For almost a year now, I have been able to study for long hours, sometimes 8 and even a bit more at times. It has not always been the case. As I have an ADHD disorder, I had difficulty working for as little as 30 minutes before.
When I entered university, I realized that I would have to work harder to get my work done on time. With all my implications for women in technology, I had to better manage my time if I wanted to be involved in causes that are close to my heart. Keep reading this article to understand why I’m studying for so long, how I’m doing it, and all the related details!
Why study for long hours?
It may not be relevant for everyone to study for 8+ hours in a row. It depends on the workload you have. By studying software engineering, I have a lot of team projects, readings, and exams. In addition to my university studies, I am president of a student club for women in engineering, and I have a YouTube channel, an Instagram account with more than 30,000 subscribers and this blog… Let’s say I have a lot of things to do!
I have already written an article on this subject thata task usually takes me a longertime to complete than my friends who can do a similar task in 3 times less time than me. That’s how I am, and I accept it. It takes me 3 hours to do math exercises, and it’s ok if my friend completes them in just an hour. The important thing is that after investing all this time, we both finished the exercises! It’s the only thing that matters. It even allowed me to develop many other qualities.
When I started university, I realized that with all my implications that I would have to work harder in order to keep up. Being able to study for a long time was necessary for me. It’s my way to have more than 24 hours in my days.
Studying for 8+ hours is unhealthy
I’ll talk about it later in this article, but I’m not just doing homework or studying for 8 hours. Most of the time, I spend 1 hour or 2 hours on other tasks in life, such as paying for my driver’s license, making insurance claims, and so on. I also reply to e-mails. I sometimes write future articles for my blog to please me after a few hours of mathematics, etc.
I am pleased and fulfilled even if I do homework for 8 hours. I consider it a typical day’s work.
Related | How To Stay Focused while studying
Studying for 8+ hours without stopping?
No, not without stopping. When I say working for 8 hours, I count the breaks necessary to maintain good productivity. We must also eat! Here is a typical day for me:
7 to 9 am: Alarm clock, shower, preparation
9 to 10 am:Breakfast while watching a TV show
10 to 1 pm: Study
1 to2 pm: Lunch with a TV show
2 to6 pm: Study
6 to 8 pm:Dinner + Break
8 to 10 pm: Study
As you can see, I work a lot, but I still take the time to have breaks with 1 TV show to watch during dinner, which I really enjoy! I think a good reason why I successfully follow this study routine is that it becomes an habit over time and you totally get used to it.
Studying for 8+ hours does not happen overnight
Not at all! It’s a habit that we can develop. I also did not work so many hours in a snap. At first, I was doing 1 hour, 2 hours, and I was already so proud of myself! I gradually increased my study time to 8 hours during a period of final exams.
Once we have managed to study for so long, reaching our goal is like a barrier collapsing. It’s much easier to achieve afterward.
Studying for 8 hours … every day?
No! Over time, I realized that I was not able to keep up with this pace for two days in a row, unless it was in the revision period for the final exams, due to the pressure that comes with it. As I now know myself and know how I work, I now plan my days accordingly.
For example, in this session, I do not have a class on Friday. I try to study for 8+ hours on Fridays during periods with a lot of work assignments due. On Saturdays, I take the opportunity to do activities with my friends, grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, etc. I still try to study for about 4 hours. And on Sunday, if necessary, I can redo a day of 8+ hours of study!
How to study for 8 hours?
My first tip is for sure to avoid distractions. I have already written an article that contains my tips for studying and avoiding distractions, so this article is a good start to start. Then, for specific advice in order to succeed in studying so long, I would say that it’s Study Live Streams videos that have helped me the most. I made a video explaining how the Study With Me videos help me.
Study Live Streams are videos where YouTubers study live with a Pomodoro timer. In this way, one can join them and study at the same time! Studying with friends who have their studies and success at heart as much as I do makes a difference! Especially when you study together, in real time, on YouTube.
These videos gave me the structure I needed and the motivation I was lacking. They helped me establish a study routine that works for me! It becomes a habit and you get used to studying for long hours.
I would also insist on having diversified tasks. I’m sure your first reaction when you see someone studying for 8 hours is that you think it’s impossible. It is not, it’s work, like those who work from 9 to 5 in offices. The trick is to have diversified tasks to do. Such as challenging tasks, easy, long and short. That way, you do the difficult tasks at the beginning, and if you’re like me, in the afternoon around 3-4pm, you start doing easier tasks, or even tasks that you want to do!
