Okay... so we've all done.

Be it an all-night gaming session, or like me... staying up all night to finish college assignments in between my full-time job. Still... what can you expect after multiple months of pushing sleep off as a waste of your precious time? Here's a few tips I can pass along...

1. Hopelessness is an effect of long term sleep deprivation. You will need a great deal of willpower to not let this feeling overwhelm you. The best thing you can do is repress as many emotions as you can, as they will make you more tired. Try to maintain a balanced state and don't let yourself stray too far off.

2. Don't lose focus. Even if everything you do turns to ashes, tomorrow is another day and nothing lasts forever. It's easy to let the fact you can't do everything suck you down. It's more about getting through sometimes than doing well.

3. Take a few minutes to organize your time. It makes any tailspin seem a bit more organized until you can pull out.

4. Tell others to piss off if they're wasting your time. It's YOUR time, and how you distribute it is up to you... just don't piss off anyone important (spouse, best friend, pets).

5. Combine as many activities as you can!

Here's a few examples of how to squeeze extra time out of your day:

CAR TIPS:

If you travel a great deal, try to aim for food that you can easily eat one-handed. These include sandwiches, burritos, some tacos, and other "finger food". Driving while eating isn't exactly a good way to go (especially if you're in hard-core traffic... then it's chomp and throw it back down... once you get back into calmer waters you can pick it back up).

Also, if you're not an asshat when it comes to using a cell phone while driving, call ahead to where-ever your heading and make sure the way is clear. I also conclude business while on the phone and finish up the computer work or personal touch when I arrive.

HOME TIPS:

In the bathroom, a person can study whilst taking a few minutes to let nature work...

Cooking can be a time consuming process. By making sure you have at least a few "grab and go" meals, you can eat while studying/working.

I've taken to listening to "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" episodes while working/studying as I've watched them all a bunch of times... so I know the visual parts without looking and I can enjoy the show, but still be working.

Take breaks to finish other projects... good example: In between studying, I'm still moving into my new place.

6. Caffeine seems to have a lulling effect after using it to prop yourself up for too long... These days, after a "Red Bull", I just get pissy and my heart beats a little faster.

7. Your relaxation has to be total.

If you sit and feel guilty about relaxing when there is so much to do, you're wasting your time. Relax or get back to work... stress sucks down your strength.

8. Drink water... drinking nothing but caffeine and sugar will eventually make you feel light-headed and "thick" from the effects of dehydration. It doesn't take that long to do and it will keep your health

9. Put things where you can find them! I dump my "stuff" (keys (two sets), wallet, watch, knife, etc) on my computer desk when I come home, and I collect them from the same spot in the morning. When something in this routine breaks down, I usually find out as I'm trying to get out the door to go to work. This creates stress and can cause you to lose a lot of time looking for the missing item.

10. Manage your disasters. I've got so many irons in the fire, I should be running a grill. Push off everything you can to make way for the big stuff...

Anyway... time's a wastin'... gotta go.

Funny...

I read this last night at 2AM, now I'm responding at 1:20AM...lawl.

I'm all about the repressed emotions.

Quote: Originally Posted by Darksamurai Okay... so we've all done. Be it an all-night gaming session, or like me... staying up all night to finish college assignments in between my full-time job. Still... what can you expect after multiple months of pushing sleep off as a waste of your precious time? Here's a few tips I can pass along... 1. Hopelessness is an effect of long term sleep deprivation. You will need a great deal of willpower to not let this feeling overwhelm you. The best thing you can do is repress as many emotions as you can, as they will make you more tired. Try to maintain a balanced state and don't let yourself stray too far off. 2. Don't lose focus. Even if everything you do turns to ashes, tomorrow is another day and nothing lasts forever. It's easy to let the fact you can't do everything suck you down. It's more about getting through sometimes than doing well. 3. Take a few minutes to organize your time. It makes any tailspin seem a bit more organized until you can pull out. 4. Tell others to piss off if they're wasting your time. It's YOUR time, and how you distribute it is up to you... just don't piss off anyone important (spouse, best friend, pets). 5. Combine as many activities as you can! Here's a few examples of how to squeeze extra time out of your day: CAR TIPS: If you travel a great deal, try to aim for food that you can easily eat one-handed. These include sandwiches, burritos, some tacos, and other "finger food". Driving while eating isn't exactly a good way to go (especially if you're in hard-core traffic... then it's chomp and throw it back down... once you get back into calmer waters you can pick it back up). Also, if you're not an asshat when it comes to using a cell phone while driving, call ahead to where-ever your heading and make sure the way is clear. I also conclude business while on the phone and finish up the computer work or personal touch when I arrive. HOME TIPS: In the bathroom, a person can study whilst taking a few minutes to let nature work... Cooking can be a time consuming process. By making sure you have at least a few "grab and go" meals, you can eat while studying/working. I've taken to listening to "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" episodes while working/studying as I've watched them all a bunch of times... so I know the visual parts without looking and I can enjoy the show, but still be working. Take breaks to finish other projects... good example: In between studying, I'm still moving into my new place. 6. Caffeine seems to have a lulling effect after using it to prop yourself up for too long... These days, after a "Red Bull", I just get pissy and my heart beats a little faster. 7. Your relaxation has to be total. If you sit and feel guilty about relaxing when there is so much to do, you're wasting your time. Relax or get back to work... stress sucks down your strength. 8. Drink water... drinking nothing but caffeine and sugar will eventually make you feel light-headed and "thick" from the effects of dehydration. It doesn't take that long to do and it will keep your health 9. Put things where you can find them! I dump my "stuff" (keys (two sets), wallet, watch, knife, etc) on my computer desk when I come home, and I collect them from the same spot in the morning. When something in this routine breaks down, I usually find out as I'm trying to get out the door to go to work. This creates stress and can cause you to lose a lot of time looking for the missing item. 10. Manage your disasters. I've got so many irons in the fire, I should be running a grill. Push off everything you can to make way for the big stuff... Anyway... time's a wastin'... gotta go.

Hey, I have a great idea: STOP PLAYING WoW or Halo3 and get some SLEEP ya fool.

WareWolf (up all night howling at the moon)

Quote: Originally Posted by WareWolf Hey, I have a great idea: STOP PLAYING WoW or Halo3 and get some SLEEP ya fool. WareWolf (up all night howling at the moon)

I WISH it was video games... I got college, work (working much overtime), a girlfriend and I just moved...

When college is done... I'm taking time off work, locking myself in a dark room and not coming out until I've got so much digital blood on my virtual hands that the monitor has a permanent red stain...

I am so glad that I am no longer in that position. I was there when I was trying to balance my Army job with my education, but take heart in knowing that when you are done it will be worth it. I am just impressed that with all the crap you have been through, you are still sticking it out. You are a smart man.

Quote: Originally Posted by WareWolf Hey, I have a great idea: STOP PLAYING WoW or Halo3 and get some SLEEP ya fool. WareWolf (up all night howling at the moon)

Um..... Yeahhhh.....

Good tips DS, if one knows they are doing an over nighter proper nutrients is a plus as well. A couple of energy bars at hand would help as well.

Nice tips
I completely understand where you're at (been through a chemistry degree while working full-time)

If there's one other thing that I could add... take 30 minutes out of the day to get some exercise - caffeine and sugar can only do so much for ya, but going for a brisk walk, jog, playing a (physical) game or similar can really help shake the cobwebs and ease the stress levels without making you want to doze off

I find that taking a really quick really really hot shower can also help a lot. Also taking the time to 25-50 pushups/situps to just get the blood flowing helps alot and clears the mind to.