How to Stay Awake:The Swinging Bridge's Guide to Surviving Finals

We all remember our moms telling us that the best way to do well on an exam is to "get a good night's sleep," but let's get real. Surviving finals week calls for some late nights, and possibly even an all-nighter -- or two.

Late nights aren't always the easiest. Trust me, coming from a college kid who loves nothing more than to sleep my weekends away, I know. So here's my advice for outsmarting your tired eyes for a few more hours of flash card making or paper writing.

1.  Get up and move!

Exercise is proven to wake you up, because it pumps much-needed oxygen through your veins, brain and muscles.  For all of you runners who think you don't have enough time to exercise during finals week, a quick P-loop lap is calling your name! For all my fellow NARPs, a quick walk to the Union might be helpful. Personally, I like to get up and do some jumping jacks to get my blood moving. Rolling up and down on your toes is another good way to stimulate your circulatory system without pulling out your workout gear.

2. Drink! And not just coffee …

We all know that coffee can give you the caffeinated jolt necessary for studying a few more PowerPoint slides, but staying hydrated is equally as important. Dehydration can   cause fatigue, so make frequent trips to the water fountain or swing by the fruit bar in Lottie for some fruits and vegetables. This is especially important during finals week when large amounts of caffeine dehydrate the body.

3. Snack up

Eat snacks that give you energy for the long run.  Complex carbohydrates release energy slowly, and iron plays a role in forming red blood cells, once again providing your body with necessary oxygen. Stock up on whole grains and nuts, or mix in some yogurt, bananas or berries into your next meal. For more study snacks, click here.

4. Start a conversation about your favorite Swinging Bridge article

Believe it or not, it works! Sleep doctors say that engaging in conversation is a strong behavioral stimulator, and a good conversation can revive your mind. Flip through the latest edition of the Swinging Bridge to see what's happening on campus and then spark some good conversation with your roomies.

5. Take a Breather

Deep breathing is another way to raise blood oxygen levels and improve circulation, ultimately boosting your energy level. Experts suggest deep breathing-exercises by inhaling deeply through your nose and into your abdomen. A warm stuffy dorm room can also accelerate mental fatigue, so try taking a breather by cracking a window or stepping outside for some fresh air. 

6. Turn up the lights

Low lighting seems to always instigate me to crawl into bed. Research studies suggest that exposure to bright light can reduce fatigue. If you use floor lamps for lighting in your dorm room or apartment, switch it up and flick on the fluorescents during finals week.

7. Nap … carefully!

Many sleep experts advise naps to revive your senses and alertness. However, keep them short. Experts suggest naps which are no longer than 5-25 minutes. Being a sleep lover, I doubt my ability to refrain from hitting the snooze button, and I can see myself pushing the limits of my 25 minute wake up call. If you're like me, doctors say that just resting quietly with your eyes closed will help. 

8.  Give your eyes a break

With everything on Sakai, I spend most of my time studying from a computer screen. Not only can countless hours at the computer cause eyestrain, but studies suggest that it can even worsen sleepiness. Take a break from the computer screen every now and then and give your eyes a rest. This might be a good time to squeeze in a quick nap… OR check out The Pulse for all the latest campus news.

9. Switch Tasks

Monotonous work can be tiring, so switching things up can give you the energy you need to keep going. As you feel yourself getting sleepy, try switching to a new study guide. If you're really fading quickly, take a break from school work altogether. No need to feel guilty for a funny YouTube clip, this is strategy, here! Check out Lindsay and Bryn's study break ideas for some distractions that may wake you up.

10.  Change your socks

This list wouldn't be complete without a weird and funky tip. I can't say that I've read any medical research to back this one up, but changing your socks can apparently wake you up. A new pair of socks helps you feel fresher, giving you a jolt to keep going. I've tried it, and it works! Even if it is the placebo effect, who cares? This whole article is about tricking our minds to keep us awake! So, grab a fresh pair of socks and get your study on.