1.     Start your day with movement and keep it going. When you first wake up, your body has been inactive for hours. If you roll out of bed, drag yourself to work and then sit for the whole day, it will take you a long time to fully wake up. So, when you get up in the morning, get out of bed and move! Jump up and down, or if you’re really ambitious, drop down and do a few push-ups or crunches. This seems like the last thing you’d want to do when your alarm has just gone off, but it works. Activating your muscles will cause blood to flow into them. This increased blood circulation will energize you from head to toe.

Move as much as possible throughout the day. Obviously, some work environments will allow more opportunities for this than others. Any chance you have to stand up and walk around, take it. Do you have a dog or a cat? If so, you’ve surely noticed how often they indulge in a nice stretch. Take a page out of your pet’s book! Stretching increases circulation, too. Stand up and reach your arms to the ceiling, like you do when you’ve just woken up. Or, as Lil Jon would say, bend over to the front and touch your toes! (Just not when any creepy coworkers can see you – this one might have to wait for lunch or bathroom breaks.)

2.     Eat breakfast! Yes, yes, your mom’s been nagging you about this one since you were a little kid. Hate to say it, but she was right. Starting your day with foods that properly fuel your body will help you stay awake. Good ideas for breakfast are: complex carbohydrates, like oatmeal or whole grain cereal; low fat dairy; low fat protein sources, like peanut butter; and fresh fruit.

Some people wake up not feeling hungry. If this sounds familiar, it usually happens because you’ve snacked too late at night or your sleep schedule is off, making you feel bloated. But if you eat breakfast in the morning, you’ll be less likely to snack later in the day. It’s a cycle! So if you’re not feeling hungry, try to adjust your sleep and eating habits – this will make you feel more energized and keep you from overeating. It’s a win/win!

3.     Bright light, better day. Bright lighting, especially natural light, will help you feel more awake. Dim lighting, on the other hand, can make you feel sleepy and fatigued. So if it’s at all possible, fill your workspace with natural light, or take a short walk outside on any breaks.

If you’re stuck indoors with fluorescent lights, give your eyes a break by looking away from your computer screen as often as possible. Staring at one thing for too long, especially the artificial light of a computer screen, will put you right to sleep.

4.     Stimulate the senses. A strong smell, good or bad, can help energize you. It catches your brain’s attention and pulls you out of that awful half-awake state. So indulge in that way-too-expensive scented lotion you bought, eat a fragrant orange as a snack or walk by the desk of that woman who wears way too much perfume.

Drinking a very cold glass of water has a similar effect. The little chill makes your body spring into action to warm itself back up. Plus, staying hydrated will mean more frequent bathroom breaks, which gives you the opportunity to walk around a little bit.

What other tips do you have for staying awake at work?

Dear Tuffy Luv,

So to start, this is humiliating, but last Friday night I peed my bed. I’m a 24-year-old grad student and live in the dorms at my school. I have no idea what happened, and this was a completely random event. Anyways, my roommate found out (it was pretty easy, she was awake when I woke up soaked…), which was even more embarrassing. I got up, took my wet pajamas off and went to take a shower. When I got back to the room, I stripped my sheets and took everything to wash. When I got back, I sprayed my mattress with Lysol…I think I handled the situation very responsibly.

But Monday, I got an email from my RA, requesting a meeting with me, my roommate, and her boss, who runs the whole dorm. Come to find out, my roommate had taken pictures of my wet bed and clothes. In the meeting, they expressed their concern that a girl my age was “still wetting the bed,” which is apparently how my roommate explained the situation. My RA’s boss said I had to pay for a new mattress and am required to have a waterproof mattress cover on the new one. Having the mattress cover isn’t a big deal, but paying for the new mattress caused my account to be billed and now my parents are aware of the incident. My roommate also told EVERYBODY in our hall about my accident, a rumor that has circulated to many more people on campus and made me the target of many snide remarks. Up until now, we had a great relationship. But I have no idea what to do! This has been the most humiliating few days of my life. I really don’t want to live with her anymore-should I request a room transfer or what? I cannot believe this has become such a big deal!

If you could offer advice, I’d really appreciate it,
Thank you,
BW

Dear BW,

Oh, man. That sucks.

