If you have to study for long hours without getting tired or bored, it can be challenging to focus and retain information, not to mention the numerous distractions. To stay on track and make studying more fun, try these tips for studying for long hours without getting tired or bored.
Ways to study for long hours without getting tired or bored
1. Prioritize difficult topics
Start with a complex topic because this is when you are at your best both in terms of energy and mental soundness. At the beginning of your study session, you are mentally ready to tackle complex and challenging topics. After some hours, you can move over to studying easy and exciting topics. Since there are easy topics, you will be able to maintain focus and complete them.
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2. Eat well
Studying is a mental exercise, and you cannot exercise well if you do not eat well. So in between your study period, steal some time to eat food with a higher proportion of glycemic index (GI) food. Examples of such food are fruit, salad, soups, dairy yogurt, porridge, oats, etc. These foods can release glucose slowly into the bloodstream, thereby maintaining energy levels for a more extended period. So take out some time at least every 2 to 3 hours to eat to maintain balance.
3. Take break regularly
Studies have shown that concentration decreases with time. So instead of studying for long hours, incorporate a regular break. Depending on what you may consider being okay, take a 5 to 15-minute break at intervals, and it may be after every 30 or 40 minutes. Just take time to do something different from studying. It may be taking a walk, eating, playing games, doing a little exercise, etc. When you come back to study, your focus will be sharper.
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4. Set a study goal
The idea of goal setting can not be overemphasized. Before you start studying, set achievable goals. Take time to map areas you wish to cover in 30 minutes, one hour, four hours, etc. Setting goals increase the rate at which you study by 10%. Also, having study goals keeps you alert since you will thrive to reach your study goals.
5. Study with your friend
If you plan on studying for long hours, it may be worth studying with a friend who also plans to study for long hours. Because you both will keep each other accountable and motivated, check if your friend is also studying the same thing; if so, it may be a good idea to blend each other’s goals. You can also set out time to discuss what you have learned, explain or teach each other since it is generally accepted that you are more likely to remember what you shared or teach.
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6. Mix up your study
Instead of studying one thing for a long time. Practice mixing topics. For example, you can practice mathematics for one hour and then practice general studies the next hour. Doing this will help spice up your studies ensuring that you don’t get bored with one topic.
7. Take a nap when necessary
Studies have shown that those who take naps tend to function better. Your brain needs time to assimilate what it has learned, and it does this best when you sleep. So if you are feeling tired or sleepy, consider taking a little nap for at least 30 minutes.
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8. Reward yourself
Reward yourself for working hard, bribe the brain by promising it some reward for each study session completed. For instance, if I complete these two pages, you can say that I will eat my favorite snacks. Tricking your brain to have something to lookup for will make it stay alert, thereby preventing boredom.
9. Vary your study location
People get tired and bored because they’re stuck in one place. Change up your study environment as much as possible. While it’s tempting to study at home, try finding other locations where you can concentrate. When sitting in one place for too long, your mind tends to wander, and staying awake can be difficult when you’re bored and frustrated.
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10. Listen to music while studying
Listening to music while studying can help you retain more information instead of focusing on your course material. A study from McGill University found that students improved their recall of foreign language vocabulary words when they studied with music instead of studying in silence. So if you’re planning on staying up late tonight, try blasting some tunes!
Conclusion
Most college students don’t consider how vital studying for long hours can be. Especially if you have a deadline, consider these tips when you need ways to study for long hours without getting tired or bored and do what you can to stay focused on your study.