How to study at night? Your guide to last-minute exam prep

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Let's face it, sometimes we procrastinate studying and an all-nighter feels inevitable. 

Cramming all your studying into a few short hours isn't ideal, but there are ways to maximize your focus and minimize the pain.

In this blog post, we share practical strategies to make the most out of that late-night study session. 🌖

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How to stay focused when studying at night

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Brighten up your room 💡

A dimly lit room does not cut it if your goal is to stay awake. Neither does studying in your bed. Fill your environment with light! 

Consider studying in a common area or library. An unfamiliar setting can keep you more alert than your cozy room. 

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Caffeine is a double-edged sword! ☕

Don't overdo coffee or energy drinks. Excessive caffeine can lead to anxiety, sleep issues, and jitters. The FDA recommends no more than 400 mg of caffeine daily (roughly 4-5 cups of coffee or 2 energy drinks). 

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Hydrate for brain power 💧

Dehydration will cause headaches and lost focus. Keep a water bottle next to you and sip frequently. Avoid sugary drinks – they'll lead to a crash, not a focus boost.

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Snack but avoid sugar 🍎

Skip the greasy fast food. Opt for healthy snacks that provide sustained energy like fruits, vegetables, nuts, or yogurt with a sprinkle of granola.

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Move around regularly 🚶

To get your blood flowing, move around! Get up every 30 minutes or so and take a brisk walk, do some jumping, or stretch.  Physical activity helps combat fatigue and refocuses your mind.

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Invite a friend to study with you 👥

There are many benefits of studying with a friend, besides having company. You can discuss study topics, quiz each other, and review topics that are a bit unclear.  

If this isn’t an option, talking the material out loud to yourself can boost retention.

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Use the Pomodoro technique 🍅

The Pomodoro technique is a popular learning method that breaks work into focused intervals, typically 25 minutes long. These intervals are separated by short breaks to keep you focused. 

After four sessions, you take a longer break — perfect to move around a bit or have a snack.‍

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➕ Bonus tip: Try flashcards! 📱

Reading long chapters from a textbook at night is a great way to fall asleep. Try to make studying a more enjoyable experience. Digital flashcards keep you engaged and motivated for several hours.

You can download Voovo from the App Store or Google Play to create up to 500 flashcards in seconds, for free. 

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Remember: Pulling an all-nighter should be a last resort. Prioritize good sleep whenever possible.

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The Voovo team wishes you the best of luck! Let us know how your study session goes.

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