. You don’t pull all-nighters just for an all-nighter. Try to finish as fast as possible and set realistic goals. Don’t assume you will be able to finish five chapters of a book, write a lab report, and finish a philosophy essay all in one night. Remember that as the night goes on, your performance will go down.
#8: Snacks all the way.
Winter hibernation fat? I say study fat. Every time I study, I get the munchies. Eating chips increases my attention span and makes me more focused. Give in to your munchies when studying for a big midterm or writing an essay worth 45% of your grade. You don’t want to be fighting your body trying to stay awake while fighting your munchies as well.
#9: Turn on the light in here baby!
The brighter the room, the less sleepy you get. It’s that simple.
#10: Make your environment just a little uncomfortable.
Make your room just a little uncomfortably cold. Sit on your desk chair that is just a little uncomfortable (or at least more uncomfortable than your bed). Use brighter lights that slightly hurt your eyes. This will decrease your chances of falling asleep.
#11: If necessary, nap.
We all know there is a point where your body just cannot take it anymore. If you are reading but nothing is going into your brain, it’s not worth it. Taking a power nap (I personally take a 25 minute nap while power naps are normally 20 minutes) might improve your chances of making a dent in that to-do list. It’s not giving up on your all-nighter but being realistic about what your body needs. It’s being smart!
What are your tips for surviving an all nighter? Let us know in the comments below!
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http://www.likemypriceblog.com/category/childrens-produts/childrens-books/