Because of all the tests, exams, and homework that we have to deal with as students, you might find yourself in a situation where you have to study for hours at a time. And that can be super boring! Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make studying more fun.
Plan your study sessions
It’s important to have some sort of structure or plan for your study sessions. This is because, without a proper study plan, there’s a risk that you’ll lose motivation really quickly. Try to write down when you’ll study, how long for, and the study methods you’ll use! I like to plan my study sessions on Google Calendar, but anything works!
Take short + frequent breaks
Studying for long hours can quickly lead to burnout and low productivity. That’s why taking short but frequent breaks while studying is super important! Keeping your breaks under 30 minutes long ensures that you stay in the study mindset, while high-frequency breaks give your brain lots time to rest and recover! Make sure you never study for longer than an hour without taking a 5-minute break.
Make studying fun
Studying for long hours can get really boring really fast, so try to make studying fun. You can do this by listening to music, studying with friends, or lighting candles! Try to use fun study apps and websites, like Quizlet, Kahoot, and Blooket, all of which feature forms of gamification.
Alternate study methods (and subjects)
You can create a sense of variety by using multiple study methods in one session. For example, you can make notes and then review your flashcards on the topic! Similarly, try to switch the topic or subject you’re studying every two hours. Studying one subject using one study method for hours can be super repetitive, so by switching things up, you’ll be able to stay attentive and focused for longer!
Reward your progress
Studying for long hours is difficult, so make sure you treat yourself! Rewards can be things like watching a movie for a few minutes during your break. Rewarding yourself at the end of every hour you study can motivate you to keep studying. Alternatively, you can decide on a reward that you’ll give yourself if you study for x hours!
Bonus tip!
Another very important tip is to take care of yourself before and after a study session. The key to studying for long hours is having a good attention span, and that starts with taking care of your body and mind. Aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep every day; exercise daily (even if it’s just a walk!); try out some mindfulness practices like journalling and meditation.