Well, these things happen, no? Once in a while, some horribly embarrassing incident occurs, and, happily, you really did deal with it well. As you say, you were responsible, and you were also considerate.

Unfortunately, we can’t say these things about your roommate.

Okay, first let’s get this part out of the way: health stuff, yes? I’m glad to hear this is the first time it happened. Probably it was just a total fluke. (Were you drinking? That’ll do it.) But if it happens again, you should go get it checked out by a doctor. There are, Tuffy just learned, a number of things that can cause a person to wet their bed even when they’re otherwise healthy. So, seriously, if you find yourself in the same situation again, get thee to the college clinic.

In the meantime, your roommate is a total bootch and you should definitely move out.

There is no way to salvage your relationship with this girl. Instead of asking if you were okay, she went behind your back and told everyone a very embarrassing and personal thing. Karma will get her; you just get out. Don’t just request a room transfer. Transfer out of the building. There is really no way for you to recover from this. Something crappy happened to you, and then your roommate made it crappier. I’m not telling you to run away from it, but I am telling you to GET away from it. Cut your losses and move and then never speak of it again.

As for the haters who bring it up, I’d just put on a sad face and say, “Oh man, I was really sick that night” and refuse to give any other details. Hopefully they’ll feel messed up for bringing it up (which they are) and, either way, you know not to deal with said individuals again.

And your roommate? Eff her in the ear. Don’t speak another word to her. Ever.

Sorry, man. Feel good.

Hearts & Skulls,

Tuffy Luv

Like a little pain? Get more Tough Love right here.

Let’s be honest. There were times when you weren’t sure you’d make it. You were optimistic back in August, but less so as the months wore on. You started your countdown on Halloween, and were ready to tear your own hair out over Thanksgiving break. By the time finals week had rolled around you had already checked out. But somehow, somehow you’ve managed to make it through.

Well…almost.

Another few days and you’ll be free and clear. Done. Dunzo. Getting the hell out of Dodge. The fall 2010 semester will be over and you’ll be able to do whatever you like over the break. Want to know what I’m looking forward to the most?

10. Catching up with the high school BFFs. You never would have made it through prom without them and you’ll never make it through six weeks at home with your parents without them either. Go to the movies. Go to the bars. Sneak beer into your parents’ basement like you’re still 16. Or braid each other’s hair like you’re still six. Whatever. Like you really need me to tell you how to have a good time, right?

9. Movie marathons. There’s just something about those lazy days. Those days when you just know you won’t be getting out of your pajamas, the days when all you want to do is eat some Chunky Monkey and watch a few chick flicks. There’s no use fighting it, so pick your favorites and plop. Personally I’m planning on a Back to the ’90s sort of day.  Heath Ledger 10 Things I Hate About You and Freddie Prince Jr. She’s All That? Yes, please.

8. Organizing everything. Whenever the semester starts, everything is always so organized. My files are backed up on my external hard drive.  My iTunes music is arranged into the perfect playlists. All of my notes are placed neatly in my binders. I can find any book I want on my bookshelf. But somehow, as the semester wore on, I forget to back up my files. That new Katy Perry song never made it onto my playlist. And I’m pretty sure I haven’t seen my microbiology textbook since the first day of classes…

7. Enjoying some home cooked meals. No, not just the holiday meals and the week’s worth of leftovers that will surely follow, but your childhood favorites too. The dinners mom knows you love, the chocolate chip pancakes no one makes quite like your dad, or even your grandmother’s famous sugar cookies. (Note to self: Don’t forget all the elastic waist pants….)

6. Reading a book for enjoyment. I’m an English major. I read ALL. THE. TIME. But they’re not always books that I enjoy. (Oddly enough, before this semester I’d never felt inclined to have a go at 18^th Century Literature.) And even if they are books I enjoy I’m not reading them for enjoyment. I’m analyzing them. Most of the time from some crazy Marxist/Feminist/Deconstruction point of view that, I assure you, the original author never meant for us to use.

5. Sleeping until 2 p.m. Not that this one really needs an explanation or anything, but I have been looking forward to this moment since the first Monday morning I was unable to press the snooze button.

4. Hitting the post holiday sales. Yes, yes, I know you just finished shopping. But this shopping isn’t for other people, this shopping is for you. All those great gifts you wished someone would get you when you were shopping for other people?  Now you can get them for yourself. For a bazillion percent less. Go for it. And return that ugly sweater your aunt got you while you’re at it.

