The Harry Potter Alliance

By Hope Mullinax

December 14, 2009

Day 8-The Seven Deadly Sins of Studying

Yes, to me there are seven atrocities that you can do to really mess your mind and body up while you study. This is a list I came up with myself from my practices in Buddhism, working in a chiropractic office, and my own personal experiences. These tips have gotten me through my college career up to this point, though I also commit these “sins” at times. Use them how you see fit and every point may not be right for you.

1. Lack of sleep

This is probably one of the most important points. Your body heals and reenergizes itself when you sleep. Sleeping allows your brain to get extra oxygen to help it function. That’s why you yawn, because you don’t have enough oxygen. Yawning is an extra boost of air your body needs. Now I know it’s hard when you’re pulling an all nighter, but even a cat nap is beneficial. Just resting your eyes or cat napping for 15-20 minutes can be as helpful to your body as a few hours of sleep. 15-20 minutes is right before you hit the deeper sections of your REM cycle and it’s just enough to give you a little energy. So next time you plan on staying up late, make sure you have plenty of rest the night before or have a nap planned.

2. Lack of eating

Snacks not only keep you awake because it gives your body something to do, but it gives your body energy. I don’t mean coffee, sugar, or energy drinks. I like drinking Powerade because it usually has electrolytes and Vitamin B in it. Vitamin B in all its many forms is one of the main vitamins that provide energy to your body. Also water with freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice stirred in is good too. Fruit and veggies are good snacks and produce great nutrients for your body.
This next point is very important. DON’T FORGET TO EAT BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER! I’ve done this so often. I get so caught up in studying or projects that hours pass before I realize that I haven’t eaten. Your body cannot function. If you see that you won’t have time to grab a meal, then pack one the night before. And about that breakfast thing. There’s a reason it’s called “Break Fast.” You’re breaking your fast from the previous day. Eating in the mornings (or whenever you wake up) triggers the energy saved up from sleeping. It kicks up your metabolism, and it has been proven that eating breakfast can help in weight loss. Personally, I like bananas for breakfast because I can walk to class and eat at the same time.

3. Lack of breathing

Okay, this sounds dumb because everyone breaths. But how often do you take a full force, diaphragm stretched to the limit breath? Oxygen is one thing our bodies actually NEEDS! Not the coffee or the cigarettes (I’m harping on myself), but OXYGEN! But the majority of people do not breathe regularly to our full capacity. So what you need to do is breathe with your full diaphragm. Sit or stand up straight. If you’re standing, make sure your feet are shoulder length apart with knees slightly bent. Inhale slowly through your nose. Your tummy should expand out. Keep inhaling, inhaling, inhaling until you physically cannot inhale anymore. Hold your breath for five seconds. Then slowly, through your mouth, exhale. Make sure it’s controlled by your stomach muscles. Exhale fully until you physically can’t blow out any more air. Then repeat. I like to do this three to five times at several points of the day. Even doing it just once before a test will help you relax.
A little Buddhist tip that I like to also do is imagine that you are inhaling pure, white light. As you hold your breath, it gathers all the impurities and hurt in your body. When you exhale, you’re blowing out pure black, negative energy and pushing the impurity from your body. It helps me a little more to relax and focus.
So remember to breathe, even if it’s just one deep breath a day.

4. Lack of stretching

I do not mean get on the ground and perform yoga stretching (but if that helps you, then do your thing). For me, I’m either working at the computer or bent over my sketchpad for art classes. Your body can only tolerate being in that one position for so long. Your shoulders, middle and lower back will hate you. At least once per hour to an hour and an half, stand up and move around for five to ten minutes. Not only will you get your energy pumping again, you get your muscles moving. Do a few simple stretches especially if you can get your shoulders moving. Your shoulder are (usually) one of the top places people store anxious energy. That’s why they’re tight. But your shoulders are connected to your neck muscles which are attached to your head. Tight shoulder and neck muscles can cause headaches and distract you from your work. Also, your arms need to get stretched out too. That’s how people (like me) get tendonitis and carpal tunnel. Here is a website of simple stretches for office workers (which is pretty much like studying students):

http://exercise.about.com/od/flexibilityworkouts/tp/officestretches.htm

5. Lack of breaks

I keep saying the B-word… Breaks! It’s usually suggested that for every hour to an hour and a half, that you take a 10 minute break. For the reasons why, re-read points 1-4. Also, it helps your brain absorb information. If you keep cramming and cramming info, your brain has difficulty processing it all. A small break will give it time to take everything in and prepare it for the next step. So whether it’s a cat nap, a snack, or just a few stretches, you need to actually take a break! In the ten minutes you stop to relax, I promise you won’t learn much more of whatever subject you’re studying. It’s way more beneficial to stop and chill out.

6. Lack of focus

This is a big problem I have for a few reasons: facebook, youtube, twitter, television, and music. When you study or work, you have to create an environment to help you focus, or it will take you twice as long to get through your work. Know what works best for you. I absolutely cannot work in silence, but friends of mine can.
Take away distractions. If I have to study, I’ll unplug my internet cord so I can’t see my twitter updates.
“But Hope! I need the internet for my project!”
Then look up all the info you need before hand and then unplug it. And you can always turn the internet back on if you need something.
My next point is television. It you’re like me and need background noise, find a channel that won’t play your favorite T.V. show. My usual choice is the Weather Channel. It gives you background noise and no plot lines to be interested in.
Finally, music. Know what’s good for you. Make a playlist of songs that you know won’t distract you. THIS NEXT POINT IS IMPORTANT! Make sure you put a few songs in that will make you want to get up and dance. Yes, this does distract you from your work, but it goes back to the “Take a break” point. Those songs will get your energy up and make you break the monotony of cramming. “Lightning Struck Tower” by Ministry of Magic is my get up and dance around song.

7. Lack of celebration

Congratulations! You got through that big project and/or finals week! Celebrate!
School and work are hard and takes a huge toll on your body. Have something planned to treat yourself after stressful periods. It will help your body to heal and keep your spirits up. Whether it’s a massage, going to a movie, hanging out with friends, or just taking a long nap, you just need to pat your back and say “Good job me!” Personally, if I have time, I say hello to my game systems, because they usually gather dust during the semester.
“But Hope! I turned in one project today and I have another due tomorrow!”
So? Still take that time to celebrate the first project. Personally, when I’m in situations like that, I buy a specialty latte. They warm me up and are delicious, and I can drink them and work at the same time. Another good thing is to buy a big portion of some food like a tub of ice cream. You can eat some after one project, then eat the rest after the second!
Whatever you do, just make sure you celebrate. It will make you feel better and help you put your game face on for the next big task.