As a law student, you know how demanding and challenging your course can be. With a lot of information to learn and retain, it can be tempting to study for hours at a time in an attempt to cover everything you need to know. However, research shows that this approach may not be the most effective method of studying… and it may even lead to burnout and decreased motivation.
But work has to be done, and there are only so many hours in the day… so why should you consider switching from long study sessions to short study sessions? And more importantly, how will this improve your work?
1. Increased focus and productivity
Studies have shown that the human brain can only concentrate effectively for short periods of time, usually around 25-50 minutes. Beyond that, our attention span decreases, and our productivity levels drop. This means that when you work in shorter study sessions, you'll be able to focus more effectively and absorb more information.
Of course with these things, everyone works a little differently – some people will find 25 minutes of focused work followed by 5-10 minutes of break suits them; others will prefer to work a little longer in one session, and then take a longer break
One thing that you need to think about when shortening your study sessions is ensuring that you are removing distractions and are concentrating properly during your study sessions. If you find yourself reaching for your phone ten minutes after opening your textbooks, you aren’t working productively, so ensure you set yourself up for success – that means switching on “do not disturb” and putting your phone out of sight!
2. Improved memory retention
When you cram information in during a long study session, you're only memorising it for the short term. However, if you cover the information over multiple shorter study sessions which are spaced out over a longer time, the information is more likely to stick in your memory.
The process of revisiting information reinforces it in your mind, making it easier to recall when you need it. This also will help you retain information beyond just your exams, making it easier when it comes to job applications and interviews.
3. Reduced stress and burnout
Law school is demanding, no question about it. Long study sessions can contribute to this stress. Taking regular breaks will also give you a chance to clear your mind, so you're ready to tackle the next study session with a fresh perspective.
Think about it this way - you wouldn’t go on a 20-mile hike without stopping for a few breaks, but we often sit down to work for hours at a time with no thought to giving our brain time to rest. When you switch to shorter study sessions, you'll find that you're less likely to feel overly tired or overwhelmed which can help prevent you from becoming burnt out in.
You can reduce your stress further by getting a few minutes of fresh air between study sessions, going for a quick walk to boost your blood flow, doing a quick meditation (here at Law Answered, we love the Balance app - you can get a free year here), or doing a breathing exercise. These activities will all help balance and regulate your nervous system, so you can work more effectively, and prevent burnout.
4. Improved time management (a.k.a. more time for fun!)
Long study sessions can be time-consuming, and it can be difficult to fit everything into a busy schedule.
Breaking down your study sessions into shorter intervals, helps you manage your time more effectively and fit more fun into your day (another thing to help you reduce the risk of burnout!).
Shorter sessions also mean that you can study around your busy timetable of lectures, without having to sacrifice your other commitments. Rather than hang out for an hour whilst waiting between lectures, why not slot in a quick 40-minute study session and free up your evening for some fun?
OUR TOP TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF SHORTER STUDY SESSIONS:
1. Plan in advance
In shorter sessions, you can’t waste 20 minutes figuring out what to learn / do.
Make a plan at the start of the week so you can dive straight into your work.
2. Remove distractions
Put your phone away and your watch on do not disturb – no excuses! Everyone gets distracted by notifications popping up.
Wherever possible, use your laptop if you need to access the internet (rather than googling on your phone) and block social media if you are tempted to have a little scroll mid-study session.
3. Set an achievable goal for each session
Recognise that you won’t be able to write an essay in a 30-minute work session, so don’t try to, because you’ll only disappoint yourself!
It all comes back to planning – for example, maybe this session is to outline your argument, and the next is to write your opening couple of paragraphs.
4. Get a system in place
Shorter sessions mean that you may need to leave an assignment halfway through. Make sure you get a good system for taking notes of any ideas or thoughts you have had that you haven’t time to implement in your work.
5. Breaks are for resting, not FOR looking at your phone!
If you just spend your breaks between sessions just stimulating your brain with social media and emails, you won’t be resting your brain properly.
Give yourself five minutes to catch up on notifications and then go take a lap of the library floor, grab yourself a drink, chat to a friend, or get a few minutes of fresh air. Aim for anything that avoids screens!
What do you think? Are you going to try to switch long study sessions for shorter, more effective shorter work sessions? By switching, you'll be able to focus more effectively, retain information better, reduce stress, and manage your time more effectively – seems like a win to us!