The early morning hours on Sunday of THON weekend are a time that test the resolve of the dancers on the floor and the audience in the stands. The dancers as of 2 a.m. Sunday morning have been on their feet for 32 consecutive hours.

Most of the crowd in the stands have been in the BJC since the late morning/early afternoon on Saturday. At this stage of the weekend, fatigue is inevitable.

So how do you stay awake, and sane, in the early hours of Sunday morning at THON?

Keep moving.

Movement is the key. That might sound crazy considering most people’s legs and feet are very sore at this point of the weekend, but actually keeping yourself moving is perhaps the most effective way to keep yourself awake and alert.

You can walk laps around the concourse, do a little shuffle to whatever music happens to be playing, or even play catch with a nearby friend. Moving helps keep your legs loose and can help distract you from how tired you really are.

Go all out during the Line Dance.

The line dance’s main function is to help reenergize the crowd in the BJC when those in attendance start to get a little sleepy. So,when you see the Dancer Relations Captains head to the stage, get ready to sing/rap your heart out and nail every dance move.

Freshen yourself up.

While trying to take a full out shower in the BJC bathrooms may not be the best idea, rinsing your face off to help shake off the early morning grogginess is always a go-to option.

If you really want to go all out, you can brush your teeth like these two did. I’m not sure exactly how brushing your teeth helps you stay awake, but I’m all for good dental hygiene.

Reapplying deodorant may also be a good idea if you’ve been at the BJC for a long time. Your friends will thank you for that one.

Don’t stop talking.

You’re going to get tired, your legs and feet are going to hurt, and nothing is going to change that. The only way to counteract your tiredness is to keep your mind off of it.

If you start zoning out and thinking about how your legs feel like lead, turn to a friend and start a conversation. It doesn’t need to be a soul searching philosophical debate, just as long as it keeps your mind off of how badly your heels hurt.

SUGAR!

While not the most sustainable way to maintain energy, consuming a little bit of sugar to help give yourself a little jolt can help in those early morning hours. So head to the nearest concession stand and grab a Pepsi, or split a box of Starbursts with a friend. Just don’t get too crazy, or coming down from the sugar rush will be even worse than how you felt in the first place.

Remember why you’re here.

Remember why you’re doing this in the first place. THON is the largest student run philanthropy in the world. We dance for the kids, so do whatever it is you have to do in order to keep yourself upright and lucid as the countdown to the end of THON weekend ticks down. You can do this!

What’re you doing to keep yourself awake and rockin’ in the stands through the Final Four? Let us know in the comments!