During college, we are bombarded with an exhausting study routine , consisting of lots of materials to read, classes to review, and papers to write, not to mention preparing for exams. In the midst of all this madness, it is essential to find out as soon as possible what is the best time to study — especially if you are still a freshman .
The main problem is that each person works differently. So, the best time your friend uses to study may not work for you. This is because our bodies work in a unique way, affecting our circadian cycle and, consequently, our entire biorhythm. This is why some people are more productive at night, for example.
With that in mind, we have composed this post to help you figure out your best time for studying. Within it, we will explain what circadian rhythms are, how they can affect your productivity, and reveal the advantages and disadvantages of studying at different times, as well as how you can be productive at each of them. Continue reading and following along!
What are circadian cycles?
The circadian cycle is a kind of clock that divides the 24 hours of the day according to a person’s metabolism. Because it works based on changes in the body, it can be influenced by temperature, pressure, and even substances such as melatonin (a hormone that controls some metabolic processes) and cortisol (responsible for regulating sleep). In this way, it can be synchronized with changes in the ambient light.
This cycle is necessary for the body to function properly. However, changes in this rhythm can be seen throughout the day, as they influence mood and emotions. This explains those moments of extreme tiredness or nervousness for no apparent reason, for example. Some external factors can also lead to a change in this biological rhythm, such as sudden changes in time zones, causing the famous jet lag .
Difference in the Circadian Rhythm explains why each person will perform better in studies or work at certain times of the day. Therefore, it is important for people to know how their bodies work and determine when it is most appropriate to carry out their activities to take advantage of their best rhythm.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying in each period?
Before you find out what these advantages and disadvantages are, you need to know how to determine the ideal study period for you. To do this, try to consider both your routine and your moments of maximum concentration. Also, remember to let your body rest, otherwise your fatigue will end up hindering your focus.
Create a study plan that takes into account your lifestyle and when you are most willing to study. To help you with this, below are the benefits of studying at each time of day.
During the morning
Most of society is active during the day, so the main advantage of studying in the morning is that if you need any help, you can reach someone who can help you, and it is much easier to meet with your study group .
Finally, studying in the morning will allow you to take advantage of natural light. On the other hand, perhaps the biggest disadvantage is that there will be more external noise, which can disrupt your concentration — especially if you live in a busy neighborhood.
However, to perform well during this time, it is essential to get a good night’s sleep. Try to sleep at least 8 hours a night to wake up motivated and alert. In addition, you need to eat a hearty breakfast so that you have the energy you need for the study marathon — this will also help your body wake up fully.
During the afternoon
The biggest problem with choosing to study in the afternoon is overcoming that sleepiness after lunch. However, remember that taking a short break is not prohibited. To help, try to avoid heavy foods, stay hydrated to ward off sleepiness, and exercise, as this will give you more energy for your study day.
On the other hand, this may be the best option for those who attend college classes in the morning. In this case, the student needs to have the night free to sleep the necessary number of hours and keep the body rested and alert.
During the night
Many people prefer to study at night because they can enjoy the silence, tranquility — since there are fewer distractions from other people and social media — and the cooler weather. In addition, for those who work during the day, this may be the only time available.
The problem is that, depending on your routine, you may become too tired and decide to stop studying. Therefore, you need to take some steps to ensure that this study period will be beneficial. To do this, define which topics you will study, leave the more complicated content for the weekend — since you will have more time to dedicate to learning — and know how to interpret your body’s signs of fatigue.
How can you study well at any given time?
Now that you know what the circadian cycle is and how it affects your mood, and you’ve discovered what your most productive time is, check out some tips to make the most of every moment of study:
- eat well — don’t let the rush of your routine and studies interfere with your diet, as this could affect your cognitive abilities;
- practice physical activities — staying physically active is essential to increase your disposition and concentration;
- sleep well — create a schedule and use study techniques so that you don’t go over your regular bedtime, and always remember that the ideal is to get 8 hours of rest per night;
- leave distractions aside — when studying, use the internet only as a tool for studying and research, and avoid looking at social media;
- use the right lighting — to avoid damaging your eyes, make sure your study space is well lit.
As we have seen, identifying the best time to study is essential to creating a consistent routine. To do this, it is important to consider all of your daily activities and the times when you are most productive.