is it good to eat while doing homework

The Wrangler

Truth Behind Eating While Studying

Many people risk not being able to study at their fullest potential by reaching for an unhealthy snack choice!

Jeanelle Wu , Photojournalist December 10, 2021

As a student, studying for exams, working on projects, memorizing information, doing homework, and reviewing for finals is stress at its highest level, especially when doing it in a time crunch. In fact, just reading the sentence containing the words “exam”, “memorizing”, “homework”, and “finals” causes a feeling of stress. For some, this may lead to stress eating, the habit of eating as a means to relieve stress (Oxford Dictionary). Eating while studying or working is a common occurrence for students, whether it is just snacking, drinking a drink, or eating a whole meal. So, if many students have the habit of eating while studying, it has to be positively effective right? 

Simply stated, it depends. Stress eating does not have to be a bad habit, and eating while studying can actually be the key to acing the next test. Depending on the specific food being consumed, eating while studying can help students keep up their energy, stay focused, and increase the brain’s ability to memorize information. To see whether the food or drink will be beneficial to studying and working, a closer look at the composition of the item and the scientific aspect of effects on the body is needed. 

When I eat while studying, I normally get distracted and end up taking a break when I shouldn’t.

— Hanbin Wang

When wanting to have a snack, many people will have the instinct to grab their favorite junk food or caffeinated drink, which has been overprocessed and is usually filled with sugar and fat. Scientifically speaking, candy, coffee, sugary drinks, and other fatty foods can cause an instant increase in dopamine levels, a chemical in the brain that improves attention, memorization, and concentration (snacknation.com). However, when eating these types of food, the dopamine high is short-lived, and the sudden drop of dopamine levels, once the sugar wears off, will have even harsher effects on studying compared to not eating at all (snacknation.com). Additional side effects of eating refined carbohydrates (chips, bread, fried food, etc.) and foods with high amounts of added sugar include having a weaker memory and getting tired more easily, which will surely affect studying (brainscape.com). Hanbin Wang (10) shares his own experience with eating these types of food while studying, and has found that “When I eat while studying, I normally get distracted and end up taking a break when I shouldn’t.” 

Specifically, caffeine, which is known to help keep people awake and focused on a task, can reach a point where it counters what it is intended to do. Many students drink coffee reasonably throughout the day. However, when pulling all-nighters or waking up at the crack of dawn to study and get work done, students will feel the need to drink cups after cups of coffee. Students may think that the excessive amount of coffee will keep them awake and in effect help them focus; however, by the fifth cup of coffee, the caffeine will start to make the body jittery and uncomfortable and the brain distracted (theodysseyonline.com). Being distracted will make the process of finishing homework or memorizing information for a test much harder and longer than if the brain is focused.

To keep the brain from being distracted, it is important not to eat the first packaged and processed thing in the candy and chips aisle, or the calorie-filled, sugared soda in the nearest vending machine. Instead, the go-to food items while studying should include fiber, protein, and healthy fats in order to ensure the brain is functioning at its best ability. While it may seem easier to just open a bag of gummy bears to eat as a snack while studying, there are many other healthier food options: nuts, fruits, high-protein snack bars, fish, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates (whole wheat, oats, whole grain, etc.). That’s just to name a few! 

The foods listed above have been proven to have positive effects on studying. For example, healthy fats, such as nuts and fatty fish, increase blood flow to the brain, heighten cognitive abilities, and improve mood, unlike saturated fats (greasy, fried foods) (brainscape.com). Likewise, complex carbohydrates including whole grains, oats, quinoa, and barley, provide the brain with a steady supply of glucose that lasts longer than other forms of refined carbohydrates (brainscape.com). Protein is a big part of powering the brain, which is why it is important to eat lean meat, beans, soy foods, or if in a rush, high-protein snack bars (brainscape.com). In addition, a significant item on the list is fruit, which while it may seem basic, is actually a great way of eating natural sugars, which is healthier than the added sugar in candies and other junk foods. Lastly, although vegetables are not a fan favorite among students, many of the leafy, dark green vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, and spinach, contain a variety of vitamins that are known to improve alertness and memory (brainscape.com).

