Morning classes can be a challenge to anyone. Especially for the younger generation, staying up until 5am seems much more appealing than waking up at 5am. But of course, life doesn’t allow you to do that very often. So how do you overcome the pain and suffering of morning classes? Start by taking these 6 simple steps. Once you establish the habits of doing these things, morning classes will come along much easier. Try them out and see which ones work the best for you! Here are some ways to survive your early morning classes. 

• Is this class required?
• Did I complete the prerequisites?
• Will I enjoy this class?
• Am I a morning person?
• When am I most awake?
• When am I most productive?

Understanding yourself is a key to success. If you’re not a morning person, you’re not going to magically become one when you go to college. Knowing when you’re most awake and productive will not only make sure you’re getting the most done, but you’ll also be more likely to comprehend information and succeed in a class.

So before you sign up for that 8am (or even 9am) course, ask yourself if you’ll succeed in a morning class. If you’re hesitant, it’s best to choose another option. If you force yourself, you’ll either end up sleeping through every class or wake up dreading it, which is not something you’ll want!

Create An Evening Routine

Now, if you’ve already signed up for a morning class and are wondering how to fully prepare for it, then the rest of these tips are perfect for you. Let’s start with building routines. Routines are important in every part of your life, but especially in productivity and organizational aspects. As a student, building routines and following them is crucial in preventing unnecessary stress and anxiety. A relaxing and productive evening routine will be the perfect way to prepare for an early class the next day. You can wind down after a long day and get ready for the next to fully minimize the amount of stress that comes from school.

Here are some tasks you should consider including in your evening routine:

 

• Writing a to-do list for the next day
• Preparing everything you need for the next day
• Journaling, reading, or other stress-relieving tasks
• Sleeping early (best to sleep before 1am)

Create A Morning Routine

Morning routines are possibly even more important than evening routines. Creating a perfect morning routine could take some trial-and-error, but once you do so, your day will go a lot more smoothly than before.  Now, you may be wondering: I already have to wake up at 7am. Are you going to make me wake up even earlier to have an elaborate morning routine?

Here’s my short answer: no. There are many things you can do in the morning that last under 5 minutes. There are also things you can do while multitasking. If you actively try to find the time to do it, you’ll be able to fit it in your schedule. In my morning routine, I like to do things that boost my mood and set me up for a successful and productive day. After all, having a good mindset is just as important as having an organized system. Here is a skeletal outline of my morning routine (online class edition): 

• Wake up, wash up, and get dressed.
• Stretch, meditate, and/or exercise a little.
• Make and eat breakfast.
• Make my bed and organize my desk.
• Write a to-do list for the day.
• Preview the day’s work or finish up homework.

As you can see, many of these tasks don’t require my full attention or energy. I often multitask in the morning and listen to podcasts or read the news while exercising or eating breakfast. Your morning routine is your way to prepare for a successful day, so make sure it works for you! Create a routine and make it a habit to follow that routine, and you’ll see your days becoming much easier to survive.

Have Healthy Habits

As important as school is, you should always put your health above it. Pulling all-nighters every day and only eating cereal for every meal isn’t going to make morning classes– or any classes in general– any easier. To make sure you’re staying healthy (physically and mentally), you must build and maintain healthy habits. Here are some examples: 

• Sleeping and waking up early.
• Eating breakfast every day.
• Drinking enough water.
• Taking breaks from your desk/screen.
• Repeating affirmations

There are many ways to take care of yourself, so make sure you’re doing it!

Dress Comfortably

Whether you’re going to school in real life or taking online classes, dress is a very debatable topic. Some don’t care at all, while others choose outfits like their life depends on it. While that may be true in any other case, morning classes are not the time for elaborate outfits. Choosing an outfit takes time (trust me, I know), and time is something you can’t afford to waste in the mornings. Plus, it’s one thing to be tired during a lecture, but an entirely different problem when you’re tired and uncomfortable. Therefore, the safest bet is with a simple and comfortable outfit.

However, pyjamas are not the best choice, either.

Even if you’re attending online school from home, changing out from your pyjamas into “real” clothes is a step you must take. This will help your unconscious realize that you are, in fact, going to be focused and productive. Staying in pyjamas will give your brain the illusion that you’re ready to relax, which is not what you want while working!

Lastly, remember that no one will judge you for showing up in sweats and a t-shirt; you’re very likely to be the only person that remembers what you were wearing 2 days ago. So just throw on a t-shirt and a pair of shorts and get ready to grind!

Review During The Day

For some people (like myself), it can take a while after waking up before they start absorbing and understanding information. This means that even though I’m awake and listening during a lecture in the morning, that information only stays for a few fleeting moments. This is where reviewing comes in handy. My best practice during morning lectures includes taking notes, reviewing them after class, then reviewing them once more in the evening. In my other post, 10 Tips That Will Change The Way You Study, I mentioned the importance of review.

Going over your notes will not only make sure you’re absorbing the information, but it will also give you the chance to form new connections between ideas and concepts. This is a great way to make sure all the information reached your brain and will be there to stay.

About The Guest Writer

Hi, I’m Ellie, and I’m the blogger behind SincerelyStudents.com! My blog is specifically aimed at students who want to become the best versions of themselves, whether that’s academically, personally, or else. Visit my blog to find tips on studying, productivity, personal development, and more!