Students, it’s time for some energy information. According to Prevention magazine, if you want to stay alert through a dull class or a grueling all-nighter, you need to replace your energy drinks with acupressure. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, except there are no needles. It’s done by touch. Earlier studies have shown that acupressure helps reduce chronic pain, and now, new research proves that it’s also effective in boosting alertness. Here are the details:

• Doctors at the University of Michigan had students sit through a series of boring lectures. Half the volunteers used acupressure techniques and half didn’t. In nearly every case, the acupressure students reported feeling more alert and their classroom performance improved. .  
• Then, the students repeated the experiment, but this time, those who didn’t use acupressure the first go around gave it a try. They also felt and performed better.

So, where exactly are these “wake-up” points?

• The first one’s on the back of the hand, in the fleshy part between the thumb and index finger.
• #2 is the top of the head at the center of your skull.
• The 3rd acupressure point? The back of the neck just to one side of your spine.
• #4 is the calf. Squeeze it just below your knee with your whole hand.
• The last one’s for long nights studying in your PJ’s: The bottom of your foot, in the center of it.  

To be effective you need to apply steady pressure to these points for one to two minutes. It may take some practice, but it beats energy drinks because the stimulation comes from brain chemicals and increased blood flow, not mega-doses of caffeine.