When looking at different types of drinks, it is only beneficial for a certain amount of coffee to be consumed, and sodas and other sugary drinks have way too much added sugar for the brain to use effectively. While on the topic of sugary drinks, do not be fooled into thinking that fruit juices are a healthy option just because of the word “fruit” in front of it. In reality, the so-called “fruit juices” have a lot of added sugar, just as much as soda does (brainscape.com). It is the best and safest option, for the sake of studying and school, to stick with water.

Although eating and studying seem like completely unrelated things, they are shown to go hand in hand. The right food will help the brain function at its highest potential, increasing focus and optimizing memory when studying. It doesn’t hurt to grab a healthy snack on the way to hitting the books, and who knows, it might just be the key to acing the next exam.

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Jeanelle Wu is a senior at YLHS and is excited to serve as one of the editors-in-chief for The Wrangler this year. As she continues writing for The Wrangler,...

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Emma Safari • Nov 30, 2023 at 7:39 AM

I’m hoping the healthier snacks will help me do better on my tests and upcoming finals! Amazing article, keep up the great work.

14 Healthy Study Snacks To Improve Your Memory & Focus In 2024

Snacking while hitting the books is a great idea unless it feels like they are suddenly hitting back. This problem occurs when the foods you eat to study are overly processed and can cause you to feel tired or sleepy – not what you want when studying!

A healthy study snack should be filling but not make you feel sluggish. It should also be easy to eat so you can focus on your work and not worry about making a mess.

The right foods, however, can increase your brain’s ability to retain information and focus. Foods to eat while studying should be high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This combination helps to fuel your body and mind to ensure that you are functioning at the highest level.

The brain requires a lot of energy to function properly, and the right foods can help to provide that energy. In fact, studies have shown that eating a healthy diet can actually improve your memory and cognitive function.

Now that you know what makes a healthy snack to study – what are your options?

Page Contents (Click To Jump)

Regardless of whether you prefer your snacks salty or sugary, almonds can do both. Although it is generally recommended that you go for plain roasted almonds, you can add some seasoning yourself. By doing so, you will probably consume way less salt than with store-bought options. A handful of almonds will provide you with a decent amount of protein and healthy fats, which makes such a snack not only healthy but also filling and satisfying.

If almonds are not generally the nuts of your choice, you can always go for pistachios, peanuts, or cashews. However, always remember not to eat too much salt with your good study snacks. Is it not only unhealthy in the long run, but it will make you extremely thirsty.

SnackNation Recommendation: Blue Diamond Almonds

2. Dried fruit

If you feel like you might need a fix of sugar in the middle of the study session, you can prepare some dried fruit snacks for yourself. Since fruit is a natural source of sugars, such an option will definitely satisfy your cravings while remaining on the healthier side.

Dried apple, pineapple, and mango are usually very common among the students; besides, you can go for apple or coconut chips to swap out the traditional salty options available in stores. It is also generally a good idea to make your own trail mix at home. Simply mix some dried fruits, nuts, and seeds in an airtight bag and enjoy this healthy snack for up to a month.

SnackNation Recommendation: Traina Home Grown Sun Dried Baker’s Fruit Medley

3. Dark chocolate

Everyone needs a piece of chocolate every now and again. While it may be tempting to eat an entire bar of extra sweet and milky chocolate in one sitting, you definitely shouldn’t do so. A piece or two of dark chocolate will give you enough energy to finish studying for any exam and satisfy your cravings.

Chocolate is one of the foods that help you focus; it’s a natural way to boost your concentration and even improve your mood as it is full of antioxidants and natural stimulants. It also promotes your body’s production of endorphins, which make you happy, and who wouldn’t want that from a simple snack?

SnackNation Recommendation: Awake Caffeinated Chocolate Energy Bar, Dark Chocolate

4. Air-popped popcorn

Yes, you’ve read that correctly. Popcorn is not only for watching movies.

While the store-bought popcorn or the packets you cook in the microwave oven do not tend to be on the healthy side, you can make a batch on the stovetop. Adding a drop of olive oil and a little bit of salt will leave you with a tasty, airy, and light snack that will be just enough to get you through the exam preparation. You can also use cinnamon and sugar instead if you’re in the mood for a sweet snack.

