As a student, our biggest responsibility is to study and learn. To develop good and sustainable study habits require patience, practice and lots of trial and error. Everyone has their own unique "biological clock" that determines when they are more likely to be productive and when they are more likely to slack off.
To put on our best study performance, it is important to know which times are optimum for us to concentrate on our studies. Read on to find out.
Photo source: Pinterest
|| Morning ||
Many early risers enjoy studying in the wee hours of the day. This is because during that time, everyone is still asleep and they can have a quiet, peaceful morning to focus and concentrate. It is true that after a good night's sleep, our brains will be more refreshed, helping us think more clearly, and is able to process new information.
On another note, the sun is out in the mornings, thus giving us natural light which is good for our eyes and keeps our minds alert. This period is suitable for learning new topics or reviewing materials that are learnt the night before.
To make mornings more resistible, it would be a nice addition to move your body before your morning study session. Taking a nice shower, having a good breakfast or doing some light stretches or exercises can help get your body ready for the day and also improve your learning efficiency.
Photo source: Pinterest
|| Afternoon ||
Although studying may sound like a dreadful task to do in the afternoon, especially after a very wholesome lunch, it is wise to grasp the opportunity and take the time needed to study.
After taking in new information, it is time to form connections between the material that is recently learnt and the information that we know beforehand. The afternoon is a good time to fill in the gaps that are left out during morning classes.
This period of time can be convenient for you to reach out if you have any problems, because most people will be working or studying at this time, and can be available to you. Just remember to ask your question when it is still fresh in your mind.
Photo source: Pinterest
|| Night ||
There are many people out there who are more likely to concentrate at night. Similar to morning people, night owls are more concentrated when there are fewer people and fewer distractions around, but they work in the night.
At night is more suitable for reading and reviewing the materials that you learnt throughout the day. This can help improve our concentration, creativity and overall learning.
You can also use this time to memorise materials as it can help the brain retain information longer. Going to sleep after your night time study session can be beneficial for memorisation as your study material is the last thing you saw before bed.
But don't stay up late just for this, rest if you must. Make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
Photo source: Pinterest
We now know that studying at each phase of the day has its own benefits. So let's see about common questions about how to find the perfect study time for yourself.
[ 01 | Should I study when I am tired? ]
Studies have suggested that studying when our brain is most tired can help the brain maintain better concentration when learning new skills like learning a new language. The concept is known as "sleep-learning".
Because when we are asleep, our brain's ability to put together information will be optimised, thus it can review the new information that is learnt before sleep. This makes it easier to process the information into memory.
This would mean that studying new information before bed can help you remember it better.
Photo source: Pinterest
[ 02 | When is my most productive study time? ]
As everyone is different in their unique ways, here is a quick guide to choosing which time is best for you to study.
a. Think about when are you most alert during the day. You may notice that you can perform specific skills efficiently during certain times of the day. For example, you may have a better visual memory in the morning, but your thinking skills are stronger in the afternoon. You can experiment based on trial and error to find which time suits your cognitive skills best.
b. Determine when you are most easily distracted. For example, if studying in the evening makes you think about dinner, then it would be best to avoid that time for studying and arrange another time slot.
c. Choose a time slot that you can help you develop a study habit. It is recommended to arrange the same time for studying at least 3 days a week. This makes it easier to establish a sustainable study habit.
Photo source: Pinterest
[ 03 | How should I study? ]
Knowing your learning style is an important step to your study efficiency. There are seven types of learning styles - visual learners, aural learners, verbal learners, logical learners, physical learners, solitary learners, and social learners. Like I had mentioned in my previous point, everyone is different. Some may belong to only one learning style, some may have a combination of learning styles.
Take this test to find out more about your learning style and learn how to increase your study efficiency.
Photo source: Pinterest
Every day is a chance to become a better version of ourselves. Don't give up and keep going!
