How To Identify The Best Time To Study
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Everyone has their own opinions regarding the best time to study. Some say mornings are the best study timing because it’s when your mind is the most alert. But night owls may find that they study better at night.
It all depends on your daily schedule along with your day-to-day responsibilities. There is no right or wrong when it comes to any study timing. If you are still struggling with finding the best time to study, here is everything you need to know about it:
Best Time To Study: Does It Really Matter?
The common myth surrounding the best time to study is that there is only one solution to all. However, that is not the case at all. Any time is a good time for studying because it depends on the individual.
Studying in the morning
Research has shown that in the morning:
Our brain tends to absorb information much quicker.
Our level of alertness is higher.
Natural light helps in maintaining focus and staying alert.
Many students feel mornings are a good time for studying since it’s when your energy levels are high after getting a good night’s rest. Mornings are a great time to revise new concepts or theories as well as digest complicated subjects.
Besides, it’s also the time of the day when you have an ample amount of natural light which helps to avoid your eyes from getting strained while looking at the screens or books. Mornings will also be the best time to study if you generally tend to wake up early even on a normal day without studying involved.
Studying in the afternoon
Some small-scale studies have found that in the afternoon:
Our brain works best for analytical and critical tasks.
Our brain can retain information better.
Students who maintain their study timing in the afternoons find that they can make sense of information which they have already learned much quicker, probably because they are less sleepy compared to the morning. Therefore, afternoons are the best time to study for those who prefer to get up later in the morning and feel the most refreshed after lunchtime.
Studying at night
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Based on research, studies have shown that at night:
Our brain can learn new skills faster such as learning a new language.
Creative thinking will be at its peak.
The brain can retain information better when sleeping right after.
Concentration is improved overall.
It’s a given - you can concentrate better at night because chances are, everyone else will be asleep and you probably don’t have many responsibilities to attend to. If you live with your family, your parents aren’t going to ask you to do house chores in the middle of the night.
Some even say nights are the best time to study because you will feel more relaxed and at peace since the environment is quieter. Performing tasks such as assignment writing or any form of creative tasks would be ideal at night.
Therefore, study at night if you identify as a night owl or if you have too many responsibilities to do during the day.
How To Know What The Best Time To Study Is For You
The key is to find the most productive study timing for you as everyone is different. Here are some key pointers to take note of so you can figure that out:
1. Identify when you’re the most alert
The best way to identify what works for you is through trial and error. Carry out study sessions that require visual memory in the mornings and the ones that require critical thinking in the evening. Keep a short journal to write down how you feel doing things this way.
Then, switch the tasks around in terms of timing and take note of how you feel then. Beyond this, it’s just a matter of choosing what seems to work best for you as an individual!
2. Find out your average consistency
Have you ever tried maintaining a consistent schedule? If not, watch your life change drastically (in a good way) once you start implementing a consistent routine every day.
Consistency is key to achieving anything in life - studying is no exception. Being consistent helps you to become more disciplined while ensuring you get your work done too. Stick to the same study timing every single day, and you will notice that it becomes much easier as you adapt your body and mind.
However, one thing to take note of is that you need to make sure it’s a routine you can stick with consistently in the first place. If it’s a routine which doesn’t make you excited to get out of bed every day, then it’s a sign you should adjust the routine.
3. Identify the time where you have the least distractions
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Let’s say that every evening, you need to take your dog for a walk. Even if you realise you study best in the evening, clearly you’re not able to do that because you have responsibilities to take care of. Distractions are a big no-no when maintaining good study timing; so, work around your responsibilities so you can fully focus on studying without distractions.