SnackNation Recommendation: Three Dads Natural Foods Superfood Popcorn

We all want to enjoy some good old finger foods from time to time, and that is usually when all the candy may come into play. However, you should give edamame a go instead.

Shelled edamame is about the same size as M&M’s and Skittles you might eat while studying, but it is way healthier. As a natural source of protein and fiber, edamame will be a great addition to your daily diet. Besides, it doesn’t have all that sugar you wouldn’t want to consume.

SnackNation Recommendation: Seapoint Farms Sea Salt Dry Roasted Edamame

6. Apples and nut butter

It can be hard to imagine a better match than apples and any kind of nut butter. Whether you prefer peanut or almond, such a snack will provide you with enough protein and fats to remain focused on the task. Besides, the saltiness of a nut butter balances out the sweetness of an apple slice, and you are left with an extremely simple two-ingredient culinary perfection.

When buying almond or peanut butter, be sure to check the label and go for the options that don’t have any unnecessary additives.

SnackNation Recommendation: RX Nut Butter, Vanilla Almond Butter

7. Smoothie

Having gained popularity over the past decades, smoothies have become an extremely balanced and tasty way to enjoy healthy foods. Regardless of which ingredients you like to see in your smoothies, you can always add a scoop of protein powder to get that extra boost you might need while studying.

Satisfying and filling, smoothies will also allow you to not feel hungry until after you’re done with the tasks. Besides, there are really no rules on how to make a perfect smoothie; it all depends on your preferences, so whether you add oranges or avocado to your snack doesn’t really matter.

SnackNation Recommendation: Genius Juice, Coconut Smoothie Turmeric Organic

8. Fruit salad

Sometimes, we all need something sweet and light, and fruit salad is one of the easiest solutions. Slice your favorite fruit (or whatever you have in your fridge), add some honey or yogurt, and enjoy! As simple as it may seem, fruit salad is a great source of vitamins and carbohydrates.

SnackNation Recommendation: Fruit Salad Seasonal Small Conventional

9. Veggies and hummus

Not everyone has a sweet tooth, and we understand that you may not be among the people who would choose a fruit salad over something savory.

If this is the case, you can always go for veggie sticks and some hummus. Refreshing and filling at the same time, such a snack will help you gain enough energy for your studying and won’t make you feel sleepy and exhausted as a pizza could.

Since hummus is made from chickpeas, it is a great source of plant-based protein, and vegetables will provide enough carbs to get you through. Carrots, celery, and bell pepper are usually the most common options of vegetables to eat with hummus; which ones do you prefer?

SnackNation Recommendation: Hope Foods, Spicy Avacado Hummus

10. Frozen grapes

Who doesn’t like ice cream?

Whether you prefer to grab a sundae while binge-watching your favorite TV show over the weekend or eat a bar while taking a walk with your friends on a summer day, there’s a high chance that you enjoy this sugar-packed food.

However, it is not necessarily the best match for your study session. Instead, freeze some grapes in a zip lock bag the night before your great studying plans. Then, when you’re ready to hit the books, you can enjoy this refreshing, sweet, and generally healthy snack on the side.

SnackNation Recommendation: Red Seedless Grapes

11. Brown rice crackers

We are pretty sure that potato chips may be among the first options when you think of a snack. However, you probably won’t be too surprised to find out that store-bought chips are not the healthiest brain food for studying out there.

Brown rice crackers, on the other hand, are a great substitute. While providing you the crispness, crunchiness, and taste that you need, they also serve as a great addition to a sliced tomato or avocado, which makes for an even better snack.

SnackNation Recommendation: Mary’s Gone Crackers Original Crackers, Organic Brown Rice, Flax & Sesame Seeds

12. Muesli bars

Candy bars are often among the popular but definitely not the best snacks for college students; they tend to give the quick fix of sugars (and sometimes nuts). While these may seem somewhat healthy, there’s also a ton of added sugars and fats that you can easily go without.

Instead, try to munch on muesli bars while studying or taking a break. Just as sweet, they can even be made at home. So, if you have some extra time over the weekend, feel free to look for the best brain food muesli bar recipes online and give them a go in your own kitchen.

