Every student asks, “When is the best time to study?” Because so many lifestyle aspects can influence the ideal study time, the answer may be different for each person! Knowing whether you are an early bird, a night owl, or somewhere in between is a beautiful place to start when determining the best study period.
Finding the optimum time to study can help you be more productive and get better results. Read on to learn about the advantages of various study times.
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Why is Reading Important?
Beyond reading, because you have to, the importance of reading cannot go unrecognized. Reading is of great value because it takes you on a journey where your mind and intellect are strengthened. According to Lifehack, reading is a ritual that almost everyone who wants to gain knowledge should partake in.
Before we share the time we think is best to study, let’s take a look at the benefits of reading:
1. Reading Expands the Mind
To begin with, reading aids in the expansion of the intellect and the development of new concepts. Reading has been shown to maintain our minds youthful, healthy, and bright. According to alzinfo.org, some studies suggest it can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers looked at 294 elderly women and men in their eighties and gave them mentally engaging tasks like reading and writing. In their later years, they were also given annual memory and reasoning tests to monitor their progress. Autopsies after their deaths revealed that people who had participated in such activities had a slower rate of memory loss than those who had not.
Reading also helps to build the imagination and allows us to fantasize and think in ways we never could before.
2. Reading Allows for Creative Thinking
Reading is also beneficial because it enables creative thinking. When you’re bored, depressed, or stuck, reading can help you feel better. It may be able to provide you with that much-needed pick-me-up without requiring you to look far. Reading stimulates your brain’s creative side, whereas watching television does not.
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3. Reading Helps Improve Concentration
If you’re still not convinced that reading is necessary or that it isn’t beneficial to you, it’s crucial to know that reading truly improves focus. Reading may teach your mind to focus properly, which is beneficial in practically everything you do daily, including school, work, and personal relationships. We may all benefit from putting our focus skills to the test.
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How To Decide The Most Productive Time Of The Day?
When determining the most beneficial time to study, here are three crucial aspects you need to take into consideration:
1. Alertness
Pick a moment when your brain is at its most active and aware. The active brain aids in better concentration and the retention of information for extended periods of time.
2. Distractions
Studying in a distraction-free environment is critical. Pick a time when you won’t be interrupted and can sit for long periods of time without being distracted by other things. Some people like to study in complete silence in a noise-free environment, while others prefer to read while listening to gentle music in the background.
3. Consistency
Make sure you choose a study time that you can commit to on a regular basis, preferably a couple of times per week. Consistency not only aids in completing tasks on schedule each day but also improves quality. If you study at the same time every day, your mind and body will soon adjust. You’ll be in the perfect mood for studying, with the sharpest focus possible, with only a little preparation.
When Is The Best Time To Study?
It’s entirely up to you to choose when is the best time to study. Younger folks who have a nighttime routine will discover that studying at night is more natural for them. If you’re an adult returning to school after a long break, you may discover that the daytime is more conducive to your established schedule.
Making sure you get adequate sleep is critical for everyone. So, whether you’re a morning or night owl, there’s no reason why you can’t start studying right now in your own time and at your own speed.
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What Are The Different Times To Study?
Scientifically, Circadian rhythms are different for everyone, there are patterns that indicate that people really do fit into the “early bird” or the “night owl” categories. Nigms.nih.gov defines circadian rhythms as the physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle.
The average morning person will be ready to go as early as 7 a.m. That burst of energy will last until about 10 a.m. when they will need to rest. Maybe they’ll take a coffee break and stretch their legs at this point. They will then experience another burst of energy until around 3 p.m. when they will begin to wind down.
The “night owl” is usually the polar opposite. They will be sluggish until midday when they will experience their first burst of energy. This will be followed by their second burst, which will last until 7 p.m. They’ll start winding down around 10 p.m. and transition quickly from activity to sleep.
1. Early Morning
Most students like to study early in the morning, between 4 and 5 a.m., when the brain is more inclined to concentrate. It can be the best option for students who have more stamina in the morning. After a full night’s sleep, students who research during the day profit from a renewed and energized mind. This boost in energy allows you to concentrate on what you’re studying and absorb knowledge faster.
2. Evening or Night-Time
Students can study between the hours of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. One of the most compelling reasons to study in the evening or at night is that there are fewer distractions and more solitude and quiet. There are no typical noises that bother the ears during this time such as vehicle noises or factory activity. Sleeping after studying is also claimed to help organize information and improve memory.
It’s also important to remember that you can receive an average of 8 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Another advantage of late-night practice is that you have the entire evening to plan! You will make up for lost time during the other hours even if you slack down in the middle.
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3. Mid-Morning/Mid-Day/Evening
This time of study is chosen by a large number of students for studying. Aspirants who are neither morning birds nor night owls usually pick this option. Yes, you read that correctly—students who get up late in the morning and go to bed at midnight.
