Best Time to Study | Tips to Learn Effectively

Study Tips

What is the best time to study 1
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Discover which part of the day suits your learning schedule and the best tips to learn effectively

Just about everyone has an opinion about what is the best time for studying. Of course, each speaks from one’s experience, but you shouldn’t take it as the ultimate truth. Instead, you must figure out the time that suits your learning best and ensure that you stick to it.

Introduction

Good study habits will take you from your plan of doing well in the exams to getting a great score. And one necessary way of getting into your dream university is figuring out the best time to study. Sleep doctor Dr Micheal Breus, author of The Power of When. He believes working in sync with our body’s natural clock is the key to unlocking success to produce our best, most creative work.
And this brings us to the penultimate question, which has challenged teachers, students and parents alike; what is the best time for study?

How Can You Decide the Best Time to Study and Be Productive?

There are different takes regarding the best time to study. Each person has a different style of learning. Based on the study patterns, the best time to study and memorise can vary for each individual.

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The Morning Learner

If you observe more energy in the morning, you undoubtedly are a morning learner. Your brain is capable of focusing benefit of an energised and refreshed mind after a good night’s sleep. You can absorb the details effectively. It is a common belief that your mind isn’t preoccupied with thoughts in the morning and grasps the concepts instantly. There are many advantages too:

  • You can visit the library and make it your study haven
  • The natural daylight is suitable for your eyes and keeps you alert.
  • Morning is the best time to study for exams as it doesn’t disturb your sleep schedule.
  • Creating a study group with your classmates for the mornings is easier.
  • The day starts on a positive note as you start your day by being productive and achieving your target.
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The Afternoon Learner

Studies show that your critical thinking and analytical skills are practical between 2 PM and 5 PM. Your brain can efficiently integrate and process any new information you have acquired. It isn’t surprising that some of us feel that the best time to study Maths is in the afternoon.

  • You can complete your other tasks before you still have to study.
  • In case you have a habit of waking up late, afternoon study time works best for you.
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The Night Learner

Many students feel studying at night is the best time to study as it is peaceful and fewer distractions exist. Also, sleeping after studying is believed to consolidate details and improve recall. 
Interestingly, research has stated that if you study when you are most tired, your brain retains new skills. Such a phenomenon is termed sleep learning. Your brain processes the learning even in its sleep.

  • Since you are more contemplative at night, your creative juices flow seamlessly, and you can handle complex topics well.
  • Less noise means a better chance of concentration, allowing you to learn quickly.

The Ancient Indian wisdom of The Vedas  gives great significance to the Brahma Muhurta or the best time to create oneself. Brahma Muhurtha precisely the time 96 minutes just before sunrise. So the best time to study, according to Vedas, is the Brahma Muhurta. 
The question: what is the best time for studying is critical for each of us. Figuring out its answer enables you to learn quickly and stay motivated.

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How Time of the Day Affects Your Brain

Your learning abilities, including your critical thinking skills, alertness and memory, can be at different levels at different times  of the day. For example, you will feel that your visual memory is excellent in the early mornings, whereas you are more alert and active in the afternoons. 

Evening and nighttime are associated with slowing down physical and mental faculties, and many would swear that it is not the best time to study and memoriseBut many of us feel lively and energetic in the late hours of the night. We will swear that it is the best time to study Maths. But, of course, the time of the day affects us differently and depends on the fact that we attune our body clocks to our requirements.

How do Top Students Study

Study Smart and not hard is the mantra you have to live by if you intend to study like the top students. There are methods of studying found common among top-ranking students. Combined with your best time to study schedule, these methods can give exceptional results!

  • Begin with the Difficult Topic First

    The most challenging assignments and subjects require the most mental effort. Therefore, it is essential to start with a complex topic. After figuring out what is the best time for studying, always begin with a difficult assignment or subject, as your brain is fresh. It will be easier to finish the other issues once you have completed the complicated ones. This unique tip will increase the effectiveness of your study sessions.