3. Catching up on my favorite TV shows. What’s that? You missed the last episode of Gossip Girl? (Editor’s Note: WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?) You haven’t seen the latest episode of Glee? You haven’t been watching Grey’s Anatomy all season long? That’s okay; you have plenty of time to catch up! And the shows are all online now, anyway so you can grab that laptop and snuggle up in your childhood bedroom (surrounded by all your old favorite Beanie Babies and stuff).  Sure, you have to sit through those annoying ads for Lysol and birth control but at least you don’t have to wait three whole agonizing months to find out if Mark and Lexie are ever going to get back together!

2. Pampering myself. Just a little bit. Probably one of the things I am most looking forward to is having the time for a day of rest and relaxation. It will start will a trip to Starbucks, then I’ll head to the salon to finally get my hair trimmed, and then if I’m really feeling the love for myself I might even work in a manicure. One day of being pampered, just one. Because, honestly we all deserve it.

1. Doing absolutely nothing of importance. My absolute favorite part of winter break. You really don’t have to do anything. No dire emergencies. No homework assignments. No club meetings or class schedules. No appropriate times to sleep or dining hall hours to remember. You can do whatever you want whenever you want because you want to. Or you can do nothing at all. It’s perfectly acceptable. Because you’re on winter break. So enjoy it while you can.

A recent article suggests that our insane addiction to technology is causing the students of the world to experience major sleep deprivation. Now, I’m a fan of YouTube marathons and late night text sessions just as much as the next girl, but as the school year begins, it’s important to remember to silence that cell phone, hit the pillow, and recharge.

Here are five wonderful reasons to ditch the technology for a bit of tranquility.

Beauty sleep is real. Instead of spending your after-midnight hours scouring Youtube in search of face-altering tips, simply close your laptop and close your eyes. The glow of healthy and well-rested body is a better look than any expensive bronzer or lotion can provide. Your skin (and your wallet) will thank you for it.

Sleep keeps you slim. It’s true, making sleep way more beneficial in the long run than forwarding that hilarious drunk text from your BFF to TFLN at 3 in the morning.

Snoozing keeps the doctor away. Your immune system needs to be well rested to fight off the germs that go hand-in-hand with college living. So if you want to stay healthy for all those parties classes, step away from the Ruelala evening sales and get into bed.

Sleep helps you smile. No one is going to care how funny your Facebook photo captions were if you are a tired, cranky bitch the next morning.

A good slumber helps you study. Repeat after me: You are not in college to play Farmville, stalk people on Facebook or stream How I Met Your Mother on Netflix until all hours of the night. None of that will matter when you’re struggling through an exam because you were too tired to focus in the library. No, not even Barney Stinson.

And the fact that I’m not going this year?  I’m not a very good actor, but I could almost pinch out a few legitimate tears.  You mean I have to continue to struggle up mini-snow mountain regions, and continue to suffocate under the restraints of my wool scarf?

Clearly, there are plenty of reasons for me to be bitter about my lack o’ travels this Spring Break but, I am deciding to look the bright side for a change. Sweating poolside under the shade of an US Weekly magazine or not, I’m going to make the best out of my Spring Break, and  – turns out – it is easier than I thought because you can:

1. Finally catch up on all of those books you’ve been reading (or not reading).

College is so stressful, sometimes I find myself being stressed out about the weekly T.V. shows I am trying to catch up on.  It is time to sit down and freakin’ relax. I know I have about five books I’m currently trying to read at the same time, and nothing strains my stress greater than a quality read. So kick those feet back, flip on the fireplace switch, and get reading.

2. Think of all the moo-lah you are saving!? You can spend a (small) portion on a facial. Why not?

Deciding (or being forced against your will) to not attend Spring Break just made you ten times richer.  Don’t get me wrong, in the midst of running to class and cursing the cold-I would give my left leg to catch a flight to Margaritaville.  But on the other hand, you have a lot more breathing room when it comes to the dough. Go spend a little bit of it on a facial, or for the construction of a new iTunes playlist (whatever it may be).

