Studying can take a lot of motivation and concentration. In fact, you need those two to be able to absorb all the information from your countless texts and powerpoints. But more often than not, those two are nowhere to be found when you actually need to cram those pages for that exam that’s worth a gazillion percent of your final grade. So here’s some stuff that might actually help if you’re trynna stay awake and alive to study and review.
1. Have a desk lamp. I know I mentioned this in my previous post, but seriously. Get the brightest desk lamp you can find and light it up when you’re studying. Some expert sciencey people say that you fall asleep easier when it’s dark, so better make your study space as bright as the sun (but not literally).
2. Chew a gum. While snacking might not be a good idea, chewing some mint gum however, can help your eyes stay open and read those passages in your book. I used this trick a couple of times and I suggest you get the strongest mint gum you can find, because that thing just wakes up your whole body.
3. Light a scented candle. This might be my favorite one yet. A scented candle can lift your mood and relaxes your brain for a bit. Stress can be dangerous when you’re studying as it can decrease your brain’s capacity to absorb information, so de-stressing your brain with scented candle is always a good idea.
4. Have some background music. For this one, it depends on your preference whether or not you can concentrate better with music or without, so it comes back to you. Personally, I need music literally for everything so I love having some jazz playing in the background while I study. If jazz is not up your alley, you can listen to something with lyrics that you’re familiar with. But if music makes you even sleepier, I don’t think it’s a good idea to have some when you’re trying to stay awake.
5. Get a change of scenery. Go study in that library you love, or your favorite coffee shop, go downstairs to the living room couches, or study outside in the sun when the weather is nice. Your study space can get stuffy and your brain might associate it with stress, and it’s always the best way to approach learning in a positive way.
6. Don’t study on your bed. Just don’t. Never the best idea.
7. Take quick breaks/ naps. By quick I mean like 10- to 30-minute breaks/ naps. You have no idea how refreshing a 15-minute nap can be. If you haven’t mastered the art of power napping and afraid you’ll end up full-on sleeping, take a break instead. Wash your face, play that game, go on tumblr, watch some youtube videos. Just don’t go overtime and end up not continuing.
I know it’s hard when all you want is to go outside and enjoy the sun (since it’s finally summer here in Canada), but your semester’s ending soon enough. Enjoy it as much as you can and don’t complain! It’s important to stay positive and grateful.
