The back-to-school time of year is here, which can often mean long study sessions, late-night cramming, and increased time spent at your desk. While hours of preparation and work are necessary, the way you set up your study environment can make a major difference in your success.
At our chiropractic clinic, we focus on the healthy habits students can practice outside of the classroom. The way you sit, study, and care for your body has a direct impact on your focus, energy, and
overall wellness.
Here are five chiropractor-approved tips to help you study better and optimize your academic potential.
1. Create a Spine-Friendly Study Space
Spending hours hunched over a laptop or textbook can impact your ability to concentrate. These simple ergonomic adjustments can help keep your spine aligned correctly, ensuring your nervous system
functions at its best during long study sessions.
👉 Tips to Get Started:
- Raise your screen to eye level to avoid constant neck strain. Use extra books, bins, food boxes, whatever you have handy that is sturdy works!
- Keep your legs grounded by keeping your feet flat on the floor for proper body circulation.
- In your desk chair, your elbows should rest comfortably at a 90- degree angle.
- Sit leaned back in a chair with support for your lower back.
2. Scheduled Study Breaks
To retain and process information effectively, your brain needs intermittent breaks. Cramming information at the last minute may seem like the quickest way to work through material, but little breaks will help your mind and body refresh.
👉 Tips to Get Started:
- Practice the Pomodoro technique: Study for 25-30 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Apps like Focus Friend can help make this easier!
- Take periodic breaks to stretch, walk, or do a posture reset.
3. Monitor Caffeine Intake
Many students heavily consume coffee, soda, and energy drinks to give them a boost throughout their day. While a little caffeine can sharpen focus, too much late in the day can cause insomnia and jitteriness. Monitoring your caffeine intake and opting for alternatives can enhance your memory retention and focus.
👉 Tips to Get Started:
- Try to avoid consuming caffeine directly before bed.
- If you need caffeine, switch to lower intensity options like green tea or even hot cocoa!
- Substitute for bubbly water or herbal tea to stay hydrated.
- Re-energize naturally by taking a quick break to get up and move around.
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4. Prioritize Sleep and Recovery
Although it may feel productive to stay up late into the night studying, proper rest is the time your body repairs itself and processes information from the day. A well-rested student will continuously perform better than a sleep-deprived one.
👉 Tips to Get Started:
- Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night.
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
- Book a chiropractic care appointment to help your nervous system and muscles reset.
5. Fuel Your Brain
The fuel you provide to your body while studying directly impacts your ability to think and concentrate effectively. Instead of chips or candy, opt for nutrient dense food that supports your body’s processes.
👉 Tips to Get Started:
- Keep a reusable water bottle with you to avoid brain fog.
- Eat protein-packed foods (nuts, yogurt, cheese)
- Brain booster foods like blueberries, greens, and dark chocolate are a good option.
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Optimizing your study environment and schedule not only promotes student productivity, but it also includes taking proper care of your body and mind.
By creating an ergonomic study space, managing caffeine consumption, and prioritizing sleep, you can set yourself up for academic success.
At Mt. Hope Chiropractic, we’re here to support your overall wellness. If you’ve been experiencing headaches, tension, and poor posture due to increased hours of studying, consider booking a massage or chiropractic care appointment with us to help you feel your best!