  • Organise your time

    Last-minute preparation never helps. You only face stress and are unsure about your capabilities. Instead, organise your time. Divide it among your subjects. Plan your practice as per the exam schedule. Allocate more time for topics you are facing difficulty with.

  • Make notes

    When you make your notes regarding a topic, you can retain them better. Use diagrams, flow charts, etc., while making them. Then, jot down the notes during class and re-type them after the course.

  • Space out your studies

    Spacing out your studies means you study over several short periods over several days and weeks (Newport, 2007). Study each subject for a short while each day. The information learnt will be retained profoundly and for a more extended time. You can schedule your 7-8 maths problems per day. Revise your geography notes for 15-20 minutes.

  • Avoid Last-Moment Preparation

    Students are more likely to believe they will study for a few weeks and get the right marks. You hate looking when the time comes. You can plan and create a study plan at least a month in advance. Then, you can start to cover topics according to how difficult or simple they are. If you determine to study a day or even a week before the exam, you will be procrastinating more and more and will not be able to prepare for your exam in any way.

  • Get hold of previous question papers.

    Revision tests get you ready for your exams like no other method. It allows you to time yourself and tests your knowledge. Also, you get a fair idea about the type of questions you can get and how good you are at answering them.

  • Your Preparation Frequently

    Regular testing is the best way to improve your self-esteem. To be a topper, you need to work hard and persevere. While it is great to compete with others, you must also be able to complete your tasks. You can set goals and see if you can meet them. You can improve your preparation by continuously increasing the graph of self-improvement.

Pro Tips for Studying More Efficiently

Eduylte’s mentors have curated a few foolproof methods to help you study productively. Combine these tips with your best time to study to achieve great scores!

  • Use diagrams, mind maps

    Visuals are an excellent revision aid. Instead of cramming lengthy sentences, create a flow chart or a mind map about the concept. Condensing your knowledge into illustrations leads to quick revision.

  • Get hold of previous question papers.

    Revision tests get you ready for your exams like no other method. It allows you to time yourself and tests your knowledge. Also, you get a fair idea about what kind of questions you can get and how good you are at answering them.

  • Organise group studies

    This a fantastic way to challenge yourself and get a grip on your studies! Get together with your friends and revise. You can have quizzes for each other, test each other’s prep, and help with concepts you need help understanding. It’s a win-win for all!

  • Create your environment

    Being in your room makes it difficult not to turn to Netflix or your gaming console. Well then, change the venue. Go to your balcony or backyard. Sit in a different room. Set up your learning place and ensure that you sit there to study. Your college library is also an excellent choice for a quiet learning space.

  • Make notes

    When you make your notes regarding a topic, you can retain them better. Use diagrams, flow charts, etc., while making them. Jot down the notes during class and re-type them after the course.

  • The study Cycle is handy.

    The Study Cycle, developed by Frank Christ, breaks down the different parts of studying: previewing, attending class, reviewing, studying, and checking your understanding. And each step is essential. Unfortunately, students usually resort to shortcuts or skip a few steps. Shortcuts lead to satisfactory learning.

  • Get enough sleep

    Lack of sleep affects memory consolidation and has been linked to poor attention and cognition. It also increases fatigue, and no amount of espresso shots can help you before you enter your classroom. So get 7-8 hours of sleep. Then, put away the books, laptop, and phone, as good sleep ensures excellent grades!

  • Ask for help

    Do not hesitate to contact your friends and classmates to help you with your queries and difficulties regarding a project or topic. Likewise, get in touch with your study group for any assistance regarding your doubts. Another option is to contact your teacher/professor and meet them during work hours to discuss your problems with the subject.

Edulyte also offers expert guidance regarding all subjects. You can book your trial class with just a few clicks! Let our tutors give you practical strategies to learn better. So what’s stopping you?!

Conclusion

All in all, there is no “best” time of the day to study. We all have the most productive daytime when we have the most energy. A few individuals are the morning people, and some of us are night owls. So keep your mind clear when you are wondering how to study effectively at night or in the mornings. Just like every student has a unique learning style, different students might learn better at other times of the day. 

