Let’s be honest a 9am lecture is nobody’s favourite activity. The lecturer probably doesn’t even enjoy it. If you do manage to drag yourself out of bed, especially if you were out the night before, then we salute you.

Unfortunately, no amount of coffee will help you stay awake during your three-hour lecture, but there are a few things you can do which might stop you from drifting off while the lecturer reads off a PowerPoint for three hours.
 

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1. Get a balanced breakfast

We’ve all been told since we were young that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it’s not wrong. A balanced breakfast containing wholesome carbs, protein and healthy fats will give you the energy you need to stay awake and alert. If you’re struggling for ideas, you could try unsweetened oatmeal with nuts and fruit instead of a piece of toast on the bus. If you struggle for time in the morning make a smoothie with nuts, tofu, coconut butter and avocado the night before, ready for you to grab in the morning.

2. Actually Take Notes

This will keep you busy and give you something to focus on rather than just staring at the walls. Writing notes engages your brain and makes you pay attention to what your lecturer is actually trying to tell you. To keep yourself even more alert you could try writing notes for different areas in various ink colours so you’re fully engaged.

3. Cold Water

Whether you gulp it or head to the toilets to splash it on your face, cold water is going to be your new best friend. Staying hydrated is key to staying awake, dehydration can lead to fatigue as it impacts the flow of oxygen to the brain. Add some ice cubes to your water to make sure it stays nice and cool the whole time.
 

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4. Eat a Light Snack

Now we’re not telling you to bring a full buffet into the hall with you but taking in a small snack will help perk you up when your glucose levels start to drop. Try and avoid anything too noisy as no one like being next to someone eating a packet of crisps at 9am but carrots with hummus, yoghurt with almonds and apple with peanut butter are the perfect options as the healthy fats and protein will help tide you over.

5. Remember how much you’re paying

If any of these tips don’t work, we’re pretty sure this one will. Just remember how much your lecture cost you, you’ll start paying attention once you remember you’re paying to be there.

 

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