Studying can be mentally taxing. As you go over textbooks, take notes, and engage in deep concentration, your brain can quickly become tired and overwhelmed.
At this point, it is incredibly hard to maintain focus and productivity, you’ll find it hard to understand what you are studying.
Even if you understand it, you’ll easily forget it.
To prevent this from happening, (burning yourself out studying while grabbing nothing), use the following tips to recharge your brain (keep it active and effective) while studying.
What to do when your brain is tired from studying
When your brain is tired from reading, you can:
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Take regular breaks
One of the most important things you can do to prevent brain fatigue is to take regular breaks during your study sessions.
You don’t have to keep going when the brain isn’t taking it in anymore.
The human brain can only maintain high levels of focus for a limited period before needing rest.
The brain needs as much rest as every other part of the body.
The Pomodoro Technique, for example, suggests working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break.
This method helps maintain productivity by allowing your brain to recharge periodically.
When you take a break after every 25 minutes, the brain will regain lost strength and get ready to work again.
This way, it will be in its best state when you resume the next session.
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Don’t play with sleep
A lot of students don’t sleep enough and you probably think you are doing yourself a great favour by denying yourself sleep to study.
I am sorry to disappoint you, the opposite will be the result.
Quality sleep is important for cognitive function and overall well-being.
When your brain is tired from studying, take time off and sleep – ensure you get enough rest each night.
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, and create a consistent sleep schedule to optimize your brain’s ability to process and retain information.
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You need to stay hydrated and make sure you eat nutritious foods
Another thing you need to do when your brain is tired from studying is to eat well and maintain proper hydration.
Proper hydration and nutrition play a significant role in brain function.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased cognitive performance.
Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day and consume foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will give you the energy your brain needs to function optimally.
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You need to engage in physical activity
If you don’t know what to do when your brain is tired from studying, exercise your body.
Regular exercise is not only beneficial for your physical health but also for your mental well-being.
When your brain is tired from studying, you need to take a break, and go and do any physical activity – it will boost blood flow to the brain, increase oxygenation, and release endorphins that improve your mood and focus.
You can go for activities like walking, yoga, or dancing – make them your routine to refresh your mind.
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Meditation is also great
Always keep this in mind – meditation can help you reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance overall cognitive function.
Once you feel tired, take a few minutes to practice deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation – it will help clear your mind, improve mental clarity, and reduce the impact of study-related fatigue.
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Switch up your study environment
I guess, this is not the point you are looking for but this has proven to work just fine.
A change of scenery can work wonders if you want to reduce brain fatigue.
If you’ve been studying in the same location for an extended period, you should switch up your environment.
Visit a library, coffee shop, park, or even a different room in your home to give yourself a fresh perspective and stimulate your brain.
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Break your daily tasks into manageable chunks
This is one of the simplest but effective things you should do when your brain is tired from studying
Large study sessions can be overwhelming and lead to burnout.
To prevent this, you need to break your study tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.
Focus on one topic or chapter at a time, and set realistic goals for each study session.
You don’t have to cover everything in one study session.
Break your study target into simpler units- this approach will make studying feel less tasking and more manageable, reducing brain tiredness.
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You can do active learning
Passive learning like reading and highlighting is less engaging and more tiring for your brain.
Instead, include active learning techniques in your study routine.
You can do this by teaching the material to someone else, quizzing yourself, creating flashcards, or participating in group discussions.
This will help you understand the topic better. In addition, you will be able to retain information while keeping your brain actively engaged.
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Take good care of yourself
Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of self-care when your brain is tired from studying.
The brain is just like every other part of the body, when you fail to take care of it, it won’t function optimally.
You need to take time and engage in activities you enjoy, such as hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing.
You have to balance study with self-care – it not only recharges your brain but also improves your overall well-being and academic performance.
Final words
The brain is an important part of the body and you need it to be at an optimal level when you are studying.
Once your brain is tired from studying, it is self-punishment to continue studying, instead of understanding better and being more productive, the opposite will be the result.
To recharge the brain, you can take regular breaks, sleep, drink enough water, engage in physical activity, practice mindfulness, or switch up your study environment.