Tips

19 Instant Ways to Stay Awake While Studying: Beat Drowsiness Now!

Are you struggling to stay awake while studying? It's a common problem, but we've got your back! With our 19 instant tips and tricks, you can say goodbye to sleepiness and hello to a focused and productive study session. Give them a try and experience the difference!

Administrator

11 July, 2024

If you’re feeling sluggish in the morning and struggling to stay awake during work or study sessions, your productivity will likely take a hit. This is often caused by staying up late and not getting enough sleep. Additionally, a lack of essential nutrients or life’s stressors can leave you feeling tense and tired. Aside from drinking tea or coffee, try these simple tips to boost your energy levels, improve your mood, and banish sleepiness so you can start your day full of vigor!

1. Use essential oils to stay awake

Use essential oils to stay awake

Did you know that the scent of essential oils can stimulate your brain? When you feel drowsy, try rubbing some on your temples or forehead for an instant pick-me-up.

For more information: A Comprehensive Guide to Essential Oils

2. Relax your body

Relax your body

Instead of sitting still, remember to move your arms and legs, and relax your body during breaks from work or study. Try simple exercises like neck rolls, wrist and ankle circles, and stretching your arms and legs. This will not only reduce sleepiness but also help relieve tension in your brain.

3. Massage specific acupressure points

Massage specific acupressure points

You might think that finding the right acupressure points is difficult, but it’s not! One such point is called Feng Chi, and it can help reduce sleepiness and alleviate headaches and dizziness. To locate it, first, cup your ears with your palms, with your fingers pointing towards the back of your head. Then, slide your thumbs down until you feel a slight indentation—that’s the Feng Chi point. Massage this area gently but firmly in a circular motion for 2–3 minutes.

Another point is called Bai Hui, located at the crown of your head. Massage this point in the same way as Feng Chi for 2–3 minutes. This will help you feel more relaxed and less sleepy.

4. Aromas of peppermint, lemon, or grapefruit

Aromas of peppermint, lemon, or grapefruit

The scent of peppermint is known for its refreshing and invigorating properties, helping to clear the air and keep sleepiness at bay. Additionally, eating or smelling citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, and lemons can reduce fatigue, boost your mood, and provide an energy boost to get you through the day.

5. Eat a nutritious breakfast

Eat a nutritious breakfast

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast to fuel your body and keep sleepiness at bay. Make sure to eat at the right time and avoid skipping meals or grabbing just a cookie or coffee.

6. Take a cold shower

A quick way to boost your energy and alertness is to take a cold shower. This stimulates your body and brain by increasing your heart rate and promoting oxygen circulation. When your brain receives ample oxygen, you’ll feel more energized and clear-headed.

The best time to take a cold shower is in the morning. If you must shower in the evening, do so before 8 pm to avoid the risk of a dangerous cardiovascular event.

Take a cold shower

7. Eat smaller portions

Your body needs energy to function, and eating protein-rich foods like eggs and yogurt can help. However, it’s important to watch your portion sizes. When you’re sleep-deprived, your brain’s reaction time slows down, causing you to overlook fullness cues and overeat. Additionally, overeating can make you feel sleepy!

Eat smaller portions

8. Cut down on sugar

Craving sweets is a common symptom of sleep deprivation. Over time, lack of sleep can even lead to weight gain. If you’re craving something sweet, opt for fruit instead of a sugary treat. The natural sugar in fruit takes longer to digest, so you won’t feel hungry and sleepy again as quickly.

Cut down on sugar

9. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is another way to combat sleepiness. Dehydration can also lead to fatigue and sleepiness, so make sure to drink more water than usual. The increased fluid intake will stimulate your excretory system, leading to more frequent bathroom breaks, which can help reduce sleepiness and restore alertness.

Stay hydrated

10. Soak up some sun

Sunlight stimulates the circulatory system and enhances concentration and emotional regulation. It also boosts your mood, energy levels, and alertness, helping you shake off sleepiness.

Soak up some sun

11. Exercise or play sports

Develop a daily habit of walking and exercising to increase your energy levels, adrenaline production, and metabolism. Whether it’s a light or intense workout, physical activity is an effective way to boost your energy and stay alert.