3. Use this extra time to get a step ahead of applying for jobs/internships.

With everything going on during class, your social life, and trying to maintain a close relationship with Mr. Treadmill, it is super difficult to navigate a time to apply for jobs and internships during the school year.  Spring Break is the perfect time to stick your nose in front of the pack and apply, apply, apply for jobs and internships.  Use this time to do some extra research on jobs, networking with experts in your field of study, and editing your LinkedIn profile. It may not be as fun as a keg stand via pool side, but the benefits are way up their on the ‘success scale.’

4. Get involved with some volunteer work during your free time.

This is a great and feel-good way to spend your Spring Break.  Not only are you keeping  yourself occupied, but you are giving back to your community. Try calling a local non-profit organization or even a museum, to see if they need volunteer help.

5. Re-acquaint yourself with your favorite letter of the alphabet: ZzzZZz.

I don’t know about you, but I love a good nights 13-hour siesta every once in a while.  Sleeping keeps you from getting raunchy colds, helps you lose weight, and most importantly, feels totally awesome!  So while everyone else is getting three-hour-drunk-sleep in Mexico and waking up with a monstrous hangover, you are nursing the bags under your eyes you’ve accumulated from midterms. Win.

6. You can explore what your home town has to offer. By yourself.

Even if none of your friends are around, don’t be afraid to go explore a new restaurant on your own, or a nearby museum. Really, when do you ever get the chance to do these things unless you are retired? And have you ever gone to a movie by yourself? Take it from me, it is amazing.  Nobody is awkwardly reaching into the popcorn bowl the same time as you are, you can keep your movie preview commentary all to yourself, and you can shamelessly go to the lame guilty pleasure movie you’ve been wanting to see forever (Dear John anyone)?

7. Call one of your old high school friends.

Now, even I haven’t done this in a while-which is mildly depressing.  But something deep down inside of me, really really wants to.  And there is never a better time than the present!  There are bound to be a few friends home for Spring Break, and I’m willing to bet it is refreshing to talk over coffee with the people who stood next to you when you hit your 5-year long awkward stage in middle school. Now that is something you guys can talk about.

8. Learn how to cook.

If you’ve gotten a chance to watch the movie ‘Julie & Julia’ this idea will really tickle your fancy. If you’re at home, Mom is sure to have some serious cookbooks sitting around, and if not, Google up a storm for some awesome recipes for whatever you are craving at the moment, and get cooking!  And they don’t have to be food recipes, either; learn how to make a few tasty cocktails for when everyone returns.  If anything, when your roommates return from vaca, they will probably adore you for your (feeble attempt) at out-cooking Rachel Ray.

9. Watch an entire television series (just because you can).

Now, this is something I’ve been wanting to do for ages now, specifically with the three seasons of MadMen. So I am sure everyone has a television sitcom they want to get their hands on (and finished) in one week.  So why not take the time to tackle your utmost guilty pleasure via television and get watching!

10. Spend some quality time with family.

Nothing is better than sprawling out on your couch at home and having one of those totally crazy conversations with your family.  Did Dad really just say that out loud? Your family never gets to see you when you are away at college, and this is the perfect time to relax at home prove to them how much you’ve missed them (and the scene in their refrigerator).

Somehow I think Chinese delivery was a contributing factor here.

This week I’ve been inspired by ThisIsWhyYou’reFat.com… or my own personal struggle with winter weight. Between the Christmas cookies, Starbucks peppermint mochas and, oh yeah, lifting my drinking ban, these have all caused me to pack on the weight over the past three months. I could not be more annoyed with the term “winter weight,” or having to rationalize that I’m not getting fat, just fluffy.

Which is why the only thing I’m asking Santa for this year is a gym membership.

Here are some of the things that might be unfavorably tipping the scales, particularly in this binge-y time of the year.

10. Brunch
My favorite unnecessary meal of the day. At which almost all items on the menu are dripping with syrup. Not good.

9. Driving
Not exactly caloric, but how many times do you hop in the driver’s seat to a destination that’s walking distance? Or for that matter, pile into a cab when you’re only heading ten blocks away. Bad for the bod and the environment.

8. Late night snacking
Those munchies add up, and if you believe the hype, eating after 8 PM is one of the worst things you can do to your body.

