With schoolwork and parties happening hand in hand, feeling tired is something no student can avoid. So here are some easy tips for you to manage your energy levels.
Avoid Netflix temptation
We all do it – it’s just one more episode, or 20 minutes of our favourite TV series, so it shouldn’t affect you much, right? Well, imagine if you have an extra 20 minutes of sleep instead – it could actually have you feeling more perky for the whole of the following day. But if you spend it staying awake, you’ll have a sleep deficit that you’ll have to make up for the rest of the week. Try giving yourself an extra 20 to 30 minutes in bed, five nights a week – it’ll make a big difference on your energy level.
Try to keep your phone further from your bed
We all are addicted to our phones, but leaving a phone by the bedside is very distracting because as soon as they light up or buzz, we wake up (because we’re so conditioned to check them instantly). Plus, hands up who check their phones the first moment they wake up? If you have to take your phone to bed, you can put it under your bed or just use it as an alarm clock or in case of emergencies.
Make sure you have protein for every meal and snack
To avoid the dreaded mid-afternoon energy slump, eating proteins will help keep your blood sugar balanced, since foods that are rich in protein also often contain iron. What to eat? Meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds and pulses are great.
Try not to do these just before bedtime
We all know to avoid caffeine and not eat large meals before sleeping, but you should also avoid alcohol (it’s a great nightcap, but you’ll get disturbed sleep patterns), nicotine, and exposure to blue light – from the TV, PC, and digital devices (ie. smartphones, tablets) – because it can increase alertness. Your bedroom should be dark, quiet, and tidy. Another thing to avoid before sleeping? Exercise. While it can reduce stress, it also gives you energy.
If you still feel tired after all these steps…
Maybe you’re not just tired – you have issues with sleep that’s making you tired. It’s important to know the difference between sleepiness (“I am battling to stay awake”) and tiredness (“I’m lacking energy and concentration”), because issues with sleep should be tackled with by a professional.
