I doubt that anyone has ever signed up for a 7:30 a.m. class and thought, "Yes! I am so excited to wake up super early and go to class! Morning classes are the best!" or if you have, please teach me your ways. It is a constant struggle to wake up and get to class on time and then pay attention (sometimes even for 10:30 a.m. classes!). If you are one of the unfortunate individuals, such as myself, who has signed up for a 7:30 class this upcoming semester, here are a couple of tips that I plan on incorporating into my daily schedule in hopes of making my 7:30 a.m. class a little less dreadful.
1. Do homework and studying ahead of time
Even when I don't have an early class during the semester, I tell myself that I am going to get on top of my schoolwork and begin homework and studying ahead of time; however, by mid-semester, I often fall behind. So, while I recommend attempting this, life sometimes does get in the way, and it is understandable not to be ahead of the game at all times. It is SUPER important, however, not to fall behind! Your 7:30 a.m. class will be so much easier to get to and pay attention in if you are not worrying about catching up in other classes!
2. Go to sleep at a reasonable time
Yes, it may seem impossible to get to bed before midnight when you are a full-time college student with a part-time job, but if you use your time wisely, it CAN be done! Plan out your days ahead of time, and you will get to bed before you know it! (Also, you don't actually need as much sleep as you think. Do not stress if you only get a few hours: stressing about the amount of sleep you get will actually make you more anxious which will cause you to be tired the next day! Trust that your body has done its job and has been regenerated during the few hours of sleep that you did get!)
3. Set Alarms
This may be a no-brainer, but set alarms! Set one to wake up. Set one to finish getting ready. Set one to leave. At least 3 alarms are necessary in order to be on time. While you may think that you can pace yourself and manage your morning time wisely, morning-brain is real. It is easy to accidentally take 5 extra minutes to wake up, get ready, or make breakfast. Also take into account any traffic that may be ahead! You never know what is going to happen, and you should always give yourself a little time for unexpected obstacles.
4. Coffee/Energy drinks are your friend
Yes, I know, energy drinks and coffee aren't good for you, but, sometimes, they are a necessity (especially if you plan on ignoring my first suggestion regarding an early bed-time). For my healthy individuals, tea is also a great choice! It is important to get enough energy and caffeine in your system so that you can stay awake and pay attention during your 7:30! (Warning: be careful how much caffeine you intake, too much could become a problem rather than a solution!)
5. Eat Breakfast
Yes, I know what many of you are thinking: "There's simply no time to make breakfast, especially when I have to get to class by 7:30!" MAKE TIME. It is super important to eat breakfast and even more important when you have to wake your body up and have enough energy to pay attention in your class. Whether this breakfast consists of a piece of fruit, cereal, a bagel, or a full IHOP style breakfast, eating a little something in the morning will make all the difference! (NO, Coffee does NOT count as your breakfast.)
6. Treat yourself after class
Reward yourself. Yes, 7:30 classes are dreadful and most likely not an event you look forward to; however, if you grant yourself a prize for attending and paying attention, you will get through it more easily! It does not have to be extravagant or expensive. Get a quick smoothie after class! Stop at CC's and get some tea or a snack! Take a walk in the quad! Visit Mike's cage! Take a bubble bath, do a face mask, or cook a nice dinner when you get home that evening. Something small to look forward to will make time go by quicker and will allow you to not dread attending class! It does not even have to be right after class!
No matter what you do to prepare for your early morning classes, keep in mind that the end result will always be worth the struggles! Your degree isn't as far away as you think! You got this! Keep going! Keep pushing! If no one has told you yet today, you can do it. Have faith in yourself! Now, go to bed so that you can make it to your 7:30 class!
