Attention, UVic students!

It is now the third week of the Spring 2015 semester.

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re procrastinating studying for some exam …or in my case, three.

But hey, that’s beside the point. I am here to impart some exam period wisdom that has increased my study productivity exponentially since I first arrived at university.

The Cause?

Nap attacks.

“But Talen, why do I need to nap on campus in the first place?”

I’m so glad you asked!

As university students, we are constantly putting in long hours on campus, either through studying or being in class. Couple that with mid-terms and you have the perfect recipe for some sleep deprived, “zombie-esk” days.

As you know, this lack of sleep has a terrible effect on your brain function, translating to poor production and depleted problem-solving skills.

How to solve it?

Sleep.

The problem is, for those of us living off-campus, travel time cuts into our study time too much to go home just for a short snooze.

My solution is the campus “nap attack.”

I am talking about a short, strategically-placed sleep that can help you save time and increase your productivity when the think-tank is running low.

Fortunately, I have had a fair amount of experience with the DOs and DON’Ts of napping on campus – or at least enough that my friends have jokingly diagnosed me with “selective narcolepsy.”

I finally put my knowledge to use and laid out what I think are the top 5 tips to step up your nap game:

*Note: Although I am not actually sleeping in any of the photos below, I have slept at all of the following locations at one point or another. You can take my word for it; they all check out just fine.

 1. Use your environment

Although there is technically no “right” or “wrong” way to nap, there are ways to get the most out of the experience.

In the photo opposite you’ll see my friend, Kiah, who recently lost the struggle to stay conscious in an early morning lecture.

Luckily, she read her surroundings correctly and strategically placed her notebook and scarf under her head for comfort.

 

 

 

 

 2. Layers = pillows = comfort level x 10,000

 

See the difference? You can just tell there are better dreams to be had when you’re face isn’t smushed into linoleum flooring.

Do: Wear more layers when you know you’re tired.

Don’t: Sleep in the busier zones of the library (too much noise).

3. Seasonal napping – Know the ins and outs.

Do: relax, maybe pull a touque or cap over your eyes as a sun shield.

Don’t: try this during the winter or spring months or during periods of heavy rainfall.

 

 

 

 

 

This is my tree^. I like to study/sleep here a lot during summer classes, but as it is now February, I was too chicken to even lie down for a photo. This is just one example of knowing which napping areas are appropriate for each season.

4. Exploration gives the best nap zones.

Do: get out there and explore! There are so many good napping places on campus. I don’t know why I chose this one in particular, but the space is always comforting.

Don’t: use when there’s a lecture – especially if it’s not your own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Make use of new friendships.

Do: snuggle in and get comfy. When they look at you and start with the “uhh…dude?”-  just brush it off with a, “Nah don’t worry man, it’s totally chill. You can keep working,  I’ma just rest here for a min.”

 Don’t: worry about judging eyes. You may look lax now, but you’ll be 100x more alert in, like, 45 mins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have any napping places or experiences you would like to share? Comment or message – let the world see how good your nap game truly is!