7 Ways to Deal With Night Classes

By Kailey Walters on March 4, 2018

Taking classes during the day is hard enough. At the end of the day, we all get tired and can only look forward to going home and relaxing. But sometimes, what could be even more stressful than day classes is night or evening classes. Not only do we have to stay awake during those times, but we also have to actually concentrate and do well.

So how do you handle night or evening classes when you’d rather be anywhere else? There are a few things you could do to alleviate the challenges of taking those dreaded night classes. Read on for some practical (and hopefully helpful) tips and suggestions.

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1. Get enough sleep the night before.

Everyone knows the importance of getting a good night’s sleep in order to function for the rest of the day. However, people oftentimes underestimate just how important sleep is for performance and cognition.

We all operate on different levels of sleep. Some can get away with a mere 6-7 hours and still manage to function perfectly fine throughout the day. Others need a minimum of 8 hours and maybe a cup of coffee to make it through. Ultimately, you know yourself best. However much sleep you need, make sure you stick to a schedule so that you are consistently getting enough sleep every night. Doing so will help you to stay on track every day. By the end of the day, you most likely will still have enough energy to tackle everything else you have to do — possibly even beyond those mandatory night classes.

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2. Pack a snack.

A somewhat inconvenient thing about night classes is that they cut into your usual dinnertime, leaving you perhaps a bit hangry and unable to concentrate in class. While it may not be the best idea to pull out a three-course meal in the middle of biology, you might want to pack a small snack to at least tide you over until class is finished and you get to eat a real dinner.

Ideally, opt for something relatively healthy and filling, such as a bag of nuts (think almonds, cashews, peanuts, etc.), pretzels, fruit, or granola bars. Also, it’s probably a good idea to not snack on anything that’s too loud or crunchy, as you don’t want to disturb the rest of the class and attract unwanted attention!

3. Adjust your posture.

It may seem like a minor thing, but having good posture can make a world of difference. Too often we are accustomed to slouching over our desks or slumping low in our seats.

However, if you become more aware of how you are sitting, it will be easier to remind yourself to keep your spine straight and tall. Doing so will not only be better for your back, but it will also (hopefully) help you to keep your eyes looking straight ahead and focused on what’s in front of you. Plus, if you feel as if you’re about to drift off at times, straightening your posture might help to wake you up a bit.

4. Take a break.

Sometimes, sitting through a long night or evening class is just not bearable. If you feel your concentration slipping or find yourself becoming distracted, it might be a good idea to simply take a step back for a moment and breathe. Even if you leave the classroom for a few minutes to go to the bathroom, get a drink of water, or go outside for some fresh air, that will probably be more effective than sitting through the rest of the class in an unproductive daze.

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5. Drink water.

This is something you should remember to do in any situation, but drinking water will certainly help you to stay more focused and be awake. Bring a water bottle with you and take sips throughout class. It’s a little thing, but could possibly make a big difference.

6. Wear comfortable clothing.

Seeing as your class will be towards the end of the day, make sure you’re in fairly comfortable clothes. You’ll want to do everything you can to stay focused during class, and uncomfortable clothes will only distract you from more important things.

7. Give yourself something to look forward to.

What can make your night class a little more bearable is the idea that something good is waiting for you when it’s over. Whether it’s a small or big thing, have something in mind that can help get you through the class — perhaps you can reward yourself afterward by watching an episode of your current favorite show on Netflix, or spending time with someone you haven’t seen in a while.

All in all, night classes can be a bit of a drag sometimes, but if you handle them properly they’ll soon start to feel like second nature.

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