This time of study pattern is typically followed by students with a shorter attention span. For some, the evening provides a gentle and friendly ambiance that allows them to stay brisk and cool. If you want to stay focused, the hours between 4 and 6 p.m. will be the most productive.
Those who get up early in the morning but like to nap in the afternoon favor evening time.
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What Are The Benefits Of Studying During The Day?
It’s easy to see why studying during the day is a good idea after a good night’s sleep, we’re completely revived in the morning. You are less likely to demand indoor lights during the day. With sunlight, which is beneficial to your eyes, you get the appropriate spectrum of light to keep your eyesight in good shape, and it actually works with your pituitary gland to keep you aware and awake. This is a fact!
Indoor illumination has been proven to disrupt sleep cycles, and most sleep doctors advise exposing oneself to as little artificial light as possible at night, including television, computer, and smartphone screens. This is why some gadgets have a “blue light filter” that reduces the quantity of blue light on the screen.
Positives of studying during the day
- Natural light improves your focus as opposed to artificial light.
- Your natural Circadian rhythms will be active.
- You’ll be refreshed and alert, meaning you’ll be able to retain information better.
Tips for studying during the day
- Find a study location (indoor or outside) with lots of natural light to see.
- Remove potential distractions – does listening to music help you concentrate and shut out distracting noises such as traffic or noisy neighbors?
- Don’t skip breakfast. A healthy breakfast can help you concentrate better (think avocados, blueberries, and whole grains).
What Are The Benefits Of Studying At Night?
Don’t worry if you’re most productive or have the most time to study at night. There are numerous reasons why some people prefer to study at night, just as there are numerous advantages to studying during the day.
The obvious benefit of studying late at night is the availability of calm and quiet. People are more relaxed, peaceful, and introspective at night. That kind of environment can be just what some people need to get into the appropriate frame of mind for studying.
If you’re having trouble making progress on a project during the day, consider looking at night. You might notice that you’re seeing things in a different light.
Many people believe that at night, with the pressures of the day behind them, their minds are free to explore additional options. This can be beneficial while writing assessments or working on creative projects.
Many authors, songwriters, and scientists prefer to work late at night because they believe it allows them to think more creatively. This is supported by research conducted at the University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, which found that night owls are more creative than early birds. Barack Obama, for example, is a self-described night owl.
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Positives of studying during the evening
- Fewer distractions mean you can knuckle down in peace and quiet.
- You can focus on your work now that your everyday activities are complete.
- People are most inventive at night.
Tips for studying at night
- Turn your phone silent and turn off the TV to reduce potential distractions.
- Avoid caffeine if possible. It may offer you an energy boost, but it may keep you from getting a good night’s sleep.
- Make a schedule that allows you to get a good night’s sleep while still allowing you to accomplish your goals.
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How Long Should I Study In A Day?
If you already understand that study is hard work, the second step is to accept it as a daily fact of life and then, as the philosopher said, ‘Just do it.’ One of the facts you will have to embrace is that study requires repetition.
If a study is extending and internalizing your interaction with course material, a key component is, I repeat, repetition. So, how long should I study in a day to consolidate? Create a daily routine in which you study in one location for at least 4 – 5 hours per day. What matters is that study becomes the focal point of your day and a consistent component of your work week. Do not put off studying until exam time.
Lastly, exams allow you to hone your knowledge and improve your communication skills. The best way to focus your thoughts is to express them clearly in writing. Writing is a thinking ritual.
FAQs On When Is The Best Time To Study
Turn your phone off. Turn the television off. Gather all of your study resources in one place. Go somewhere peaceful and light where no one will bother you. Make sure your environment is as clear of distractions as possible. Before you study, eat a snack, drink some water, and go to the restroom so you don’t have to get up and interrupt your concentration.
Change into some comfortable clothes and go to a place where no one will disturb you. Only take some water, snacks, and your study materials with you. Turn off your phone and put it away so that you won’t be tempted to use it.
There are fewer distractions at night than during the day. Most of your friends will be sleeping, and your social networks will be less active.
Establish a daily routine where you study in one place for a minimum of 4 -5 hours each day.
Conclusion
Just like each student has a unique learning style, different students may learn better at different times of the day. But if you study at the same time every day, you will condition your mind and body gradually, and soon, you will be in your best frame of mind for study. Once you know what works best for you, you can start your studying routine more effectively and efficiently.
References
- lifehack.org – 10 Benefits of Reading: Why You Should Read Every Day
- opencolleges.edu.au – Day vs night: when is the best time to study and why?
- oxfordlearning.com – When is the best time to study: Morning, Noon, or Night?
