How to Keep Studying When You Are Mentally Exhausted

Students many need to study, even if they are mentally exhausted.

It is a rare student who has never stayed up all night studying. Some students procrastinate and put things off until the last possible minute, just because they are busy with social activities or because they feel that they will perform better under pressure. The resulting exhaustion can wear down a student so he does not perform at his peak level. A few simple steps can help you stay alert so you can keep studying even when you are mentally exhausted.

Things You'll Need

• Caffeine
• Lighting

Instructions

1. Adjust your environment. Turn on lights. Sit in a comfortable chair. Use a fan to circulate the air. If the temperature is too warm, you will become sleepy.

2. Alternate subjects. If you are working on different projects or preparing for different exams, change what you are studying once an hour so you don't get burned out studying the same material.

3. Study with a friend. You can quiz each other and keep each other more alert, plus the process is more enjoyable. Just make sure you are studying, not playing.

4. Stretch. Experts at High Point University recommend a 10 minute break once every hour. Even a few minutes of exercise can get your blood circulating and rev up your metabolism so you don't feel so exhausted. Staying in the same position to study will tire you.

5. Eat a snack. Make sure it is something fairly healthy, such as fruit, cheese and crackers or veggies with dip. Granola, nuts or protein bars offer other excellent snack choices. Avoid sugary foods as these will cause a spike and quick drop in your blood sugar, leaving you even more tired than when you began.

6. Drink coffee or cola or another energy beverage. While this step does not offer a long-term solution and should be used sparingly, caffeinated beverages can help you over the hump should you need to pull an all-nighter.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid drugs, especially amphetamine and the like, at all costs. The negative effects of these far outweigh any slight advantage you may gain from their use. Do not lie down; you might fall asleep. Learn from your mistakes and avoid all-nighters in the future.

References

• State University of New York at Buffalo: How to Study - A Brief Guide
• Kansas State University Counseling Services: Improving Your Concentration
• High Point University: Improve Your Study Skills