So, if you want to know how to study when tired, here are some effective tips to help you get the most out of your study session, stay alert and keep focused.
10 Ways to Study When You’re Really Tired
Here are some proven tips on how to stop feeling sleepy while studying, even when it feels like a challenge.
1. Take a 20– to 30-Minute Power Nap
Taking a quick nap can help you feel more refreshed and energized. These naps are proven to boost memory, cognitive skills and creativity.
2. Brighten Your Environment
Studying in a well-lit room can cue your body to stay more alert and awake. A dark environment can make you sleepier, so turn on a lamp or two.
3. Move Your Body Before You Study
Take a couple of minutes to stretch, do some jumping jacks or run in place. Even a few minutes of movement can boost your energy and get your blood flowing, which can help you stay alert.
4. Hydrate and Snack Smart
Avoid too many sugary or caffeinated drinks or processed snacks that cause quick energy spikes followed by crashes. Instead, choose balanced meals or snacks that provide steady brain fuel.
5. Break Tasks into Micro Goals
Break up your studying into smaller, achievable goals to stay motivated.
6. Start with Easier Material
Start with the easier tasks and materials first. This way, you can get it out of the way and have more time for more difficult tasks.
7. Switch Study Modes When Energy Dips
Change up your methods when you lose focus. Try using flashcards, do practice exercises or switch to taking notes to get your brain thinking differently.
8. Use the Pomodoro Technique
To employ the Pomodoro method, set a timer for a set interval, like 25 minutes, and focus on the task at hand. When the time is up, take a five-minute break, shake it out and then start a new cycle.
9. Study with Accountability
Studying with a buddy, either in-person or virtually, can help keep you accountable and on task. Not only that, but research shows that explaining something to someone reinforces your own learning.
10. Rest When You Need To
Most importantly, get enough sleep. Even though you need to study, your brain needs adequate time to refresh, which boosts your mood, memory and overall health.
Study Smarter, Not Longer
With these tips, MedCerts students can get the most out of each study session by studying smarter and maximizing what time they have to work with. While it’s important to stay on top of studying, even when you’re tired, your health and rest are also important parts of the equation.
These are just a few effective strategies to help you power through studying on sleepy days. MedCerts offers resources and support from Student Success Advisors to Career Coaches to help you get to the finish line.
