The Ultimate Guide to Surviving an 8 AM Class:
By Ela Rybak
Unless you are a morning person, an 8 AM class is probably not ideal. While it may not be your first choice, with the right approach and a few strategic habits, you can make the most of it. Instead of just trying to survive the early mornings, you can actually get the hang of managing them and make the most of it. So, here’s your ultimate guide to surviving your 8 AM class!
Getting good sleep
Try to aim for at least 8 hours of sleep which would mean aiming to get to bed by 11:00 on the nights before you have your 8 AM class. Consistently sticking to a sleep schedule will make those early mornings feel a little less painful over time.
Limit your screen time before sleep to allow yourself the best possible quality sleep. If you must use your phone or laptop, consider using blue light filters or night mode to reduce strain on your eyes.
A nighttime routine can also be very helpful. I find journaling and reading to be activities that really help prior to sleep. The key is consistency—doing the same set of relaxing activities each night will help train your body to fall asleep more easily.
2. Prepare everything the night before
Make sure that all of your devices are plugged in so that they will be charged for the next morning. This simple habit ensures that you’re fully prepared for class and won’t have to waste time hunting for a charger in the morning.
Lay out your outfit for the next day, and consider taking a shower that night. This will limit the amount of time you need to take in the morning to get ready to allow you a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning.
3. Set Multiple Alarms
Waking up before an 8 AM class is not easy, so setting multiple alarms can help ensure that you don’t miss your alarm and sleep through your class. For extra motivation, place your phone or alarm clock across the room. This forces you to physically get out of bed to turn it off, which helps you resist the urge to snooze and makes it more likely you’ll stay up and start your day.
4. Adopt a Morning Routine
Everyone’s morning routine is different, but there are a few things that help with energy levels in the early mornings:
Light caffeine and nutritious breakfasts like toast with eggs or a quick smoothie will provide your body with the fuel it needs to stay alert during class.
Stretching! Even light movement, like touching your toes, rolling your shoulders, or doing a few jumping jacks, can make a difference in how you feel.
Washing your face with cold water to boost your energy, reduce puffiness, and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to start your day.
And my personal favorite, listening to some music or motivational podcasts while you get ready because adding something enjoyable to your early mornings can make waking up less dreadful.
5. Sit in the front of the class to stay engaged
When you are extremely tired, it may seem tempting to sit in the back of the class, but by sitting at or near the front of the class, you are increasing your level of comprehension and ability to stay awake.
Ultimately, the more you follow this guide, the faster the semester will go by, which means, hopefully, you will be able to avoid taking 8 AM classes for a while. Regardless, these tips are great to incorporate into your daily routine for improving overall wellness.
