As the teacher speaks, take down notes and formulate questions about the material you’re learning. If there’s something you can’t figure out, put up your hand and ask a question about it. When the teacher poses questions to the class, don’t be afraid to put up your hand and provide an answer. Some teachers will put you on the spot for a while because of any noticeable inattentiveness.
If you feel you’re nodding off, sit up straight and stretch. Move your head from side to side to make your neck limber, and gently twist sideways from the waist to stretch your back. Kick your legs in front of your desk and stretch them out, and push your arms out in front of you to stretch them as well. Roll your feet in circles or trace the alphabet with your toe.
If fidgeting helps you focus, consider bringing a fidget spinner to class with you. This small toy can give you something to do with your hands while you focus on paying attention in class. Bring squishy fidgets if it is allowed. These help get out your urge to squeeze.
If you aren’t sure what to doodle, start with abstract shapes. After that, your brain will probably take over so you can keep drawing without thinking about it. Studies show that doodling can actually help improve your memory, too!
Chewing gum can also help you study better. If you chew a piece of gum while studying and then chew a piece of the same flavor gum while taking the test, it can unlock your memories and help you remember the right answers.
If you’re having trouble taking a deep breath, put your hand on your stomach to feel it rise as you breathe in and out.
If you’re feeling super tired, consider heading to the bathroom and splashing your face with cold water.
If you can, try joining an after school sport or extracurricular that gets you outside for a little exercise.
Good snacks include plain crackers, crackers and cheese, vegetables, hummus, fruit, yogurt, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
If you don’t have a personal desk or office, ask your parents if there’s a place in your home where you can have a dedicated work space. Having one area specifically set aside for school will help keep you productive and alert.
If your teacher specifically requests that your class turns their camera off during breaks or independent work, follow their directions. These breaks are a good opportunity to get up and stretch or get a glass of ice water, which will also help to keep you up.
You can buy a cheap pair of blue light glasses online for $10-20. Your parents will probably buy them for you if you tell them why you want them!
You could also ask a friend who’s in the same class to call you once class starts. Then, you can check in with each other periodically to make sure you’re both awake and paying attention.
If you find you don’t have time to get enough sleep because you’re working too much, talk to your boss about taking fewer shifts. If you have too much homework, talk to your teachers about making more time for schoolwork during class time. If you’re spending too much time with friends, restrict your social engagements to the weekends.
If you are going to bed at the same time every night but still wake feeling tired, try moving your bed time ahead by an hour and see how the extra hour of sleep affects your daytime wakefulness. [17] X Trustworthy Source Go Ask Alice Medical advice site with content written by health promotion specialists affiliated with Columbia University Go to source