Exercise or play sports

12. Chew gum

Although the effect is temporary, chewing gum—especially peppermint-flavored gum—can help reduce daytime sleepiness and increase alertness.

Chew gum

13. Take a short walk

According to Dr. Robert Sayer, a professor at California State University in the US, a 10-minute walk can help you stay awake for about 2 hours by increasing oxygen flow to your veins, brain, and muscles.

If you’re feeling sleepy at work, simply get up and move around. You can take a short walk to grab lunch, a snack, or a drink.

Take a short walk

14. Strike up a conversation

If you’re feeling sleepy, find someone to chat with. Talk about work ideas or fun topics. Humor is an excellent way to ward off sleepiness and manage stress.

Strike up a conversation

15. Use bright lights

A dim environment can make you feel more tired. Research has shown that exposure to bright light reduces sleepiness and increases excitement. If you’re struggling to stay awake, try turning on more lights or opening a window to let in natural light. You’ll be surprised at how effective this simple trick can be!

Use bright lights

16. Take a power nap

Not all companies provide nap rooms for their employees, so this may not be an option during work hours. If your company encourages power naps, set an alarm to ensure you don’t oversleep.

According to Dr. Allison T. Siebern of the Stanford University Sleep Medicine Center, if you can’t nap, simply close your eyes and rest for 10 minutes.

Take a power nap

17. Learn something new

If you’re struggling to stay awake, try learning something new. Novel ideas will stimulate your brain and help you focus better. To make tedious tasks more interesting, try decorating your workspace, brainstorming new ideas, and taking creative notes.

Learn something new

18. Listen to your favorite music

Music can effectively lift your mood and increase your alertness. Listening to your favorite songs strengthens the connection between the auditory and memory regions of your brain. It also enhances creativity, productivity, and helps you forget about your sleepiness.

Listen to your favorite music

19. Rest your eyes

This is a quick and easy way to fight sleepiness that you can do right at your desk. Staring at a computer screen for extended periods can cause eye strain and sleepiness. To give your eyes a break:

Look away from the screen and focus on distant objects.
Practice eye exercises to improve your vision.
Use eye drops to relieve eye fatigue.

Rest your eyes

For more information:

While these tips can help reduce sleepiness and improve your mood, the best way to ensure you feel energized throughout the day is to get a full night’s sleep of 7–8 hours.

Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to stay alert and focused while studying. Firstly, ensure you are well-rested by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Take regular breaks during study sessions, and incorporate physical activity into your routine to boost blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Stay hydrated, and consider drinking coffee or tea in moderation for a caffeine boost. Create a study environment with good lighting and ventilation, and try chewing gum or sucking on hard candy to stimulate your senses.

To instantly boost alertness, try splashing cold water on your face or taking a quick, brisk walk to get your blood pumping. You can also try changing your study environment, such as moving to a better-lit area or going outside for some fresh air. Consuming a small, healthy snack can also help, especially something that contains protein and complex carbohydrates to stabilize your blood sugar.

In addition to the immediate measures mentioned above, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet rich in brain-boosting foods like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Stay hydrated throughout the day, and limit caffeine intake to avoid building a tolerance. Regular exercise is key, as it improves blood flow to the brain and enhances cognitive function. Finally, manage your stress levels through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

Absolutely! The Pomodoro Technique is a popular method that involves studying in focused, timed intervals (typically 25 minutes), followed by short breaks. This helps improve productivity and focus. You can also try the ‘chunking’ technique, which involves breaking down complex information into smaller, more manageable chunks, making it easier to process and recall. Finally, actively engage with the material by asking yourself questions, taking notes by hand, and teaching the concepts to others.

Create a study space that is well-lit, preferably with natural light. Ensure the room is well-ventilated and maintained at a comfortable temperature. Minimize distractions by turning off notifications and keeping your phone out of reach. Have all the necessary study materials within arm’s reach to avoid unnecessary movement that might distract you. You can also try playing background music, preferably instrumental, at a low volume to create a soothing ambiance.