Here Are 16 Study Hacks That Will Keep You Alert

2023-03-12 02:48:29 - Grace Browns Grace Browns has been a lifestyle, fashion, and beauty writer for over 5 years, and she currently serves as a senior editor at 422346.com.
  1. Being too relaxed makes it harder to stay awake. Instead of slouching on a bed or hiding under a blanket on the couch while you study, try studying in a firm chair at a desk. Don't force yourself into an uneasy position, but don't make yourself too at home, either. [1]

    • Create a quiet area to study at home. It could be a table and chair in one corner of your room, or the dining room table in the kitchen. Any place where you can focus without being too cozy will do.

Advertisement

  1. Because of this, you won't get stuck in a rut that could eventually lead to exhaustion. If you're having trouble focusing and remembering what you've studied, try studying somewhere new every now and then. You could, for instance, alternate between studying in a coffee shop one day and your own kitchen the next. [2]
    • Pick places to study that suit how you learn best. If you need complete silence to concentrate, a library or other quiet room would be ideal, while a cafe or other public space would be preferable if you need some ambient noise while you work.
  1. When reading or studying, proper lighting can help your brain concentrate on the information at hand. If you're having trouble focusing on your studies because it's late at night, try studying in a brightly lit area instead of trying to read by the light of a dim lamp or in a dark room. Light up the room thoroughly with all available sources of illumination, including windows, doors, and lamps. [3]
    • It is recommended that you move to a brighter area if your current one does not provide enough light.

Advertisement

  1. Distractions from the outside world include things like background noise and ringing phones. Determine what is distracting you from your work, whether it's the Instagram notifications on your phone or the conversation at the next table. Then get rid of them so you can focus on your studies. Put your phone on silent or relocate to a less busy area. [4]

    • To avoid interruptions from texts and notifications, you can also choose to turn off your phone, relocate it to another room, or activate "Do Not Disturb" mode.
    • If you find yourself easily distracted while online, try installing a timed block on specific sites or a browser extension that does so automatically.
  1. The right tunes can aid in information processing and retention. To maintain focus while reading or writing, try listening to the radio or music from your computer or mobile device. Instead of listening to slow, sad songs that will bring down your mood and energy, listen to fast, lively songs, like pop or dance music. [5]

    • Make sure to use headphones when out and about so as not to disturb others.
    • Use the internet or your favorite music app to find some uplifting playlists. Moreover, you can find study-oriented music on premade playlists.

Advertisement

  1. The sound of your own voice can help you stay awake longer. It doesn't make a difference if you're reading a textbook chapter or reviewing your notes. If you're having trouble remembering the material, reading it aloud may help. [6]
    • Speaking to yourself can be a great alternative to reading aloud when you study. Saying aloud things like, "Okay, I finished studying for my history test, now I can study for the English exam," can help keep you motivated. ”
  1. Consuming protein is a great way to keep your energy levels up without relying on carbs. As they take longer to digest than carbohydrates, protein-rich snacks like nuts, meat, and cheese will keep you energized for longer. Grab some trail mix, beef jerky, or string cheese to snack on while you work. [8]
    • Do not eat or drink anything with a lot of added sugar, like cookies or soda, and also stay away from foods high in carbohydrates, like potato chips. Although these may provide an initial boost, they typically result in a crash.
    • Avoid feeling sleepy due to low blood sugar by eating every 2 to 3 hours.
  1. Caffeine is a stimulant that raises your alertness by activating the central nervous system. Caffeine blocks the signal from your tiredness-causing cells to your brain, so a cup of coffee is an effective way to perk up quickly. Have 12 ounces ( 300 mL ) of the caffeine equivalent (200 mg). There are approximately 35 L) of coffee or 24 oz ( You could drink 24 cups (1.75 gallons/7.4 l) of tea in one day. [10]
    • Keep in mind that caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea can actually cause dehydration, so it's a good idea to pair them with water.
    • Caffeine in any form, including chocolate, soda, and tea, can make it difficult to fall asleep, so try to avoid them within 6 hours of bedtime.
    • Keep your daily caffeine intake below 200 milligrams. Caffeine is incredibly harmful to the heart and can exacerbate preexisting conditions like anxiety and depression.
    • Stay away from caffeine and/or chemically-enhanced chemical pills and energy drinks. Quick fixes may seem like a good idea at the time, but they often come with serious risks, such as heightened anxiety or even heart problems. [11]
  1. Naps, even if short, help improve cognitive performance. Rest for a few minutes with a quick nap on the couch or in bed if you're at home. Doze off in the library or class by laying your head on the desk in an ergonomic position. Don't let yourself sleep in past 20 minutes, and you'll be much more likely to wake up alert and ready to take on the day. [13]
    • Find somewhere dark and quiet to nap; it will improve the quality of your sleep.
    • Also, try to get between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. Naps are helpful, but they can't replace quality, continuous sleep.
  1. Your focus and disposition will rise as a result of this. You could, for instance, go for a quick jog or walk, perform some bodyweight exercises, or attend a brief yoga class. To improve your memory, exercise will wake up your muscles and trigger the release of chemicals in your brain that are known to stimulate learning and recall. [14]
    • Outdoor exercise has additional health benefits if weather permits. A breath of clean air is a surefire way to perk up your mood and revive your spirit
    • Studying and physical activity go hand in hand, but there are many ways to combine the two. Try sitting on a stability ball instead of a chair to strengthen your abs and back as you read, or perform some simple stretches at your desk.
    • If you study in chunks, make sure to get some exercise in between. Try some push-ups and jumping jacks for five minutes after you've studied for twenty-five.

