It's understandable that during certain times of your nursing academic career, you may face the challenges of a heavy workload. Cramming for exams and late-night reading sessions might leave you feeling completely spent during class. And if your mind drifts off at the wrong time, you might miss vital information. So here are some tips to help you stay more alert during lectures.
Sit up front.
Yahoo! encouraged the notion of sitting in the front of the lecturer to pay better attention, as opposed to slouching down in a back row.1 Being so close to the professor, you might feel more inclined to maintain your focus. In the rear of the room, your mind may begin to drift, and, before you know it, the class is over and your notebook is totally blank. The instructor's voice might help keep you from daydreaming. You might even perform better academically due to sitting closer to the front, if you’re thinking more about the subject matter.
Take notes.
While you should already be taking notes during your courses, you may not know that doing so can help keep you focused and attentive even when you’re tired. Yahoo! also recommended that increasing your note taking may be vital to staying alert throughout the length of the class.2 It occupies your mind and focus, keeping you busy and on the move.
Sleep more.
Global Post explained that constantly drifting off in class is commonly associated with a lack of sleep at home.3 You should be trying to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep in order to feel energized in the morning. You should make an effort to take control of your sleeping habits by going to bed at an earlier time and turning off any distractions at least an hour before you try to sleep.
Eat snacks.
Sleep Junkie stated that eating snacks might go a long way in keeping your attention on the instructor and taking better notes.4 You could opt to chew gum or eat mints if you're not truly hungry during class.
Get cold.
Although few people enjoy feeling cold, taking off your sweater might result in you staying sharp, according to Hunter Gatherer.5 When you're cold, you may have a harder time daydreaming and as a result, could have an easier time focusing on the instructor's lesson. A warm room might be too cozy, resulting in you losing your attention span – adapt and make yourself colder. It could have better results than you expect.
1http://voices.yahoo.com/tips-college-students-stay-awake-class-4759784.html?cat=4
2http://voices.yahoo.com/tips-college-students-stay-awake-class-4759784.html?cat=4
3http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/tips-teenagers-stay-awake-school-11008.html
4http://www.sleepjunkie.com/how-to-stay-awake-in-class/
5http://huntergatherer.com/11-ways-to-stay-awake-at-work-or-in-class/