SnackNation Recommendation: HEALTH WARRIOR Chia Bars, Chocolate Peanut Butter

Although fried stuff with cheese may sound like a great idea for a weekend dinner, you definitely shouldn’t go for such an option while studying. Instead, a few slices of cheese can satisfy your cravings and give you just enough energy. You can also diversify such a simple snack with a cracker or peanut butter for an even better taste.

SnackNation Recommendation: Just the Cheese Bars, Crunchy Baked Low Carb Snack Bars

14. Coffee with milk

We know we have mentioned above that coffee shouldn’t be the snack you go for while studying. However, there’s a way you can overcome such a recommendation. A cup of freshly-brewed coffee with some cow’s or plant-based milk won’t be considered brain food for exams but will give you the energy you need.

Caffeine will boost your attention, concentration, and motivation, and the milk will give you some protein. Besides, a cup of coffee with milk is usually pretty filling, so you will also feel satisfied and not at all hungry until it is time to have dinner.

SnackNation Recommendation: Kitu Super Coffee Mocha Sugar-Free

What Not To Do

Regardless of whether you have to pull an all-nighter, write an essay for a few hours during the day, or simply use a plagiarism checker, there’s always a chance that you can struggle with doing so. Lack of concentration and energy may force some of the students to make a huge jug of coffee, go outside for a cigarette, or grab an energy drink or two. While all of these options sound pretty easy, they are not the healthiest ones. If you top all of these with some sugary candy and fatty chips, you won’t be likely to succeed in your academic endeavors.

Let’s get scientific for a moment. Sugary and fatty foods, caffeine, and nicotine all have an ability to increase your dopamine levels for short time periods. Dopamine can grant a feeling of satisfaction and improve attention, memory, and motivation. However, as soon as dopamine levels drop, you will find yourself even more distracted and exhausted than you were before. Besides, sudden drops in dopamine levels may have certain adverse long-term effects on your body. If such risk doesn’t sound too appealing, we suggest that you don’t settle for a quick fix of unhealthy options and go for something different.

Regardless of whether you struggle with keeping attention and focus regularly or not, you should do your best to follow a healthy diet.

A proper diet is based upon high-quality proteins, healthy fats (like omega-3), and fiber. You need all macronutrients to maintain your physical and mental health, which is why you should pay attention to what you eat. With every meal, try to get some protein, “slow” carbohydrates, and some healthy fats. A quick healthy snack in the middle of the study session can serve as a natural source of energy, which is much needed for all students.

Besides, you should never forget about the true value of a good night’s sleep and physical exercise. College students should receive approximately 7-8 hours of sleep every night, and let’s be real when was the last time you got close to it? Whether you had to pull an all-nighter to write an essay or simply spent one too many hours online, there’s a chance that you don’t sleep enough most nights. EduBirdie professionals suggest that it’s better to go to a custom essay writing service for help. Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep and how it impacts your ability to study.

Having to exercise doesn’t mean that you have to hit the gym 6 times a week; instead, try walking or riding a bicycle instead of driving or taking a bus, go for a short walk in the park, or do yoga in the morning. Will not only it do wonders for your body in the long run, but you will also feel generally more energized and ready to take over your academic assignments.

Studying can be just as exhausting as exercising in the gym, which is why you should fuel your body and mind with the best foods possible. No matter what people might say, snacking while studying doesn’t have to be a distraction. From refreshing frozen grapes to savory hummus with veggies, there are a plethora of healthy snacks on the go for college students for you to enjoy. And remember, you should eat to live and not live to eat.

Let us know your favorite healthy study snacks in the comments below!

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About SnackNation

SnackNation is a healthy office snack delivery service that makes healthy snacking fun, life more productive, and workplaces awesome. We provide a monthly, curated selection of healthy snacks from the hottest, most innovative natural food brands in the industry, giving our members a hassle-free experience and delivering joy to their offices.

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The 10 Best Brain Food Snacks for Studying

Put down the all-dressed chips, poutine, nanaimo bars and timbits – they might be delicious, but healthy study snacks are much better for your brain.

