Not in the right mindset? Take a break!

I have a friend who, when it comes to studying, instantly gives up and goes to sleep once he gets tired. He’ll study during the evening, start to feel tired and his brain go to mush, and hit the sack at 12am, sometimes earlier. Even the night before the exam, if he doesn’t feel ready yet, he’ll still go to bed at 12am and then wake up early in the morning to study more once he is a bit refreshed.

In contrast, I will feel disappointed in myself for not studying enough, and then try to cram a few more things in at 2am even though I know I’m not awake enough to be efficient. Even though I’m tired as heck and nothing is really going in.

I wish I could do what my friend does with the ease at which he does it. What he’s doing is really smart and is something I should be thinking about in all aspects of my life that require mental focus, and not just when it comes to studying.

You have to know when to quit.

When it comes to performance, being in the right mental state is crucial. You can’t perform your best if you’re not mentally there. What you can study in 2 hours half awake can be completed in half the time while awake and probably more efficiently.

Tired and brain is mushy? Go to sleep or take a break.

Frustrated and upset? Take some time to clear your head

It goes beyond just being tired. When we’re emotionally charged or frustrated it’s hard to focus and stay in control. We’ve all experienced trying to tackle a problem only to hit a wall and feel completely stumped. I don’t just mean a math problem. These can be problems in relationships, in hobbies, in work – anything. When we’re frustrated and emotional with problems, it’s difficult to focus, think clearly and make good decisions.

Frustrated? Distract yourself with something else until you cool down, and then come back to the problem with a clear head.

Sometimes it feels like you’re so busy that you can’t afford to take a break. Well unless your exam is tomorrow, I’m telling you right now, you can afford to take a break. Take that break, recharge and refresh your head, and get back up ready to go at it 100%.