The best way to study is over several days. If you can organize your time so that you have at least two weeks to prepare for the test or exam, you can make studying last just twenty minutes each night. However, if you are a procrastinator (like me) or your teacher decided to give a test in just a few days, you will need to study in much longer chunks of time. So, how can you study for an extended period of time without losing your motivation and energy? 

The tips below definitely help me, and I hope will help get your child through their next study session!

If you hit the books hard and get through the first several chapters of notes, don’t forget to give yourself some free time. Every hour of studying should be followed by a 10-to-15-minute break. If you’ve been focused for the last 45 minutes, spend the next 15 minutes by stepping outside. The fresh air will give you renewed energy and your mind a break from staring at a book or notes. 

You can also spend some time moving around. Most likely, you’ve been sitting at your desk or kitchen table and studying, so when it is time for a break, get up and move. The movement will get your blood flowing which will help with your energy levels. You probably won’t feel like moving, but it is the best thing you can do before you hit the books again. Whether you take a walk around the house or just go to another room, don’t sit down- just keep moving!

Hydrate with water and fuel your body with a healthy snack. Studying is not the time for sugary drinks or salty foods. Get up from your desk and grab some water, baby carrots, sliced apples, or a granola bar to fuel your body. The water and snack also help you maintain your energy. Again, make a conscious effort to leave your study environment for a change of scenery. Make this a true break to let your mind wander as you replenish your body. 

Studying does not have to be boring. To add some fun to your studying, join a study group. If you can find friends who have a similar work ethic as yours, you can form a study group and ask each other questions. Oftentimes, your friends will uncover information that you didn’t have in your notes. 

If you can’t find a study group, you can practice teaching the information to your younger siblings or even just talking to yourself in a mirror. This strategy gives you the opportunity to view the information in a different way. Consider how you would explain your notes to someone else; it will force you to break it down into smaller chunks. You truly know you understand something completely if you feel comfortable teaching the material to someone else! You can even create visuals that will help you demonstrate your knowledge. 

Sometimes the possibility of a reward will help get you through the toughest parts of studying. Rewards can be simple. For example, you can allow yourself to watch your favorite television show if you study for an allotted amount of time on a given number of days. Maybe you can allow yourself some time to scroll through social media after your study session. The bigger rewards may come after you receive your high score on the test or exam. You can tell yourself that if you receive an A (or whatever grade you’re trying to get), you will treat yourself to a night out with friends or that new video game you have had your eyes on. The rewards should be fun and motivating, but only you know what that might be!  

Club Z! Tutoring of Glenbrook specializes in providing individualized, in-home, and virtual tutoring for students K-12 in Northbrook and Glenview. We also work with students to complete the college application process. If you want your child to work on developing skills that will translate to improved grades and self-esteem, contact us today at: bbalatsos@clubztutoring.com. You can also reach us at 847-440-3440 and by visiting clubztutoringglenbrook.com.

For more information about study breaks: Khan Academy