7. Delivery
Not even bothering to get off the couch to get greasy food into your mouth? Pad thai, Domino’s, greasy Chinese food, it doesn’t matter. Homemade food is always healthier, and the stroll around the grocery store will do your body some sort of good. Well, at least more good than keeping the door unlocked and having that poor little delivery dude drop the food at your feet.

6. Guacamole
WHAT THE EFF? Why does this delicious topping have so many calories? Considering it’s made out of a vegetable? Really disappointing.

5. Christmas candy. And cookies. And eggnog. And giant turkey dinners.
Okay, I’ll let this one slide on December 25th, but no holding onto those Christmas candies past January 1st!

4. Lack of sleep
Cramming for finals, partying hard and cramming some more does not make for a healthy sleep cycle. Turns out, losing out on the Z’s can get you packing on the lbs. “Professor, I’m sorry I slept through your 8 AM, I’m just watching my figure right now. I know you’ll understand,” might not work as an excuse, but try and crawl under the covers a few minutes earlier than usual.

3. Boyfriend or Breaking Up
It’s different for everyone and it’s a lose-lose (or I guess a gain-gain). Some people, like me, get super-comfy with their beau and start packing on the pounds when they’re in a relationship. On the flip side, being single can get you dating your fridge. Sigh.

2. Cupcakes
My favorite food and the world’s hottest dessert fixation right now. Red velvet cupcake does not make a good dinner. No, skim milk pairing doesn’t make it any better. Especially difficult when paired with #1 at the hottest new spot in the West Village, Sweet Revenge. Check it out before you have to make your New Year’s Resolution.

1. Drinking
This one is a killer considering tis the season to get wasted on Schnapp’s in order to tolerate your relatives. And then there’s an entire apple pie calling your name. Maybe it’s time to go back to sobriety. Spring break is just around the corner. Woof.

Your slate is clean (and your pants still fit!), so let this new school year be your opportunity to start fresh and make good, healthy choices.  It’s always good to start out with goals you actually will end up completing, so here are some small, completely doable changes for you to consider so that this year finds you healthier and even more fabulous than the last!

Dear Water: We Love You.
We all know water is muy importante. It keeps you feeling full, prevents dehydration, and clears your body of toxins. Sweating, drinking alcohol, and merely functioning every day (especially in college) cause a loss of said water and it’s up to you to replace it.

Yes, if you want to be healthy with a fabulous complexion, you need to drink the water.

That being said, don’t freak out about the eight glasses per day thing – its not just plain water that does the trick, and the amount you need depends on how active you are. Also, if you’re one of those people who hates drinking water by itself, don’t forget that fruits, vegetables, tea, and other things we consume everyday have water in them, too. And don’t forget about Crystal Light – make it your BFF this year.

Think Before You Eat.
You’re hungry – ohhh so hungry. You haven’t eaten in hours and you need food ASAP. Stop before you grab that takeout menu and order a dinner high in calories, sodium, and fat. Now don’t get me wrong; I love my Ramen as much as the next person. Take-out and pre-packaged foods are great every once in a while when you are in a hurry and need something fast. But if you plan your meals beforehand, you won’t have this dilemma. You can save time, stress, and calories simply by deciding what you are going to eat for that day before the day starts. Plan your meals in advance and you’ll make much healthier choices.

Go to Sleep, Woman!
You’ve heard it before, but this is one small change that almost goes without saying. Because one cannot be fabulous while yawning. Or while sporting dark circles under her eyes. One study by a Cornell psychology prof suggests that sleep deprivation is similar to operating while impaired. I think we’d all like to be fully functional (during weekdays, at least), so turn off the TV, close that laptop and get into bed. Before 2am.

Germs – You Don’t Even Know.
Germs are everywhere. There’s more bacteria on everyday items like your light switches, kitchen sponges, and television remote than there are on your toilet seat! If you want to avoid the sniffles (or the Swine Flu!) this year, grab some disinfectant wipes and have at it every now and then. And if your roomies think you’re OCD, tell them to go spend some quality time with the toilet seat….or just print out this article and tape it to their door. (Then go wash your hands.)