The right snacks can boost your ability to focus, make you more productive and help keep your mind sharp. Plus they won’t lead to a sugar crash followed by an emergency nap (unlike way too much ice cream).

So for all the undergraduates, postgraduates and high school students who need something to nibble on while they study – this is our roundup of the ten best healthy and affordable study snacks:

An easy-to-share infographic is located at the bottom of this post.

Almonds are a satisfying but healthy snack.

A handful can give you a quick energy boost while you study, but stick to buying the unsalted kind and adding any salt yourself at home (otherwise you’ll be eating more salt than is healthy). And if you’re not a fan of almonds, other good options are peanuts, cashews, walnuts and pistachios.

2. Dark chocolate

This is a snack for all the chocoholics out there…

Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and natural stimulants. It improves blood flow to your brain, helping you focus better. And it increases your body’s production of mood-boosting endorphins, making you happier.

Just remember, this is a snack to eat in moderation.

3. Air-popped popcorn

Popcorn isn’t just for movie theatres!

It’s easy to make popcorn yourself on the stove top, or you can use a popcorn maker if you have one. Then drizzle a little olive oil over it and sprinkle on some salt. Or go for cinnamon and sugar, if you’re craving something sweet.

Making popcorn like this is much healthier than using microwave popcorn and it’s tastier too.

4. Fruit salad

It’s time to raid the fruit bowl.

Apples, oranges, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, kiwis, the pineapple chunks from the back of the cupboard and that slightly bruised banana you don’t know what to do with. They’ll give your brain a boost of energy and fill your body with vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Plus, you can save yourself time with this snack: make a big batch and you’ll have enough for breakfast the next morning, too.

5. Greek yogurt

This is great if you need a more substantial and filling snack (hello, all-nighter).

It’s higher in protein than regular yogurt (it contains twice as much per serving!), which will help fill you up and curb your hunger. And it’s also full of bone-building calcium and gut-friendly probiotics.

To mix up the flavour, try adding a drizzle of honey or some of your leftover fruit salad.

6. Frozen grapes

This snack needs overnight prep, so you’ll need to plan ahead.

Buy a bunch of grapes, pop them into a ziploc bag and put them in the freezer – they’ll be ready for you to snack on while you’re studying the next day.

Stick to refreshing and delicious frozen grapes while you study, and save the ice cream and popsicles for post-exam celebrations (when you don’t need to use your brain any more).

7. Veggies (and hummus)

You can snack on just veggies… but they’re better with hummus.

Hummus is high in protein, calcium and brain-boosting Omega 3 fatty acids. Which makes it the perfect partner for vitamin and fiber filled veggie sticks!

Eat your hummus with carrots, cucumber, red pepper, celery, sugar snap peas or your fingers.

8. Homemade trail mix

Pumpkin seeds, cashews, sunflower seeds, pecans, almonds,dried cranberries, raisins… or any other mix of dried fruit, nuts and seeds which takes your fancy!

You can keep your trail mix in an airtight container (like a ziploc bag or a mason jar) for up to a month, so make yourself a big batch to have on hand.

It’s definitely better to make your own trail mix – the shop-bought kind is usually loaded with salt and hydrogenated oils, plus the dried fruit is coated with added sugar. And it’s overpriced, too.

9. Apples with peanut butter

This is a very very good combination of two great snacks: apples and peanut butter.

Cut your apple into slices and spread a little peanut butter onto each one. If you’re feeling fancy (or you need something to put on your Instagram) you can create adorable mini sandwiches.

Here’s something to try in your next study break : https://www.thekitchn.com/snack-recipe-apple-sandwiches-recipes-from-the-kitchn-183079

10. Crunchy roasted chickpeas

If you’re looking for a crunchy salty alternative to chips, this is it.

Chickpeas are full of protein and fiber (unlike potato chips) and surprisingly tasty when you roast them in the oven with salt and chili powder for 45-60 minutes.

You can also try making them with garlic and parmesan or honey and cinnamon.

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Is it Better to Study Before or After Eating – What the Research Says

I know I was always interested in knowing when I should eat regarding studying. If it was better to wait or if I should eat before studying. I could never figure out which was more beneficial to the studying process, so I decided to do some research to figure it out.  

