Optimise Your Physical State

Optimise your body for better studying

Can be helpful for: individuals who experience interoception – “the ability to sense and respond to the body’s internal state”.

How to Study Better by Prioritising Your Body

  • Drink a glass of plain water several times a day.
  • Eat foods which release natural sugars slowly, like cereal-based products (rice, oats, wheat).
  • Try to take note of when you feel most relaxed and motivated- and take advantage of this state.
  • Prioritise sleep to support memory retention and reduce stress.

What’s the Science Behind It?

You cannot learn easily if you are tired, stressed, dehydrated or on a high-sugar diet. Water helps neural activity in the brain, and releases energy. Foods with slow-release natural sugars also help balance your energy. Stress can put your system into survival mode, meaning energy diverts from your brain to your muscles (i.e. a relaxed state is optimal for learning). Sleep helps the brain absorb and recall information, and helps reduce stress.

References

Cottrell, S. (2019). The study skills handbook (Vol. 30). Bloomsbury Publishing.

Back To Top