Advertisement

  1. The change in subject matter is easier to absorb with the introduction of new information. If you want to avoid becoming bored with a single subject area, it's best to study in shorter bursts, switching topics after each break. Try starting with an hour of calculus, then switching to physics. [15]

    • If you're studying for set amounts of time, it's best to switch subjects every so often.
    • If you only have to prepare for one class, say English, switch up the specific materials you're reviewing. Consider reading Shakespeare before moving on to Chaucer.
  1. As a result, learning will be less tedious and tedious. Gather a group of your fellow students or friends and do some group studying. Make studying more interesting and fun by working on practice problems aloud, talking about different subjects, or taking quizzes. [16]
    • Limit your study group size to no more than 6 people. When there are too many people present, they can be a nuisance or a burden.
    • Maintain focus by assigning specific tasks to each study session, such as reading 2 chapters of a textbook or discussing 1 topic. If not, it's easy to get caught up in idle chatter or other forms of distraction.

Advertisement

  1. Getting poor sleep makes it more difficult to concentrate on schoolwork. Set a nighttime bedtime that will give you a full seven to eight hours of sleep. It's best to keep the same bedtime routine so that your brain learns to anticipate sleep at the same time each night. [17]
    • This is the typical amount of time that an adult needs to sleep. Not everyone functions optimally on the same amount of sleep; some people need more, while others can get by on less. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is crucial. It's perfectly acceptable to function well on as little as 6 hours of sleep per night or as much as 9.
An additional question
  • Question

    Answering the question, "How can I make studying fun?"

    Jennifer Kaifesh
    Kaifesh, Jennifer
    Creator of the Great Expectations Study Guides
    Tutoring and counseling service Great Expectations College Prep was founded by Jennifer Kaifesh in Southern California. Jennifer has worked in the field of college admissions consulting for over 15 years, during which time she has managed and facilitated academic tutoring and standardized test preparation for countless applicants. She takes a tailored approach to tutoring, helping each student identify the unique combination of interests and skills that will lead to success. Her alma mater is Northwestern, where she recently graduated.
    Jennifer Kaifesh

    Encouragement to study can also come in the form of nutritious snacks. If you can stay awake and focused for 30 minutes while studying, for instance, you should reward yourself with a snack.

  • Question

    How long is it recommended to study without breaks

    Community Answer

    Break every 45 minutes to an hour for at least 5 minutes. If you pay attention to when your focus begins to waver, you can create a system that works for you.

  • Question

    Since I am currently enrolled in a boarding school, I will not have access to any of the substances you listed, such as caffeine or mint gum.

    Raphy Hong

    Alternative methods such as study groups, music, or physical activity can be utilized to keep one's alertness levels high. When you feel your eyes closing, splash your face with cold water and slam some ice cubes in your mouth. Keeps you awake just like an apple would

Find out more explanations

Inquire Here

Advertisement

Jennifer Kaifesh

Assisting Authors:

Great Expectations College Prep Founder

Jennifer Kaifesh contributed to this article. Located in sunny Southern California, Great Expectations College Prep is a tutoring and counseling service founded by Jennifer Kaifesh. Jennifer has managed and facilitated academic tutoring and standardized test preparation for college applications for more than 15 years. She tailors her lessons to each individual student, helping them identify the activities at which they will thrive while also having fun. Alumna of Northwestern University There have been 181,718 views of this article.

Co-authors: 19

Updated: Date: November 14, 2022

Views:  181,718

Categories: Main Articles | Knowledge of Homework Skills

Health Warning

This article is not meant to replace a doctor's exam, diagnosis, or treatment. Before beginning, changing, or discontinuing any form of health treatment, it is imperative that you consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.

  • Print
  • Authors love getting letters from fans.
This article has been viewed 181,718 times thanks to the wonderful contributors who have worked on it.
  • Hemani Tikoo
    Very, very good. Really helped me out, and now I can do my homework and write my papers in a way that isn't boring or tedious. Having a sleepy disposition " " more
Give us your account of what happened.
  • 10th Grade Science: Life Processes with Complimentary Ncert Solutions
    10th Grade Science: Life Processes with Complimentary Ncert Solutions 2023-07-25 00:51:45

    Solution: The inner lining of the small intestine undergoes a structural modification, forming villi, which are finger-like projections. These villi serve to increase the surface area for the absorption of digested food. Furthermore, they have a high vascularity, meaning they are well-supplied

  • Creating a Lovely and Simple Homemade Rakhi
    Creating a Lovely and Simple Homemade Rakhi 2023-07-25 00:50:08

    Creating Your Own Homemade RakhiThe glimmer in your eyes and the fervent desires in your heart paint a clear picture: you're filled with ideas for surprising your loved ones on Raksha Bandhan! Are you aware of what that entails? It means that Raksha Bandhan is fast approaching, leaving us with limited

  • 10th Grade Science Life Processes: Access Ncert Solutions for Free
    10th Grade Science Life Processes: Access Ncert Solutions for Free 2023-07-25 00:03:33

    Solution: The inner lining of the small intestine undergoes a transformation into tiny finger-like projections known as villi that enhance the surface area for the absorption of digested food. These villi are abundantly supplied with blood vessels, making them highly vascularized. Additionally,

  • 10 Years - Information on Wikipedia
    10 Years - Information on Wikipedia 2023-07-24 02:56:26

    A decade, which comes from the Ancient Greek word δεκάς (dekas) meaning 'a group of ten', is a span of ten years. Decades can refer to any period of ten years, whether it is someone's lifespan or a specific grouping of calendar years.Usage:Any period of ten years is considered a "decade". For

Showing page 1 of 43