Students work hard and give their 100 % to perform well in academics and infact thrive to excel. To achieve this, they need dedicated and focused study time on all days. But exam times are generally stressful for students, with physical and mental stress affecting the body. And studying late nights can make students feel sleepy. There are few effective ways to improve their concentration levels while studying by making small changes in their daily routine.
At GD Goenka Boarding School Rohtak, educators guide students on how to improve their study sessions for better academic performance at school and home.
1) Step out of comfort zone and prefer a study table
In order to study for long hours and make the best out of time, it is recommended by The Top Boarding Schools in North India that students should avoid studying in places where they could fall asleep and the places where luxuries are kept like leg cushions and pillows as they can make students feel drowsy. Instead, students should create a dedicated study space in a well-lit room, sit at a desk, and maintain good posture while studying. Also, students must avoid studying under dim lighting as it could also be more inclined to fall asleep.
2) Plan out some time for Physical exercise and breathing techniques
Regular exercise and meditation for 15-20 minutes daily can improve sleep quality, concentration, memory, and mental performance. Deep breathing exercises can also boost oxygen levels, slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and improve blood circulation. Doing deep breathing exercises in between studies is beneficial as well. Students must follow a workout regime for body and mind everyday to nourish and refresh the organs of the body and mind. It relaxes the mind to a next level and energizes students to study for long hours.
3) Drink good amount of water
During exams, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. However, not drinking enough water can affect students’ concentration and sleep. Therefore, it is recommended to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day. Even a 1% decrease in hydration can lower cognitive function by 5%. Thus, it is very important to stay hydrated for better performance. Fatigue or sleepiness can indicate dehydration. Dehydration can affect cognitive functions, making studying challenging.
4) Take a healthy diet
The energy levels of students are influenced by what and how much they eat. Consuming sugary snacks and junk food can lead to a spike in blood sugar followed by a crash, making them feel tired. Similarly, skipping meals or overeating can also cause drowsiness. Therefore, it is advised to have regular small meals that include protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts keeps the students energized and alert as provided in The Best Residential Schools in Haryana. High-protein granola bars, fruits, raw veggies, or nuts are ideal snacks to stay awake while studying. They provide energy until the next meal and keep students alert.
5) Take Power Naps
A study found that regular napping or good sleep can help improve attention, mood, short-term and long-term memory. This leads to better learning outcomes and reduces the risk of falling asleep while studying. In contrast, irregular sleep patterns and poor sleep are associated with lower academic performance. Thus, students should create a sleep schedule based on the saying “Early to bed and early to rise” for better energy and focus. Students are advised to take short naps during study breaks but avoid napping before bedtime or more than once a day.
6) Keep refreshing breaks in between
To avoid feeling sleepy while studying, students are asked to take breaks and switch tasks. They are told not to study for too long at once. They should take a 15 to 20-minute break every 2 to 3 hours. The experts say that students stay comparatively active and alert by doing things like listening to music, watching TV, or drawing during short breaks of study. Every student must find 2-3 activities as a part of hobby what they like to refresh and change their mind.