Vancouver +1(604) 628-5783
February 25, 2022
Did you know that your natural sleep cycle influences metaphorical associations between space and time? Morning people are evidently more prone to a future mindset and mind mapping with a focus on the future. This natural tendency can be super helpful for test preparation. If you are someone who loves waking up before the rest of the world, then you are naturally suited to visualizing future goals and focusing on future success, especially during the first few hours of the day. There is no better time for you to study. Continue reading for a selection of early morning study hacks to help you optimize your routine and improve your study habits before your next midterm or proctored exam.
Even though you naturally wake up early, there are steps you can take to make your mornings even more enjoyable and more productive. You could try meditating for five minutes before studying, especially if you are stressed out or feeling pressured to hit your goals. You may feel the urge to skip this recommendation and simply dive right into your studying, but meditation and mindfulness techniques are proven to help declutter the mind. Meditating before you study will increase your odds of success and give you a better shot at memorizing or analyzing complex exam content.
Also, remember to nourish your body before you attempt to study. Try eating a healthy piece of fruit, a muffin, or oatmeal to get you started. If you have more energy and inspiration, try making a yogurt parfait with granola, fresh fruit, chia seeds, coconut flakes, flax seeds or whatever else you have on hand. Your brain will be in better shape when your body is taken care of and properly fuelled. Unless you are one of those rare people who can live without caffeine, you should also get your regular cup of coffee or morning tea ready to go before you begin your studying.
If you are working or studying from home most of the time, go for a light and gentle walk so you can enjoy some fresh air and clear your head. Going for a walk around your neighbourhood is a fantastic way to mirror your morning commute, even if you only have five or ten minutes to spare. Be sure to reflect on how you personally function in the morning and what your brain typically needs in order to stay focused and alert. Make sure to turn on some lights or sit near a window with plenty of sunlight to avoid straining your eyes.
Following any of the above recommendations will help improve your mood and productivity so you can succeed with your morning study efforts. But one last thing to consider is how you can get organized and set yourself up for success the night before you study. Before you go to sleep, make a list of the most pressing content you will need to review the following morning. When you wake up, you will already have an action plan for studying. Remember to drink water before you fall asleep too, so you are well hydrated and can have a restful sleep.
Not a morning person? There is no shame in that! Head over to our previous blog featuring useful study tips for night owls or check out our complete breakdown of why your study habits should reflect your learning style. We are dedicated to providing you with the latest and most relevant study tips to help you succeed. Whenever you are feeling ready to book your exam, be sure to choose ATS for safe and secure exam proctoring services you can rely on.
Written by CJ McGillivray