How To Study Effectively In 4 Simple Steps

Do you find yourself a little too stressed out from studying for tests, especially during finals? Here are 4 steps to help you manage your time and perform better!

It’s kind of like an unspoken rule that during finals week, students are supposed to be overstressed, tired, anxious and feeling unprepared for the upcoming madness. I don’t know who started this trend, but it needs to stop.

There are ways to be a stellar student and still be a functioning member of society. Here are some steps to help you achieve that.

1. Go To sleep

sleepy college student taking a nap in a library

I didn’t understand this until I went to college, but sleep is actually a necessary thing. No matter how young you feel or how many energy shots to the heart you take, the only thing that actually builds energy is sleep.

I pulled my first and last all-nighter. I thought I would be able to do it easily, since I can be up until 2 or 3 in the morning. What are a few more hours? The problem is I stayed up all night working on a project and then went straight to class feeling very disoriented and irritated. Then, I went to my room and hibernated until about 10pm.

It took me a few days to get my internal clock back into shape. The moral of the story: Get, at the very minimum, 6 hours of sleep no matter what. This rule counts – especially for tests. It’s better to be awake and able to reason things logically for a test than to have read every little thing all night long but be too exhausted the next day to even comprehend the question that’s’ being asked.

2. Eat At Least 80% Well

smiling female student with sandwich in the cafeteria

When you’re trying to study or working on a project for long periods of time, you don’t need to eat a five-course meal, but don’t starve yourself either. Try to eat foods that are considered clean – or at least somewhat clean.

I eat grilled or baked chicken, vegetables, baked potatoes, and pasta that’s not too creamy (and just a little bit). If you eat a double cheeseburger, fries and a milkshake before a big study session, all of your energy is going to be put into the food your body is trying to process.

If you have a sweet tooth like me and have to have a little something sweet with your meal, try a small cookie or a mini-cupcake. If anything, save big meals and big desserts for after a test so that you can enjoy it with a free mind and hibernate after.

3. Exercise

This is another thing many people have heard but I’m not sure if they really understand it. Working out is not only great for your body but great for your sleeping habits as well. I love doing it because I feel so much more rested waking up the day after a workout. My day is better and, overall, I’m happier.

Working out releases endorphins that greatly reduce stress. Really, there are no disadvantages to working out regularly. You sleep better, you have a lower overall stress level and you’ll end up having a killer body! All these things help me study better; try it, it’ll help you too.

4. Do Something Very Relaxing (To You)

Happy teen girls having good fun time outdoors

For my study break, I like to go to the mall. While this may not be the best situation for my wallet, it’s something that I find relaxing and feels more satisfying after devoting a lot of time to schoolwork. Maybe for you, it’s taking a stroll to the park, or swimming in the pool. It could also be hanging out with friends and doing absolutely nothing together.

Only devote maybe an hour to this activity. You don’t want to get thrown off with your other obligations! Do the five hour spa day when you’re completely done with your work.

This step is very important because your brain needs a moment to relax and soak up all the information you’re stuffing into it. Yes, you can study 8 hours at a time, but you might start zoning out or feeling anxious. Take a minute to rest and come back to your work.

To Sum It All Up

The things suggested for studying effectively are the same things associated with living an overall healthier life. You need to sleep, and you sleep better from working out, and your workouts are more effective when you eat better. In conjunction with these things and taking a little breather, your studying habits will get better and, in return, you’ll do better in your classes.

About the author

Kyla

I’m a college student living in a sweet paradise land filled with palm trees and smoothies. I love to write about all things important: high-waisted shorts, A-line dresses, and dressing for your body type. I write about other things too. Hope you enjoy!

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