Okay, we may as well get straight to the point. You can't really concentrate on your studies if you're sitting in class struggling against the urge to belch or to ... do other things.
Sometimes we find ourselves in awkward and difficult situations as we sit in class. These situations can distract us and cause us to miss important information. Don't let an embarrassing problem distract you from getting the essential information that will show up on tests!
The difference between successful students and students who struggle constantly is that successful students know how to avoid the most common problems that cause disturbances in their studies.
All it takes to avoid most embarrassing distractions is a little education, some organization, and some planning ahead. One thing you should do right now? Make an agreement with somebody in class to share notes when, and if, you have to miss out on class time because of an unexpected problem. Both of you will benefit.
Gas in Class
Did you know that smelly gas comes from food that is fermenting in your lower intestine?
The most important thing you can do to avoid getting an embarrassing, gassy stomach is to learn about some of the causes of gas. Bloating and gas can be caused by eating foods that don't digest so well, and there are some common breakfast foods that may cause a problem:
- Oats
- Oatmeal
- Bananas
- Prunes
- Gravy
- Carbonated drinks
- Whole grain breads
- Pizza with vegetables
If you eat these foods for breakfast on a regular basis and you don't have a problem, then don't worry. However, if you have noticed a problem, you may want to avoid these foods late at night or in the morning.
That Time of the Month
Do you keep a menstrual calendar? Every teenaged girl should. The best way to avoid an unhappy surprise is to keep a close eye on your calendar. These days, you can keep track of such things on your cell phone or mp3 player.
Unfortunately, some people just don't operate on a regular timetable. For those young women, calendars aren't much help. The best thing you can do is to pack an emergency case and keep it on hand at all times.
Don't forget to put several quarters in your emergency kit, along with other essential items. Another tip: Get to know the school nurse now!
If you are ever sitting in class and you suspect that you're going to have a problem, get up and walk out (unless your school has strict security rules against this). Most teachers will understand.
Find more advice here and a few more tips here!
After all, this is important!
Falling Asleep
Are you a nodder? Do you have trouble keeping your eyes open? Studies show that teens face a real challenge when it comes to sleep time. They just like to stay up late, and studies have shown that they may be wired that way.
Many students find that there is one particular time period that poses a problem. You can try drinking a caffeine drink or taking a cold bottle of water to the class where you struggle to stay awake.
You can also check out these tips for improving your sleep habits.
Noisy Stomach
Does your stomach grumble so loud sometimes that others hear it? This happens to a lot of students who skip breakfast. If this is a problem for you, try bringing a breakfast bar or two and keeping them in your backpack for a quick bite between classes.
Don't chew gum if your tummy tends to rumble. Gum only makes it worse.
If you do manage to find time between classes to eat a little bit, make sure you don't eat too fast. Also be sure to drink plenty of water when you grab a snack. Otherwise, you may get the hiccups, and that defeats the goal of avoiding distractions!