I had always found that I did better in my studies when I had eaten beforehand. I had no idea that it had to do with the blood flow to my brain. I had always thought it had to do with my stomach.

25 Study Tips to Improve Academic Performance

Before we get started, if you are looking to improve your writing, you should really check out Grammarly . Grammarly is a godsend for those who have to write term papers, dissertations, or anything else you write that needs to be grammatically correct. Grammarly doesn’t just check grammar either. It helps you to write clearly and effectively by checking for overused words and unclear phrases. Best of all, Grammarly has a great free tier to get started with. For more information on Grammarly, click the link below:

The Effects of Studying after a Meal

Lack of nutrients can lead to reduced focus and brain function. The more essential nutrients you have in you, the more energy you will have for brain function.

Why it is Bad to Eat After Studying Instead of Before 

If you haven’t noticed when someone has gotten overly hungry, they can be quite irritable. People who go without food can become irritated easily and, in some cases, can become hostile. I know when I get hungry, I can be quite rude. This irritability can come from a few factors.

When this occurs during studying, it can be quite distracting. Not only are you trying to think about the work you are on, but your brain becomes distracted by wanting to eat. You’ll be more focused on hunger instead of the work you are trying to complete. If you can push past the thoughts of hunger, you may be distracted by the thought of food and will begin to daydream about it.

Have you ever gone to the store to buy food on an empty stomach? If you have, you’ve probably noticed that you have bought more than intended (I know I have). This trend is common among people who don’t eat before going to the store. It’s called being impulse buying, and that happens a lot.

This correlation extends to studying. If you become impulsive when studying, you would be quick to find an answer you think is correct, instead of taking the time to find the true one. Many times when we are hungry, we just want to finish studying as soon as possible. This desire to be done with studying will result in lower scores and lower grades in the long run. Make sure to take your time when studying .

When you overeat, you will notice that you may feel sleepy, and it’s because you are. Your stomach has taken a large amount of blood flow from your brain and, as a result, your brain will work much slower. This reduced blood flow to the brain will cause you to feel sleepy. The takeaway here is to eat moderately before studying to ensure you don’t experience this negative reaction to overeating.

You should also note that it would be best to wait after you eat before you study. This effect happens, no matter how much food you eat. You would be fine to study 10-30 minutes after you eat, depending on how much food you have consumed. Giving you body this time helps it to digest the food faster and ensures you have the proper amount of blood flowing to your brain when studying.

What to Eat

Foods Rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Certain fruits will give your brain nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that it needs. Raisins, for example, contain boron. Boron has been shown to improve memory, particularly short-term memory. Blueberries and Strawberries are high in anti-oxidants which can also support better short-term memory function. Avocados is a great source of healthy fats, which the brain uses to function more effectively. 

Green Leafy Vegetables

Just like certain fruits, green leafy vegetables will give your brain the nutrients and vitamins that they need. Some examples of vegetables taht are great for boosting brain function include:

Dark Chocolate

The benefit of gum.

Gum has some of the effects that Dark Chocolate does. However, as opposed to Dark Chocolate, this is done during the test or study process, as opposed to before. Like Dark Chocolate, gum helps to stimulate your brain while studying by keeping it awake and alert. It also has enzymes that help to keep your brain focused by ways of natural nurturing.

Gum can also be a great way to keep yourself from getting distracted. If you are someone who does get distracted easily, you can use the gum as a fidget tool to keep your brain from wandering. This also helps with people who talk a lot because it keeps your mouth moving while your brain engages with the work you are studying.

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Why do you get hungry when studying or thinking? 
(And how to squash that hunger!) 


Fitness | 0 comments

Although thinking hard at work or school isn’t the same as a physical workout, it’s still taxing and tiring. And studies have shown that it actually does increase your hunger. Here’s why it does, and what to do about it (besides eat!).

Does mental work burn calories?

The basic answer is no. One study showed that students given a thinking-task burned only three more calories than students who spent the same amount of time just relaxing. Three calories aren’t going to make a difference to anyone. But what seems to be harmful to you hard thinkers out there, is that even though you’re not burning calories, your feelings of hunger increase. And that often leads to over-eating.

Do you get real hunger from studying or thinking hard?

