Substandard Study Habits: 3 Things You Should Never Do While Studying

September 13, 2023
8:13 am

It’s vital for students to develop healthy study habits to give themselves the best chance at learning, and making the grade. It’s also a good idea to try new study techniques to see if you can improve your experience. There are millions of healthy study habits you can develop. Some will work for you, and others won’t be so helpful. However, there are a few study habits that should always be avoided. Here are the three things you should never do while studying.

#1 Consume Alcohol

We all know that excessive drinking can lead to blackouts. However, even small amounts of alcohol can be detrimental to your memory, and an impaired memory means that you’re not learning as well as you could be. Books and booze don’t mix. Also, alcohol consumption can cause sleep disturbances which can be a huge problem for your academic performance, and your overall health.

Drinking also puts your long-term brain health at risk. A study by Pennsylvania State University discovered that as little as one alcoholic beverage per day can lead to loss of white and gray brain matter.

The best choice is to abstain from alcohol entirely. However, if you do choose to drink, save it for the nights you aren’t studying. And remember, never drink and drive.

#2 Cram All Night

There are countless movies and TV shows that portray students pulling a frantic all-nighter to get ready for a big test. While it may make for good television, it’s not a good study habit. According to The Sleep Foundation, sleep deprivation hinders your memory, cognitive performance, and your ability to problem solve. Just like drinking alcohol, sacrificing sleep means that your ability to learn is suffering.

Sleep is a critical factor in your health as well as your grades. People who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to get sick, experience anxiety and depression, and develop unhealthy eating habits. While it’s tempting to stay up all night and cram, it’s not healthy.

Instead, get in the habit of studying over many days and weeks. Prioritize getting a solid eight hours of sleep every night, especially before exams or presentations. If you’re having trouble sleeping because of stress, it may be wise to talk to a counselor or a medical professional.

There may be the occasional late night in your college experience. However, those nights should be the exception rather than the rule. Your grades, and your mind, will benefit from regular sleep.

#3 Ignore Your Body

Things like hydration, nutrition, and hygiene may not sound like study habits, but they are just as important as your study guide. Research shows that proper self-care for both your physical and mental well-being greatly improves your productivity and your cognitive functions. Self-care also helps you deal with stress, and helps keep you healthy. When you’re healthy, you’re more likely to study at peak performance.

So make sure that you listen to your body. Take breaks when you need them, stay hydrated, eat nutritious foods whenever possible, prioritize healthy sleep, and do something fun once in a while. Your body with thank you, and you’ll likely find it much easier to study.

There are thousands of healthy study habits out there. Experiment with new techniques, and find what works for you. However, it’s important to avoid things that are clearly unhealthy. Remember, booze and books don’t mix, less sleep means less brain power, and ignoring your body means ignoring your mind. The point is being kind to yourself, and studying smart.