There's no way around it: algebra sucks. And if your class happens to come along first thing in the morning or right after lunches, keeping your eyelids propped open is the only problem you can handle. Amazing, isn't it, how the minute that bell rings, you're instantly your old self again – awake and ready to go. So how do you channel that energy when you need it most, whether it's algebra or your aunt and uncle's vacation videos.
Sleep . No, not during class, but at night when normal people sleep. Try to get at least 8 hours without interruption. Also, go to sleep and get up at the same time every day (yes, even the weekends) in order to get your body into a pattern so that it knows that algebra time isn't nap time. And don't hit the snooze button! Your body can't use that last bit of sleep because you've been interrupted!
Cut back on processed carbs . You don't have to go on a diet, but a little bit less ‘white stuff' (bread, rice, pasta, French fries) will make you feel more like going to sleep than working out what ‘a' plus ‘b' equals.
Use your snacks wisely . Instead of candy bars and soda (diet or not), you'll feel a lot better if you eat a piece of fruit or a protein snack like a couple chunks of cheese.
Work out . Again, bringing weights to algebra doesn't work. Regular exercise is key to keeping your energy level up. A little cardio, a little weight training, a little yoga or Pilates. You don't have to dedicate an hour to each one every time you work out, but even 20 minutes of some combination of the three or switching off every day will help you gain stamina that will pull you through the boring stuff.
No caffeine. No coffee, no sodas, no energy drinks – none of it. The annoying withdrawal is worth the renewed energy you'll have when your body gets back to depending on itself. If you must drink some sort of caffeine, opt for green tea. It gives a steady influx of good caffeine instead of shooting you up and down on a psychotic roller coaster until you crash – in algebra.
Try ginseng, a natural energy stimulant . There are no side effects and it takes a couple of weeks to kick in, but people have been using it for centuries to kick their energy up a notch.
Drink water. Not only is lots of water great for your skin, helps keep you full so you don't eat when you don't need to, and helps you flush out toxins that make your hair dull, but it's great for your energy, too. Staying hydrated keeps everything functioning smoothly so that all your energy can be devoted to plotting integers. Seltzer water is fine, but stay away from tonic water or flavored water with sodium. This will only make you bloated.
Regularity. Fiber is one of the silent heroes of energy. Enough can't be said for keeping things moving through your stomach. The average America carries around 5 lbs of undigested food. Getting rid of that extra bit will help you feel less sluggish and more ready to take on the day, so choose whole grains and check fiber content when you pick your next snack.
Cut big meals. Instead, have a few snacks throughout the day. Your schedule at school isn't really made to support a few 20 minute snack breaks, so do what you can. Eat breakfast before you leave the house, have just a snack at lunch and in between your morning or afternoon classes (whichever part of the day your lunch isn't ), eat a power bar, half a sandwich, or a piece of fruit. After school, get yourself a snack as well, making sure you eat every few hours so you're never debilitated energy-wise with digesting a huge meal.
Check with your doctor. Being tired could mean you have mono or depression or another medical condition. If fixing your eating, sleep, and exercise habits doesn't help your energy level, check with the doc to make sure there's not something more serious going on.