A recent study in Canada took students and randomly divided them into three groups. One group was told to relax, one group did some simple reading, and the third group was given a complex computer task. When they were finished with their tasks, all were taken to an all-you-can-eat buffet. It turns out, the group with the complex-thinking task consumed an average of 200 calories more than the group who relaxed.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham conducted a second study. To get baseline results, researchers first took undergraduate students and had them all complete the same graduate-level exam. The students just rested after the exam and were offered all the pizza they could eat.

Then the following week, they gave the same students another similarly difficult graduate-level exam. This time, half of the group rested again for 15 minutes after the exam, while the second group participated in high-level exercise. The exercisers ate 25 less calories than they had the previous week where they relaxed. But the group that relaxed again ate 100 calories more this time.

Why do you feel hunger after mental tasks?

The researchers took blood samples before, during, and after the various activities in the first study. Results showed that the difficult-thinking task caused big fluctuations in glucose and insulin levels. Because glucose fuels neurons in the brain, this fluctuation seems to send hunger signals. This causes feelings of hunger, even though the caloric energy spent on the task is almost nothing.

Researchers in the second study took this even further. They determined that the glucose and lactate you produce when you exercise provides the additional energy your brain needs, instead of taking in calories through food.

How to squash the hunger you feel from thinking hard 

As the studies above concluded, after you’ve had some difficult intellectual tasks, a brisk walk or a short bout of any type of exercise may get rid of those hunger feelings.

Take a pause before automatically reaching for a snack. Think about the possibility that you’re not really as hungry as you feel. Then try something else instead to see if that hunger feeling goes away. The snacks will still be there in 15 minutes if you wait a bit, and you may not feel like you need them by then!

Just being aware that you may be feeling hungry when you’re really not may help. Think about your fitness goals, your weight goals, your blood pressure…whatever it is you’re trying to achieve. Thinking about these goals can help your brain override the false feelings of hunger you’re feeling.

If you do decide that you really need to eat, have a snack drawer or stash in the fridge ready to go for these times. Stock it with things that aren’t bad for you—protein is usually your best bet. Nuts, cheese and crackers, a hard-boiled egg, or a Greek yogurt will take care of those hungry feelings.

You can overcome this type of hunger 

Studies have shown that while you don’t burn many calories, intellectual tasks can give you false feelings of hunger.

Try taking a break before heading straight to the snacks, and if at all possible, just move for a few minutes. If you can, take a quick 10-minute walk.

You’ll be surprised how much better—and less hungry—you’ll feel afterwards. Give it a try!

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What to Snack on, Depending on Which Subject You're Studying

Food is always there for those in need., taylor matto, get spoon university delivered to you.

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We all have those days when we feel like no matter what we do, we can't concentrate on what we are supposed to be studying. Or we have those moments when we would rather watch paint dry than write a history paper on World War II.

Something that always helps me stay motivated and focused is having something to snack on while doing homework. But not just any snack can do the job, every class requires certain foods that get the creative juices flowing. These are some snacks you should try while studying for exams, according to what you're studying.

History: Sour Patch Kids

atlnav on Flickr

Let's face it, you're going to need a snack that will keep you awake as you try to figure out what England was doing during the 1800s.

Try a snack like Sour Patch Kids to help you get through all of the boring reading that comes along with taking a history class. The sourness of this candy wakes you up and the sweetness will give you a sugar rush that will help keep you awake. 

Spanish: Chips and Guacamole

They say when trying to understand a language better you should immerse yourself in the culture, so while studying up on irregular verbs, try snacking on chips and guac. Sure, the types we have here will be Americanized, but at least you will be trying to get in the same state of mind as those from Mexico.  

Communication: Coffee Cake

The point of communication classes is to become more comfortable with expressing your opinions and connecting it to people and places. So, while studying for communication, try to snack on coffee cake. Coffee cake is the type of food that you eat while connecting with others, so it will be perfect for studying and practicing how to converse with those around you. 

Chemistry: Pop Rocks

When trying to think like a chemist the most logical snack to have is Pop Rocks, of course. OK, so maybe there is no actual scientific correlation between Pop Rocks and chemistry, but the faint "popping" sound will have you fooled long enough to study for your upcoming exam. 