Also try to do some exercise during your breaks as sitting for so long is not comfortable!
Studying for 8+ hours is not productive
As I just said, I make sure to have a great variety of tasks that I need to get done for the 8 hours. I have tasks to do that I don’t enjoy doing, but I also have a couple that I enjoy and want to do. That’s how I stay productive for the whole time. If I feel like it’s not working, then I stop and do some tasks around the house so I can still be productive even though it’s not school work! I’ll try again the next day! 🙂
Still need the motivation to study? See my list of YouTube channels for study motivation
Conclusion
Remember that you do not need to compare yourself to me. It is not because you study for 1 or 2 hours a day that it is considered a failure.
I study so much because I need to study so much, to get the grades I want and to succeed in my classes and to do all my extracurricular and social activities. We all have our goals, they are different, and that’s perfectly fine!
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Marie
Marie likes to push her limits and always keep learning new things. She shares her weekly learnings because "if you can't explain it simply, it means you didn't understand it well enough".
FAQs
How do I study for 8 hours a day? ›
- Prioritize your schedule: take up difficult topics early in the day.
- Exercise.
- Steal a nap.
- Eat to maintain energy levels.
- Conserve your mental energy.
- Take regular breaks.
- If possible, study/work in daylight.
Although studies are still inconclusive on the topic, based on our research most students can study about 7 or 6 hours per day and still stay effective. However, the total time can vary depending on numerous factors and is different from student to student.
How can I focus 100% on studying? ›- 1. Make a plan. ...
- Create a relaxed study environment. ...
- Take regular breaks. ...
- Don't get distracted by social media. ...
- Drink plenty of water and eat well. ...
- Reward yourself. ...
- Don't do all-nighters, you will regret it!
Most people recommend studying for 3 to 4 hours every day on a set schedule that allows your brain to work at its full capacity. You should avoid studying for more than five or six hours as this can lead to burnout and cause you to lose the information that you have learned.
How many hours can a human brain study? ›BRAIN FOCUS & CONCENTRATION FACTS & STATISTICS
The human brain is able to focus up to two hours, after which it needs a 20-30 minute break. The average American spends about 9 hours a day at work. According to the NeuroLeadership Institute, work focus equals about 6 hours a week.
Best time to study according to science
According to science, there are two windows of time the brain is most receptive to new material: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
- PLAN A SCHEDULE OF BALANCED ACTIVITIES. ...
- PLAN ENOUGH TIME FOR STUDYING EACH SUBJECT. ...
- STUDY AT A SET TIME AND IN A CONSISTENT PLACE. ...
- STUDY AS SOON AFTER YOUR CLASS AS POSSIBLE. ...
- UTILIZE ODD HOURS DURING THE DAY FOR STUDYING. ...
- LIMIT YOUR STUDY TIME TO NO MORE THAN 2 HOURS ON ANY ONE COURSE AT ONE TIME.
- Listen to good music. ...
- Turn it into a game for yourself. ...
- Turn it into a game with others. ...
- Use nice stationery. ...
- Try roleplay. ...
- Study somewhere different. ...
- Challenge yourself. ...
- Write comics, short stories or songs.
- Step back and look at how you're responding. ...
- Find a distraction. ...
- Take a deep breath. ...
- Meditate. ...
- Look at the bigger picture. ...
- Do something nice for someone else. ...
- Recognize automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) ...
- Acknowledge your successes.
- Find a suitable environment.
- Create a study ritual.
- Block distracting websites + apps on your phone, tablet, and computer.
- Divide up + space out study sessions.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique.
- Find the best tools.
- Focus on skills, not grades.
- Schedule downtime.
How many hours do top students sleep? ›
Sleep is crucial to physical health, brain function, and learning. Eight hours of sleep a night is ideal, but some students need closer to nine.
How long can you concentrate while studying? ›Some studies suggest that due to natural variations in our cycle of alertness, we can concentrate for no longer than 90 minutes before needing a 15-minute break.
What is the 60 hour rule in engineering? ›The 60-Hour Rule essentially states that the typical person has about 60 hours per week that they can perform activities that require some focus – going to class, studying and work. Sixty hours per week is about 9 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Why am I so unmotivated to study? ›You could be feeling the effects of difficulties in your family or the world at large. Maybe you're having a hard time focusing or feel like your goals are too far away. It's normal to feel unmotivated sometimes, and you'll deal with that feeling off and on throughout your whole life.
