This keeps you out of a single comfort zone that can make you tired. Rather than always studying in the same place, switch it up every time to improve your concentration and help your brain remember information better. For instance, one day, study at a coffee shop, then the next day, study at home in the kitchen.^[2]

The right lighting helps your brain focus on the data it’s absorbing. Rather than reading by a dim lamp or in a dark room, brighten up your study area to trick your brain into thinking it’s still daytime and making it feel more energized. Turn on as many lights as possible in the room, including overhead lights and lamps.^[3]

Things like noises and phones create external distractions. Figure out what’s preventing you from being able to focus, whether it’s the Instagram alerts on your phone or the people talking at the table next to you. Then, eliminate those things so your brain isn’t distracted from studying. For instance, put your phone on silent or move to a quieter area.^[4]

The right music can help your brain process and retain new info. Turn on the radio or play music from your phone or computer while you study to keep you alert. Choose songs that are fast-paced or lively, like pop or dance music, rather than slow, sad songs, which will bring down your mood and energy.^[5]

You’re less likely to fall asleep if you listen to your own voice. It doesn’t matter whether you’re reading a chapter of a textbook or studying your notes. Read the material out loud to help yourself memorize it without getting drowsy.^[6]

Mint is linked to enhanced cognitive function. Pick your favorite mint flavor like spearmint, peppermint, or wintermint. Pop a piece of gum in your mouth while you study to increase blood flow to your brain and increase your mental arousal.^[7]

Protein gives you energy without making you sleepy like carbs do. Snack on foods that are primarily composed of protein, like nuts, meat, or cheese, which fuel your body longer because they aren’t as easily digested as carbs. For example, choose trail mix, beef jerky, or string cheese to eat while you work.^[8]

Stay hydrated to avoid feeling drowsy or sluggish. Aim to drink at least 2 L (2,000 mL) of water a day. Keep a full bottle of water with you and sip on it as you study. This helps the blood flow in your brain and makes you feel more alert.^[9]

Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system and makes you feel alert. Drink a mug of coffee to wake yourself up quickly, as caffeine prevents the cells that make you feel tired from reaching your brain. Have the equivalent of 200 mg of caffeine, which is 12 oz (.35 L) of coffee or 24 oz (.7 L) of tea, for example, over the course of 24 hours.^[10]

Try what’s known as the Pomodoro technique to keep yourself on track. Set a timer to work without any distractions for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat those intervals for however long you’d like to study.^[12]

Short naps boost your memory and alertness. Lay down on the couch or get into bed if you’re at home for a quick power nap. If you’re at the library or in a classroom, rest your head on the desk in a comfortable position to doze. Set your alarm for no more than 20 minutes later so you wake up feeling refreshed instead of drowsy.^[13]

This improves your concentration and mood. Go for a short walk or jog, do some bodyweight exercises, or take a quick yoga class, for example. Move your body to wake up all of your muscles and release proteins in your brain that improve your memory.^[14]

The variety helps your brain refocus on the new subject. Instead of doing a marathon study session of 1 topic, break your study time up and change the topic after each break so you don’t burn out on 1 subject. For example, study calculus for the first hour, then switch to physics.^[15]

This makes studying less boring and monotonous. Get some friends or classmates together to study as a group. Work on practice problems out loud, discuss different topics, or quiz each other to make studying more lively and engaging.
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