You can select the best time to study based on what you have read in our blog. What matters is how receptive you are while studying the studies. Choose Edulyte as the online learning platform to learn at your most suitable pace and time from the most experienced tutors. It strives to go beyond conventional learning experiences and improve your learning experience. 
So don’t wait! Sign up.. We have some attractive early bird discounts available. Students and their parents can get in touch with our counsellors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to study in the morning or at night?

Preferences and body clock. Therefore, we recommend that you try studying during different time phases during the day and the night to figure out what suits you; morning or night?

Are there any side effects of Late-Night Study Sessions?

Our body and brain require a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep to function correctly. If you stay up late in the study and cannot get proper sleep, you will face issues like physical weariness. Mental fatigue, less efficiency in completing tasks requiring mental agility, etc. You will notice memory and concentration problems as well. Therefore, it is suggested that you plan your study schedule to get the required sleep duration.

How can I focus on my studies?

While we all struggle to focus on our studies, there are a few tricks that you can try to increase your concentration level.

  • Set your study goals
  • Make a study timetable
  • Get rid of distractions
  • Test yourself
  • Create s suitable ambience
Does meditation help in studies?

Believe it or not, research carried out by the Columbia University Medical Center claims that meditation can change the structure and function of your brain. And this helps in the following:

  • Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
  • Increasing focus and learning concentration
  • Improving memory and attention span
  • Building a more robust immune system and greater physical/psychological resilience
  • Allowing better sleep

All this can come together to improve your study pattern and give you a master Yoda-like focus.

What are the top benefits of studying in the morning?
  • Your mind is fresh
  • You don’t have to disturb your sleep schedule.
  • You have natural light affects our hormones and circadian rhythm while enhancing brain activity. Natural light can improve learning, cognition, mood, and even sleep.
  • The day starts on a positive note as you start your day by being productive and achieving your target. 
What is the best time to study and memorise at night?

Well, studying at night has its own set of benefits:

  • With most people retiring for the day, there is less noise around you.
  • There is a reduction in the number of distractions, and you are not tempted to engage in something else.
  • Your mind assimilates all that happened during the day, allowing you to think clearly and creatively. You can seamlessly view the different aspects of the principle learnt in class.
How to motivate yourself to study?

There are different ways in which you can motivate yourself to study. Some of them are:

  • Stop procrastinating and get to work.
  • Be confident about your abilities.
  • Figure out what works for you: visual aids, hearing yourself speak, etc. and utilise that technique.
  • Schedule your learning tasks and time yourself.
How to overcome laziness and sleepiness while studying?

To stay alert and focused while studying, especially at night:

  • Take breaks to move around. It works as an energy booster and reduces stress.
  • Watch your posture. Do not lie down or slouch while studying. Sit on a chair and use a table to place your laptop notes on.
  • Drink water—lots of it. Your body is 70 per cent water, don’t forget that.
  • Eat healthily and avoid sugary snacks at night.
What are the top tips for online learning?

Specific points have to be kept in mind to make your online learning path productive: 

  1. Set your schedule and goals: learning at your convenience and at home can distract you. You tend to procrastinate. Set goals and chalk out a plan to achieve them to avoid this. Dedicate time to your learning and be regular with your classes and assignments. 
  2. Assign a study place: create space for your learning. Ensure that there is enough light. Have a comfortable chair to sit in. Choose a noise-free place. It will assemble the right learning environment for you. 
  3. Check technical requirements: since your learning depends on them. Your internet connection should be stable. Invest in your headset and storage. Check the hardware/software requirements for your classes. 
How can Edulyte help me regarding online learning?

A leading ed-tech enterprise, Edulyte prides itself in offering world-class education at your doorstep. Be it assistance in school and college subjects or training for English tests: IELTS, PTE or tutoring for professional exams like CFA, Edulyte conducts customised classes for every discipline.

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