Why is it so hard for me to study? ›Low motivation may be experienced either for certain subjects, or across the board; some of the common causes of it include: You are tired and stressed, with too much to do. There are other, more interesting things to do. You find the subject boring, or don't enjoy it for some other reason.
Why do I lack motivation to study? ›Often students lack motivation because they are overly focused on the output or the exam result. Sometimes this attitude causes them to feel anxious while at other times they simply fail to focus on the task at hand.
How many hours do geniuses study? ›If you study the most successful people in the world, you will also realize that their genius only came after more than 10,000 hours of focus and hard work.
How can I retain my memory for a long time? ›- Be physically active every day. Physical activity raises blood flow to the whole body, including the brain. ...
- Stay mentally active. ...
- Spend time with others. ...
- Stay organized. ...
- Sleep well. ...
- Eat a healthy diet. ...
- Manage chronic health problems.
Practicing a new and challenging activity is a good bet for building and maintaining cognitive skills. Your brain has the ability to learn and grow as you age — a process called brain plasticity — but for it to do so, you have to train it on a regular basis.
Do I study better at night or morning? ›Benefits of Studying at Night
1) People are more active, loud and intense during the day. At night it's only you so you can study in peace and quiet. 2) At night, there are fewer distractions as compared to the day time. Most of your friends are asleep and your social networks will be less active.
Do you study better at night or day? ›
Dozing off during study may be beneficial
Let's say you had a busy day but although you're tired, you still manage to study a bit before bed. Is that a waste of time? In fact, it's the opposite. During sleep, your brain processes the information you studied, so your retention is much more intense.
That said, science has indicated that learning is most effective between 10 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 10 pm, when the brain is in an acquisition mode. On the other hand, the least effective learning time is between 4 am and 7 am.
How can I increase my willpower to study? ›- Avoid temptations. In the marshmallow study described above, children who stared at the treat were less likely to resist it than those who closed their eyes, turned away, or distracted themselves. ...
- Make a plan. ...
- Consider your motivations. ...
- Think you can. ...
- Fuel your willpower. ...
- Focus on one goal at a time.
- Attain Discipline and Stick to It. The first and most essential point is to attain discipline. ...
- Eliminate Distractions. ...
- Create a Timetable. ...
- Maintain a Stipulated Time for Studying Every Day. ...
- Take Breaks. ...
- Set Achievable Goals. ...
- Seek Assistance. ...
- Self-Rewards After Completing a Goal.
In order to rewire your brain for the long term, you must practice visualization for at least six weeks for just five to 10 minutes a day. If you're busy during the day, try doing the practice before going to bed or first thing in the morning.
How do I stop thinking about something? ›- Try problem-solving. When you can't stop thinking about something, it can be helpful to examine the situation more closely to see if there's anything you can do about it. ...
- Healthy distractions. ...
- Physical exercise. ...
- Reframe your thoughts. ...
- Mindfulness meditation. ...
- Mental health treatment.
3 'R's: Remember It, Recall It, Retain It. Your bible of exercises to increase your brain power, improve your memory, and train your fluid intelligence.
How can I study faster and smarter? ›- Study in short chunks. Short study sessions help the synapses in your brain process information much better than lots of information in long sessions. ...
- Get in the zone. ...
- Sleep well and exercise. ...
- Write flash cards. ...
- Connect the dots. ...
- Set goals. ...
- Test yourself. ...
- Aim to teach it.
- Never Cram. There is no such thing as an effective cramming. ...
- Manage your time. Why do you cram? ...
- Practice Interlinking Ideas. Impossible you say? ...
- Make Diagrams. ...
- Set up your own Mnemonics. ...
- Learn to Visualize. ...
- Retell the Story. ...
- Take notes.
When Is the Best Time To Go to Sleep? Research suggests the ideal time to go to sleep is 10 p.m. But you should focus more on having a consistent schedule and routine when it comes to hitting the hay.
Do students who sleep more get better grades? ›
Adequate sleep contributes to a student's overall health and well-being. Students should get the proper amount of sleep at night to help stay focused, improve concentration, and improve academic performance.
How many hours do high achievers sleep? ›Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and other highly successful people who sleep 7 to 8 hours a night.
What is the 50 10 rule for studying? ›The 50/10 Rule mandates that you stay on task when studying during the 50 minutes, then go on a multitasking, multimedia bender during your 10-minute break. Mix and repeat.
