YouAlberta
One of the most challenging parts of attending classes is when they start early in the morning. For many university students like me, 8 a.m. classes are the ultimate challenge. The struggle of waking up early, staying alert and understanding information while still half-asleep can make these early-morning lectures feel unbearable. With the right strategies, those early classes can turn into a more productive experience.
Here are some tried-and-tested hacks to help you survive and thrive in 8 a.m. classes!
Bring snacks and a drink on hand.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Keep a beverage with you and sip throughout class. If you feel sluggish, a healthy snack, like nuts, yogurt or my personal favourite, fruit, can provide a quick energy boost. While coffee or energy drinks can be helpful, avoid excessive caffeine consumption, as it can lead to a crash later in the day, making you feel more tired. I opt for tea or matcha for a steadier energy boost.
Go to sleep earlier.
Sleep is non-negotiable. It can be hard when you prefer studying late at night, but with some time management, try to aim for at least 7 - 9 hours of sleep each night to ensure you feel less tired or bored during classes. To maintain your circadian rhythm, set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time.
Another tip – if you have a habit of hitting the snooze button, place your alarm clock or phone across the room. This forces you to physically get out of bed to turn it off, making it harder to fall back asleep.
Prep the night before.
Mornings are easier when you have everything ready ahead of time. Before going to bed, lay out your outfit and pack your bag with essentials like notebooks, pens and a water bottle. I always ensure my snacks are packed and my laptop is pre-charged to 100%, so I don't have to worry about finding an outlet.
Fuel your body with a good breakfast!
Often, I find myself in a rush to catch my bus, which causes me to overlook eating a good breakfast. This causes me to feel sluggish and unfocused. Try a protein-filled breakfast with eggs, yogurt or a smoothie to provide sustained energy. If you're short on time, keep granola bars or fruit packed for a quick bite.
Take effective notes.
Actively engaging with the lecture material can help you stay awake and retain information. One of the ways I find effective is summarizing key points in your own words to reinforce understanding.
Sitting at the front or near the instructor keeps you engaged and reduces distractions. Avoid sitting in the back (although that can be unavoidable). In the back, it's tempting to doze off or scroll through your phone.
I recommend finding ways to engage in class to help increase alertness. Whether actively participating in discussions or asking questions, it prevents fatigue and makes class more interactive.
Having a study buddy in the class can keep you motivated. If you struggle with early classes, knowing a friend is expecting you can push you to attend. Not only is it a great excuse to make new friends, but also a chance to share notes in case one of you misses class.
Have a motivating morning routine.
Create a morning ritual that you enjoy. I've found that listening to upbeat music or a podcast while getting ready helps wake me up.
Stretching or doing light exercises to wake up the body is a great way to start the day! Engaging in short yoga, doing some jumping jacks or even taking a brisk walk outside can increase alertness. Incorporating something enjoyable, like journaling or making a cup of your favourite beverage, can also make mornings feel more rewarding and less of a chore.
Maintain a positive mindset.
It's easier said than done, but changing your attitude about 8 a.m. classes can make a difference. Instead of dreading them, view them as an opportunity to start your day productively. Remind yourself that getting an early start allows you to finish classes earlier, leaving more time for personal relaxation.
While 8 a.m. classes can be tough, they're not impossible to manage. With proper sleep, preparation and active engagement, you can turn those groggy mornings into successful learning experiences.
Implementing these hacks can help you stay focused and even maybe become a morning person over time!