Co-authored by Jai Flicker Last Updated: December 1, 2022

15
Silence or shut off your cell phone.

1. 
   

Take away the distraction of social media and texts from friends.[23] You don’t want to be fielding group text messages from your friends or taking calls from your family when you're trying to study. Let people know in advance that you’ll be studying and need to go off the grid for a while to focus. Then set your device to “Do Not Disturb” mode, or, better yet, power it down completely.[24]

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  Keep your phone out of sight so you won't be tempted to keep taking a sneak peek.
  

16
Stay hydrated and keep a snack on hand.

1. 
   

The right fuel helps your brain function properly. Drink plenty of water and bring along a water bottle so you don’t get thirsty while you’re working. Keep a small stash of nuts, granola bars, or fresh fruit around so you can fend off a grumbling stomach and stay energized while you study.[25]

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  Avoid studying right after a big meal; you’ll just feel drowsy and will want to relax.
  
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  Don’t put off a meal as a reward, as your aching stomach will be distracting. Make sure you have a snack on hand to fend off your hunger.
  
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  Avoid sugary vending machine snacks, fast food, and pastries; these foods will give you a short energy rush that quickly turns into sleepiness.
  

17
Figure out your ideal study environment and methods.

1. 
   

Ask yourself which study habits help you learn and do well. Think about which environmental factors and review strategies help you remember info.[26] Decide whether you prefer to work in a quiet space by yourself or if a public place like a library or coffee shop helps keep you on task.[27] Reflect on whether you remember facts better when you review your own lecture notes or when you skim the textbook and old class assignments. Figure out what combination of factors will bring out your most positive, productive, and focused self so you can use that strategy for all future study sessions.

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  Think back to past study sessions that went especially well, and others that didn’t go well at all, to assess which factors help and hinder your progress.
  
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  If you’re able to develop a personalized study system, studying will be a lot less stressful for you.