In the midst of a busy school year, along with the threat of the AP exams and finals, many Sea Kings are already finding themselves short on sleep. Here are a few extra tips from Sea Kings and scholars everywhere to help you stay awake:

1) Coffee: The most classic stimulant.  It doesn’t matter when, how, or where you were introduced to it; you know that it keeps you awake.  Coffee works because of the high amount of caffeine it contains, and after a long night of cramming, it’s helpful to have a cup right in the morning. (Don’t have a cup the night before! It has the opposite effect.)  And if you don’t like coffee, there are other highly caffeinated drinks that don’t exactly taste the same at Starbucks or at our very own café.

2) Showering: A simple shower in the morning, however short it may be, always helps. The water wakes you up, as well as the smell of shampoo and conditioner. While showering, it may be helpful to know that body washes with the scents of lemon and peppermint awaken your senses.  If you don’t have any of these, cut a fresh lemon and smell it; you may find it helps.  You’ll also feel much better about taking your test clean, rather than dirty.

3) Music: Yes, your favorite song is a good way to help you out before a test.  Turn on your favorite song, but only if it’s something upbeat; classical music can have the opposite effect! Crank up the beat, and dance around to the music as well.  This will get your blood flowing and distract you on something else.  Music will also put you in a more positive mood, which will help your test taking skills.

4) Normal clothing: No, pajamas will not help you out here.  Even if you did miss your morning routine, try to put on a pair of jeans and a simple t-shirt.  This simple use of motor skills will help get your brain functioning on a more conscious level, and you won’t be tempted to slip back into sleep once you get started moving.  Your body will also realize that it’s not in pajamas, and it shouldn’t be sleeping!

5) Study in advance! The best way to not get tired is to get your work done beforehand. By going over your notes and homework every night, your brain will remember more information and it won’t be as stressful while going into the exam.  Good luck!