- Water, water, water
- Whatever you do, do not dehydrate your system with soda or energy drinks. Hydrate your system and notice elevated energy and heightened focus.
- Self-control apps
- If you have a Mac, you can use SelfControl to block out certain websites while you are studying. There are other applications similar for PCs and mobile phones as well!
- Healthy snacks
- Don’t stock up on junk food for finals (even though we know, it’s tempting!). Put some carrot sticks and ranch dressing in a Tupperware or grab an apple the next time you’re running out the door for a study session. Sometimes you need to munch on something to keep yourself focused and awake, so you might as well make it a healthy snack!
- Good tunes
- While songs with familiar lyrics or even words in general can be distracting, there are tons of amazing playlists with instrumental music that can help you stay on-track. Check out 8tracks.com for hundreds of instrumental playlists tailored specifically for studying.
- A study buddy
- Sometimes studying with a friend can be extremely distracting, so you have to have an understanding that you’re both there to get down to business. Try explaining a concept you’re learning to them or have them quiz you on important concepts. Saying things out loud will help you process better and having a determined buddy will hold you accountable when you start to slack off.
Even if you’re pulling an all-nighter (although we advise not to do that), be sure to take frequent breaks. For every thirty minutes you work uninterrupted, you should take a 5-10 minute break. Resting your mind will allow you to get back to work re-focused and energized.
