We’ve all had those days where we’ve had to stay on campus a little longer than we’d like. Maybe you had a meeting, a test to study for in the library, an extra work shift. This semester, every day is like that for me. With my unfortunate work and class this semester, I’m rolling up to campus at 8:30 a.m. and dragging myself out of there at 5:30 p.m. I”m running around from class to work to class to homework to meeting to class, and it can be exhausting!
As a commuter who values her parking spot, I have to find ways to keep myself energized that don’t require me to leave. I know I’m not the only one with a long, demanding schedule who occasionally feels close to dying and crying by 2 p.m., so I’ve narrowed down a list of five ways to help conquer those long days.
Get your rest!
I know, I know. As college students, we know that getting that eight hours of sleep is sometimes just not happenin’. We feel our eyes drooping, but we know we still have 1000 words to pound out. We see that clock ticking, but we know that Netflix episode isn’t going to watch itself. So we stay awake until 3 a.m and then curse ourselves in our 8 a.m. class. However, if you are able to, get your rest. This is the first step in being strong enough to beat the long days. A good night’s rest helps keep the mind from dozing off during lectures and is proven to improve memory and learning. It doesn’t have to be an everyday occurrence, but don’t deprive your body from what it needs for too long or else it will catch up to you.
Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no makeup on…
… is not always the way to go. Considering the phrase “leggings are not pants” was probably written for me, I’m not really one who should be giving advice about this. Still, I have found that dressing up a little makes a huge difference. I’ve found that if you want to feel good on the inside, it helps to know you look good on the outside. Chances are that if you walk around campus looking ready for bed, you’ll spend the whole day feeling like it, too. So put on that pair of jeans that makes your butt look great instead of those oh-so-comfy running shorts. It will give you slightly more confidence to take on the world.
Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Maybelline.
This step goes slightly with the previous one. If you can’t part with the sweatpants, another thing I have found to help is to put on some makeup. Ladies, listen up. I’ve done it before. This is something that really does help. It doesn’t need to be a full beat, but a little concealer and mascara goes a long way. It will cover those under eye bags and will help you feel more awake. If you want bonus points, do something with that hair (and listen, fellas, because this is for you too)! Straighten it, curl it, gel it or just run a brush through it. I promise, you’ll feel a little bit more fleeky if you at least look it.
Point me to the foooooood
An important way to stay energized is by making sure you’re feeding your body the things that will give it energy. Making sure I have a water bottle that I can always refill and some snacks to hold me over is the way I do that. This doesn’t always have to mean swapping out the waffle fries for carrots, but it is important to fill your body with nutritious foods that won’t make you want to lie down for nap. I still eat cheeseburgers whenever I want, but I also bring snacks to munch on between meals so that when it’s time for lunch, I won’t overeat. Also, I bring yogurts, granola bars, fruit or small portions of cookies along with my water, and I feel refreshed and nourished all day!
Work them hips, run, girl.
I know what you’re thinking: If I’m exhausted, there’s no way I’m getting my ass to the gym! But I swear — as much as it pains my lazy self to admit — working out does have the power to turn that bad day around. Besides burning calories, physical activity is proven to improve moods and boost energy. It causes your brain to release endorphins that may make you leave feeling happy and more relaxed. The endorphins will give you the energy to sharpen your focus and will prepare you for conquering the rest of your day. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout, but something as simple as a short run gives me boost I need to keep going. So squeeze in that workout before you start your day, or even at the end of it. You may feel a bit tired at first, but you will be surprised how energetic you’ll soon feel.
So there you have it! Five suggestions for fighting the fatigue that may creep up on you. And remember, you don’t have to take drastic measures to boost energy levels; sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest impact.
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