At last, the long awaited exams are about to start and because of my phobia for exams, I read at every chance I get and the only chance I've got are at night. Maybe this is because of the calmness, concentration and level of relaxation I get while reading at night as there are less or no distractions available then. Though this may take some time of your sleep as the night was made for sleeping but it's all good, you just need a proper plan.
Having quality sleep is imperative we all can't deny that but some us can testify to the fact that, a whole day of 24 hours seems to not be enough especially when you've got so much to cover. Some of us get surprised at how time speeds up and it'll be night already but we just have to do what we have to. This makes a lot of persons stay up at night inorder to complete some tasks. ```
Staying up at night has not actually being my thing even when I tried doing what I enjoyed like watching a movie, TikTok or YouTube. So it was hard creating a habit out of it.
When I first became a student in the University of Port Harcourt, I found it very difficult to stay up ay night reading. Most of my friends then went for night classes and read properly but whenever I tried, I just wanted my time sleeping uncomfortably in class. I kept trying and trying untill I got used to it and now, I can read all night.
But while some persons have made a habit out if it, others still find it quite uncomfortable and uneasy to stay awake at night while some may not be able to do anything the nest day, some get terrible headache and the rest. This may not only be for those who want to read but have important things to do at night too.
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MY HACKS TO STAYING UP AT NIGHT
1). GETTING A PLAN AHEAD/ SETTING A GOAL (SOMETHING TO ACHIEVE)
I've learnt to discipline myself when it comes to reading at night. I make sure I read at night even if it is for 2 or 3 hours, I discipline myself to open my eyes and look at my text book. It'll be easier to discipline yourself when you've created a plan ahead of time. I always remind myself of my plans for the day every morning and once I plan to read, it keeps ringing in my head and it helps me take steps that'll lead to reading at night like preparing my good earlier and taking a good nap at noon.
Another easy way to get myself disciplined is setting an achievement. Maybe to cover one chapter of a text book for the night. It helps me have this enthusiasm to make sure to cover that chapter as that's what's on my mind.
2). AVOIDING THE COMFORT ZONE
I remember when I tried to read for a test which I was writing the next morning while lying down on my bed....lol. It didn't end well because I ended up sleeping and I stupidly enjoyed the sleep though 🤦🏼♀️. I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock and it was already 6am. Your reading/working position matters...oh yeah it really does. I have a table and chair ( without arms so, you won't feel very relaxed) I use to read and I found out that when I sit straight, with my hands not touching my face, my mind is more awake than when I slant my back and keep my palm fully supporting my cheeks.
3). USING A BRIGHT LIGHT/ TAKING A SHOWER
I don't really know if this is because of my bad eyesight or something else but when I use light that ain't bright, I tend to feel very sleepy 🤷🏼♀️ so, my lights are always bright and I make sure they extend and not just concentrate the brightness on my book.
I try taking a shower before reading too but when I can't maybe because of cold, I wash my face ( so my eye go fit shine 😫).
My friends have told me various things to do to stay up at night but sometimes, it doesn't really work out for me. I was once told to dip my legs into a bucket of water and I'll be awake but I ended up enjoying the little tickles from the water and slept while sitting all night.
I also tried the eating some snack at night plan but it only made me gain weight because I over ate. Though it kept me awake, but I kept eating and eating nonstop at night. Imagine taking soft drink, sweets and biscuits constantly at 2am and the results it'll create on my body. I was FAT.
Please do well to share your ideas of staying up at night too..... thanks for reading to the end guys, i appreciate ♥️😊