How to make long study sessions worth the time!

Sometimes a lengthy study session is unavoidable; you might only have a few days a week you can study, or you are in the last week heading up to a big test. If you are going to sit down for more than 2 hours, there are ways to make it easier, more productive and easier on your brain! 

ONE: Move away from time-focused study and into task-focused study! 

Being entirely focused on the time you are studying (ugh I’ve been working for 3 hours!) makes study sessions drag, and more intimidating to start in the future. No one really wants to be working for hours upon hours in a single sitting. Instead, focus on the tasks that you are completing as a way of marking achievement and progress! Time racked up doesn’t explicitly = productivity. 

TWO: Pomodoro (and other timed methods) may not be helpful for longer sessions 

If you are using Pomodoro, it can be easy to lose your train of thought/focus/productivity after each 25-minute block. Instead, work for periods according to your tasks so you’re not taking yourself out of the study ‘moment’. When a task is complete, that’s a natural break where you can step away from the desk for a bit. 

THREE: Switch it Up! 

To keep the momentum during long sessions, once you have finished a task, move onto a new subject or topic. Having something fresh to work on makes more enjoyable, the session feel faster and will ensure your brain is using different functions – overall improving your study stamina. If you need to keep working on the same subject/topic (like in the lead up to a test) then switch up the way you were studying it. Using flashcards? Move onto practise questions! Been pouring over your notes? Try a summary video! 

FOUR: Fuel your brain! 

If you want to have the best chance of productive/long study, then be sure to fuel your brain and body when you are not working on the books. This includes eating nutrient dense foods and drinking plenty of water. There was never a better excuse for the purchase of a new emotional support water bottle. 

If you work a lot with screens during study, try and avoid them during study breaks, move your body before periods of focus and always make sure you are looking after your mental health – burnout is very real!