Why can't I focus while studying? ›Here are some possibilities that could potentially be causing your lack of focus: Your study environment does not support learning. You may have too many distractions like talkative roommates, background noise, and an uncomfortable study space. You're feeling tired because you're not getting enough sleep.
How long can you study without losing focus? ›This is due to the fact that the brain is only able to maintain true focus for around 45 minutes before it begins to lose steam. Therefore it would be wise practice to study diligently for up to an hour and then take a break.
Do engineers get time off? ›Most full-time civil engineers receive benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.
How many hours do engineers actually work? ›On average, engineers work a 40-hour work week.
This is pretty typical for a professional career, but unlike other professional careers, engineers often work overtime and on weekends to finish various projects.
Software engineers typically work 8 to 9 hours per day or 40 to 45 hours per week. There may be more demanding hours required for startup companies or when deadlines are approaching. This can mean working overtime and/or evening and weekend shifts.
Is 8 hours enough time to study for an exam? ›"Eight hours is ideal for the night before an exam," says Dorsey. "It may be tempting to stay up late studying, but remember: you're going to need energy and focus while you're taking your exam."
How long does it take to memorize 50 pages? ›Number of pages | 🐢 Slow (150 wpm) | 🐰 Fast (450 wpm) |
---|---|---|
10 pages | 33.3 minutes | 11.1 minutes |
25 pages | 1.4 hours | 27.8 minutes |
50 pages | 2.8 hours | 55.6 minutes |
100 pages | 5.6 hours | 1.9 hours |
How do I get used to studying a lot? ›
- Create a study ritual. ...
- Block distracting websites + apps on your phone, tablet, and computer. ...
- Divide up + space out study sessions. ...
- Use the Pomodoro Technique. ...
- Find the best tools. ...
- Focus on skills, not grades. ...
- Schedule downtime.
- Eat healthily.
- Sleep well.
- Drink water often.
- Move around frequently.
- Take occasional breaks.
- Readout and write more.
- Do not get over comfortable while studying.
- Rotate the topics often.
Best time to study according to science
According to science, there are two windows of time the brain is most receptive to new material: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
To Cram or to Sleep? Good sleep can pay off even the night before an exam. Some studies have found that getting a full night's sleep before taking an exam is correlated with better grades and higher overall GPA.
Is it better to sleep or study? ›Scores of studies conclude that students really do better when they sleep. Sleeping poorly (or not at all) leads to worse test results and poorer ability to learn new things. In fact, an all nighter hurts your ability to think, reason, and understand to the same degree as if you were taking your test drunk.
How can I memorize faster? ›- Try to understand the information first. Information that is organized and makes sense to you is easier to memorize. ...
- Link it. ...
- Sleep on it. ...
- Self-test. ...
- Use distributed practice. ...
- Write it out. ...
- Create meaningful groups. ...
- Use mnemonics.
- 1) Use mental associations. ...
- 2) Apply the 80/20 principle. ...
- 3) Break it down. ...
- 4) Write it down. ...
- 5) Connect existing knowledge. ...
- 6) Try Brain exercises. ...
- 7) Learn your way. ...
- 8) Teach other people.
Think of your brain as an electronic device. It can hold 2.5 petabytes of information. You could record for 300 years and still have storage space! Shouldn't that mean we remember everything we ever do?
Why am I so tired every time I study? ›And the more we use our brain to perform mental tasks, the more energy (i.e. glucose) is being used. This results in less glucose in the blood for other parts of the body, leading you to feel extreme exhaustion after long hours of thinking.
Why do I get overwhelmed so easily when studying? ›One of the main causes of feeling overwhelmed is the sense that a task is too big to tackle. You can end up staring at your screen for hours, without being productive. Instead, try to dedicate blocks of time to your tasks and stick to them.
How can I force myself to stay awake to study? ›
- Study in a brightly lit area, but keep your computer's brightness setting on medium and try to focus on an object far away every 20-30 minutes. ...
- Work at a proper desk with a chair as far away from your bed as possible. ...
- Take breaks often.
- chocolate.
- coffee, including decaf, though in lower amounts than regular.
- foods that contain kola nut as an ingredient.
- green and black teas.
- guarana.
- yerba mate.
- energy drinks.
- foods that contain caffeine or coffee as an ingredient, such as tiramisu.
Drink lots of water to fight fatigue.
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.