Do you turn up to a lecture on a weekday morning, excited and eager to hear what the professor has to say, only to find yourself nodding off after half an hour? Don’t blame yourself or the professor—lecture halls are the perfect environment for feeling drowsy in, and you can bet that a decent proportion of your fellow students are also struggling to stay awake. However, you need to hear the lecture so that you can understand the content of your course, so it’s important that you stay awake and alert throughout. Here are some top tips to help you stay engaged, none of which involve drinking three cups of coffee just before you enter the lecture hall.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can be a major cause of feeling sleepy, and the problem is worsened if you’re then sitting in a warm, slightly stuffy room. Drink enough fluids before your lecture and take a bottle of water with you—not only will the water help you stay alert, the act of picking up the bottle and taking another sip will help you to stay engaged and alert as to what’s being said in the lecture.
Eat A Balanced Breakfast
Make sure you fuel up with some essential vitamins and nutrients before you get to class. Try a porridge bowl with some yogurt and berries, some wholemeal toast topped with nut butter, or some scrambled eggs with spinach for a great, energizing start to the day.
Take Notes
You’ve bought that gorgeous notebook and fancy pen, now is the time to put them to use! By taking notes, you will help your brain to stay activated and focused on what your professor is saying, reducing the risk of you falling asleep. Taking notes can also help you to feel productive, and will almost certainly come in handy later, meaning you’ll get the most possible out of attending the lecture.