No Sweat! It’s Not All About the Gym Membership.
Even though getting a gym membership can help you regularly exercise if you’re like me (as I’m more likely to work out when I have a financial stake in the matter), it’s definitely not a necessity. You can fit in exercise any place, any time! Get an exercise ball instead of a chair to sit on at your desk (hell, it’s probably cheaper anyway). Then you can work your core while doing your homework (or more likely, while reading College Candy!). You can rent exercise videos or find a channel that has free workouts (one of the benefits of cable tv, ladies). Do squats while brushing your teeth. Forget that elevators were ever invented and take the stairs. Do tricep dips using the edge of your couch while watching television. Power walk to class. Do lunges while you’re heating up your dinner. Exercise improves your mood, prevents disease, and keeps you looking fabulous – and not having a gym membership can’t stop you! Just small, conscious changes can yield some serious benefits in the long run.

Forgive, Forget, and Move On.
One of my best friends and I stopped talking after we had an argument. And yesterday, for the first time in two years, we talked and cried and laughed over the silly little things we had missed about each other. When you think about it, there’s always a little something preventing you from starting fresh. Whether it’s drama with your friends, still missing your ex, or holding onto a grudge, forgiveness seems like a small task, but once it’s done, you just feel… better. Turns out forgiving and forgetting also helps reduce chronic pain, lower blood pressure, and maintain healthier relationships in general. So dig deep – what’s been bothering you? As cliche as it may seem, let the past be the past and let this year be your healthy, happy future.

Today is Good Friday.

I’m not sure what makes it more good than any other Friday (which are always good in my book), but that is what the calendar says, so I’m goin’ with it. In honor of the goodness of today, I decided to make this Friday extra special and do everything to make sure it was good: I ate a donut for breakfast (good), I put real cream instead of skim milk in my coffee (good), I never got out of my PJs (good), and I’m hoping to watch the entire first season of The Hills on DVD (very good).

What about you?

This week our writers weighed in on what makes a Good Friday for them. Besides the mere fact that it’s Friday, of course. Helloooo, weekend!

Brithny – Duke: After not seeing my family for half a year (thanks, Duke) a Good Friday for me would be everyone in my family sitting down to a yummy homemade dinner and then afterwards drinking tea by the fireplace and telling (sometimes embarrassing) family stories.

Charlsie – Hollins: My ideal Friday would be to somehow manage to have the best of both worlds collide — hanging out with my best friends and my boyfriend, over food and drinks, and not have it be awkward. That would be the ultimate Friday for me!

Carly – Grinnell: Definitely a Friday with no work is a good Friday in my book.

Kayla – California State University, Sacramento: When I get all my homework and studying done after my last class of the week. Then I know I have nothing to worry about all weekend.

Lauren – University of Michigan: Thai carryout, a bottle of 2 Buck Chuck and a DVD. Actually, that’s a great Friday.

Cristina – Michigan State University: A Good Friday in my book would be canceled classes, so therefore sleeping in.  Then my friends would surprise me and show up for the weekend, and we’d go to a party with great music.  You know, the simple things in life.

Elizabeth – UC Berkeley: Laying in the sun with my friends, drinking yummy beer (not Keystone…for once).

Thu – USC: “Forgetting” that you have a five-page essay due on Monday until Sunday night, and then getting a decent grade on it. Sweet.

Sarabeth – University of Texas: A good Friday involves at minimum 2 of the following: booze, friends, sleep.

Amanda – Reed College: To sit on my ass for eight hours first and later go out and drink until I pass out. Oh, would that be lovely.

Noa – CU Boulder: Not getting out of bed. For anything.

Maddie – Tufts: No classes. I didn’t have free Fridays until first semester of junior year, and now I cherish them. Oh, and dollar specials at my bagel place…

Alex- Lakehead University: One where I don’t end up mad at my drunk friends and can dance the night away without getting drinks spilled on me.

Leah – Ryerson University: I don’t have classes on Friday so every week has a Good Friday for me.

[Photo courtesy of Lunameth on Flickr.]

Open the Window Shades. If you have them. I am blessed with a bay window in my dorm room, and I use it to my advantage. Light is a beautiful thing. And it’s an instant pick-me-up when all you want to do is sleep yourself into oblivion. So raise those blinds and let it shine! And if you have no windows, get your ass outside!

