As we near the 18 hour mark, it’s normal for the energy in the stands to start to fade. Even if you’ve only been in the BJC for a few hours, it’s okay to find yourself in a slump. Have no fear though! We’re all about sharing our nuggets of wisdom with you, so we’ve compiled some energy-boosting solutions for your current state of delirium.

1. Take a lap around the BJC:

It sounds simple, mostly because it is. It’ll get your blood flowing and give you a change in scenery for a little while. Chances are also high that you’ll see someone you know and strike up a nice conversation, since basically everyone on campus is here at some point this weekend. If nothing else, the walk kills some time and makes you feel like you got some form of exercise.

2. Walk outside:

If you know that you’ll easily be able to get back in, talk a step outside, even for just a few seconds. The soul-sucking State College weather will give your body that shock of cold it needs to get a quick burst of energy. And even if it doesn’t, the new-found appreciation for the heat inside the BJC will make you forget about the lack of energy and keep you thankful to be inside.

3. Drink more water:

Hydration is key to staying awake and there’s no reason not to drink more water. Water fountains are all over the BJC if you don’t feel like paying for a bottle, and they’re conveniently located right next to most bathrooms in case you drink a little too much.

4. Try starting the wave or a chant:

Realistically, will you be able to start one? Probably not. But if you really try to make it happen, you’ll need to motivate your other tired comrades, forcing you to find some reserve of energy from the innermost parts of yourself. If it works, you’ll have started something cool at THON, and even if not, you now have a slight increase in energy to be happy about.

5. Get into an entirely too intense competition of some sort:

If you’re anything like me, competing with someone in virtually anything is a great time where you get to prove to your opponent that you’re better than them in whatever you’re competing in.  Being able to summon the energy to defeat your adversary will undoubtedly get you from exhausted to recharged quickly.

6. Stretch out:

Nothing feels better than getting nice and stretched out after hours of standing around. Obviously it’s not always so easy with the crammed quarters that spectators often experience, but it’s no big problem, just go to the concourse, or, find yourself an empty row!

7. Dance!

Duh! Dancing around will certainly get your blood flowing and help support the whole idea of, you know, a *dance* marathon.