Everyone knows that in order to achieve success, you need to have a good work ethic and put in the hours. But what many people don’t know is that it’s equally important to have a healthy mind. When your mind is clear and sharp, you’ll be able to focus better and learn more efficiently.
Finals week is a tough time for college students. It seems like there’s so much to do and not enough time to do it. One of the biggest challenges is staying awake while you study. Between taking notes, reading textbooks, and trying to retain all that information, it’s easy for your focus to drift. But don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to keep your mental faculties razor-sharp and keep you awake while you study. Here are a few tips to help you out.
Exercise or Workout
Exercise! Exercise releases creatine which helps the brain function more efficiently by increasing energy levels, aiding in memory formation, and overall helping with cognitive performance. So hit the gym or go for a run before hitting the books!
There’s actually a lot of evidence to suggest that exercise can improve cognitive function and help with studying. For one, exercise releases dopamine in the brain, which is associated with pleasure, motivation, and focus. Additionally, recent studies have shown that physical activity can help improve memory and learning ability.
So if you’re looking for a way to boost your productivity while you study, consider hitting the gym or going for a run beforehand. You may find that you’re able to concentrate better and learn more effectively after getting some exercise. It doesn’t have to be a 2-hour full-body workout, a 30-minute exercise would do wonders.
Stand While You Study
It’s easy to fall asleep at your desk if you get too comfy, but this doesn’t mean you have to give up your plush chair in favor of a hard stool. Sit in a different position every few minutes. Put one leg up, cross your legs, or sit crossed-legged in your chair. Standing while you work is an option that eliminates the need for a chair entirely. Simple workouts like stretches, jumping jacks, and waist twists will help you go a step farther.
There isn’t really any evidence one way or the other on whether standing while you study is helpful or not. Some people say that it helps them focus, while others find it distracting. Personally, I think it depends on the person and the situation. If you feel like standing helps you focus, then go for it! But if you’re more comfortable sitting, there’s no reason to force yourself to stand. Just do whatever works best for you.
Take Breaks
Taking breaks is crucial when it comes to effective studying! When you’re in the middle of a long study session, it’s easy to lose focus and momentum. That’s why it’s important to take short breaks every 20-30 minutes. During your break, get up and move around, drink some water, or eat a healthy snack. You can either walk around your neighborhood or order some chicken from the best fast-food chains in your area.
Of course, how long and how often you take breaks will vary depending on the individual. Some people may need to take a break after every hour of studying, while others may be able to study for two or three hours straight before taking one. Regardless of how often you need to take breaks, make sure that you’re getting up and moving around at least once every couple of hours. Taking breaks will help keep you focused and motivated while you study!
Have A Study Buddy
A study buddy can help by providing encouragement, holding you accountable, and sharing resources.
Encouragement is key; it’s easy to get discouraged when studying on your own. Having someone there to encourage you can make all the difference. Your buddy can also be an accountability partner; you’ll be more likely to stick to your goals if you know someone is waiting for you to finish up so you can chat or study together. Finally, a good buddy will share resources with you – like flashcards, practice problems, or helpful articles. Having access to such tools makes studying that much easier!
If you prefer to study alone, that’s alright too! Nonetheless, there’s no harm in trying in studying with a buddy.
Active Studying
When you actively study, you’re more engaged in the process and are more likely to understand and remember the information. You’re also less likely to get overwhelmed and stressed out, which can lead to memory loss and other problems.
One of the best techniques for active studying is to make connections between the material that you’re learning and things that you already know. For example, if you can see how a new concept connects to something that you learned earlier, you’ll be more likely to remember it. You can also try explaining the material aloud or writing about it in your own words.
Some students find that actively studying – by taking notes, brainstorming ideas, highlighting key points, etc. – helps them learn and remember information better than simply reading or listening to a lecture. Others find that more passive methods – such as reading texts or listening to audio recordings – work better for them. There’s no right or wrong way to study, so it’s important to experiment and figure out what works best for you.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
When you’re well-hydrated, your body can function more effectively. You’ll be less likely to feel tired and more likely to concentrate and stay alert while you’re studying.
Coffee is the most widely used method of keeping your mind active throughout long nights, but it can quickly grow stale. Cold water or apple juice are good options for late-night study drinks because they’re both hydrating. Every half hour or so, take a sip of water and refill your water bottle. This helps to keep both your mind and body in good working order. The urge to pee will also cause you to hurry to the bathroom, which means that you’ll get some extra exercise while you’re there.
Quality Sleep
There are plenty of benefits to getting a good night’s sleep before hitting the books.
Studies have shown that students who get quality sleep before studying tend to do better than those who don’t. Sleep helps to boost memory and recall, so you’ll be able to retain information more effectively. Not to mention, you’ll likely feel more alert and focused when you’re well-rested, which can help when it comes to taking exams or writing papers.
Of course, it’s not always possible to get a full eight hours of sleep. If you can’t manage that, try for a power nap or make sure to take breaks often so you don’t burn out. And when all else fails; just remember that caffeine can be a helpful study buddy!
Ready To Hit The Books?
It can be tough to stay awake while you drown yourself in those books and notes; fortunately, these ways can help you boost your energy while you study. The goal is to develop healthy habits such as staying hydrated, eating regularly balanced meals, exercising, and sleeping as much as possible.
Nonetheless, good luck with your finals, and make sure to treat yourself after those long long hours of review sessions. Have fun with friends by pranking people; go through every IRS scammer number to call, or just simply prank each other! You can also have a date with your significant other or a party night to unwind. Just do anything that works best; you deserve the rest!