Take a Cold Shower. Though it may be unoriginal, this renowned technique really does the trick—cold showers are both refreshing, and invigorating! They’re also especially good for hangovers. So come out from your down comforter coma, get off your tush, and jump in the shower! It might be painful, but it will certainly wake you up. If you’re looking for something a little less severe, you can get the same effect by finishing off a hot wash with a 30-second burst of cold. Rumor has it that these chilly splashes make for shinier hair…so jump in, cool off, and rev up that energy!

Exercise. Though counter-intuitive, exercise has been proven to boost energy and reduce fatigue. Convincing yourself to leave that squishy mattress in exchange for a treadmill may be difficult, but it will be well worth it. Plus, you’ll burn calories and suppress your appetite. Believe me—in retrospect you’ll be happy you worked out instead of munching on Cheetos in your jammies. The best energy boosting exercises? Running, Yoga, and Kickboxing. (If not energy, toned muscles, flexibility and useful self-defense moves should persuade you…)

Eat Power Snacks. Smart snacks are key to keeping up energy. So what snacks will give you energy-to boot? Ones with some of everything: some fat, some protein, some carbs. Think: Peanut butter + banana, yogurt + almonds, apple + cheese, etc.

Drink Tea. Not only is tea yummy and easy to make, but it’s also a great energy booster. Try white or green tea – both contain amino acids that activate brain waves, making you more alert! My personal favorite? Bigelow’s Lemon Lift Tea.

Other ideas: Call a friend. Get outside. Clean your room (which can be physically, as well as literally, cleansing/refreshing). Laugh. Have a quickie. Paint your nails (the color and stench will wake you up). And if all else fails, slap yourself.

But whatever you do, don’t…

TAKE A NAP. And no- not even a “power nap.” When was the last time you were able to rest your head for just 10 minutes? When I fall asleep, I fall asleep. And getting yourself out of bed after a 3-hr afternoon coma is nearly impossible. So is falling asleep later that night. So just do yourself a favor, and step away from the bed.

If you have other energy-boosting suggestions, leave ‘em below!

Invest in Sunscreen- I know. I sound like your mom. That’s because I’m quoting my own mom. But seriously its been months since your skin has been exposed to the sun. The only thing more tragic than coming back with cornrows from the Caribbean is returning to school with a 3rd degree burn and 4 inch blister on your face (true story).

Begin Drinking Dangerous Amounts- (And this is part of the blog where I veer away from anything my mom has ever said.) In just a few days you will be drinking more alcohol than your liver could ever imagine and unless you want to die, it’s essential you start building up your tolerance ASAP. I know that a lot of people have midterms this week but that’s no excuse to be letting your guard down. There should be beers at every breakfast and shots with every snack. If there is any point during the day where you could legally drive, you are not preparing yourself responsibly for whats going to happen during break.

Start Sleeping- When you’re not drinking, you should be sleeping. Sleep so much that you will never want to sleep again. Because you won’t be sleeping. Not for an entire week. Chances are that if you’re not in the mood to get some, your roommate will be. There’s no hope for any 8-hour nights in any spring break destination.

Pack Immodium- Ew. Gross. I know. But some of the places where people will be traveling aren’t exactly known for their safe water and hygienic food practices. All it takes is one slurp of tap water from the bathroom for you to be keeled over for the rest of the break. Save yourself and your dignity by packing a just-in-case box.

Buy a One-Piece- If you haven’t already begun the rigorous (and traditional) spring-break-no-eat-find-out-where-the-school-gym-is diet yet, there is no longer any chance for you get that six-pack that you talked about during New Year’s Resolutions. But don’t freak out. Nothing covers up a long winter of eating like a one-piece. Tankini’s are so 90′s and two-pieces are too flashy. Opt for the always classy one-piece. Maybe even go strapless! If all else fails go for the Speedo lifeguard suit. It’s a great conversation piece and it’s make people feel surprisingly safe around you.

Google Celebrities+Spring Break- Find out exactly which D-list celebrities will be at your spring break location and start bragging. Don’t let anyone else feel like they picked the better destination because Spencer and Heidi will be hosting a wet-t-shirt contest. Let them know that DJ Juice will be kickin it old school next to your hotel. And if there’s no one at your destination, make it up. I thought I had made up DJ Juice until I just googled and found out that he would be making a spring break appearance.

What are your last-minute tips for a great spring break?