Philosophy: Cannoli

Is the filling or shell made first when cannoli's are being made? What is the essence of this cannoli? Did it choose to be a cannoli or is it conforming to society? These questions are essentially what every philosophy class consists of. Try having a cannoli while studying for philosophy, and it will get you into a delicious and philosophical state of mind. 

Math: Coffee

You will most likely need a pick-me-up to help you power through doing all of your calculus problems. Having a coffee or any caffeinated drink from your favorite place will help you power through. Dunkin' Donuts' iced coffee and Starbucks' cafe mochas are my personal favorites. 

Accounting: Donuts

Accounting may be a tough class to get through, especially for those of us who only have to take the class because it is required. Try snacking on donuts while you study accounting for an instant mood booster and for insight on living the office life.   

English: Tea and Scones

English classes normally come along with a lot of reading, so be sure to have some tea and scones as you make your way through your stack of books. This snack is prefect for those taking a British Literature course, as it will make you feel like Jane Austen is telling you the story instead of you reading it. Or at least we can pretend. 

Sometimes having a good snack is the only thing that can help you get motivated to do your school work. Have your favorite snacks on hand while studying to help you finish out the semester strong.

Adventurous

Madison is one of the best college towns for a reason., what ever happened to "make snacks, not war".

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The Broadview

Multitasking affects efficiency, quality of homework

Neely Metz , Copy Editor December 10, 2015

Listening to music, eating or using a cell phone is an easy escape from the potential monotony of homework, but multitasking can be detrimental to the quality and efficiency of students’ work, despite making the job more pleasurable. 

“I listen to music, I text with my friends constantly, and I eat,” junior Sarah Hong said. “With songs with a really good beat I sort of work to the beat. Texting my friends, half the time I’m texting about homework, so it’s kind of more productive than social leisure.”

Ninety-eight percent of student respondents admitted to multitasking while doing homework, according to an online Broadview survey.

Despite its pleasurable effects, listening to music with lyrics slows down the learning process while doing homework, making it more difficult to recall information and decreasing efficiency, according to Academic Support Director Betsy Pfeiffer.

“It becomes tricky when both tasks have to access the same part of the brain,” Pfeiffer said. “If you’re trying to read and you’re listening to songs with lyrics in it, they’re both accessing the language part of your brain and it just makes it a lot slower to be able to process what you are reading. If listening to music is helpful for you, listen to music without lyrics.”

Although lyrical music may inhibit a student’s learning, music without words does not access the part of the brain that comprehends language, known as the Wernicke’s area, and does not interfere with study habits.

“When I’m writing English papers, I don’t listen to music because I tend to type what I’m listening to instead of what I want to say in my paper,” Hong said. “So that’s the time I don’t listen to music, or when I’m reading.”

When the learning process is decelerated by the brain trying to focus on two tasks at once, students are prone to making more mistakes than if they were focusing on just one task.

“Sometimes you have so much to do, you feel like multitasking can get it done quicker,” Pfeiffer said. “Some studies have shown that students make more mistakes than they normally would make because when they are shifting between two tasks, your brain has to take time to refocus on the task each time you go back to it. It is slowing down your cognitive processing and interrupting the continuity of learning.”

Texting while doing homework can also be a harmful form of multitasking, as it takes the brain longer to switch between texting and studying than students may assume.

“So let’s say I want to text with my friend, at the same time I have to write an essay,” Pfeiffer said. “When I go back to the essay, my brain has to actually go back and think about what I was doing before. You don’t think it takes away from your concentration because it happens so quick, but your brain is having to refocus on what you were doing before the quick text, so it’s taking you longer to actually complete the essay. ”

While most media-related forms of multitasking can be distracting to students working on their studies, some forms can benefit their focus and concentration on homework.

Eating while doing homework, although technically a form of multitasking, does not take away from a student’s language understanding, and can keep a student focused and less bored without causing a loss of attention.

“With eating, it helps refuel my brain so I can keep working,” Hong said. “I need those constant little breaks because I can’t sit at my desk for hours straight.”

Forty-seven percent of respondents in the Broadview survey claimed that multitasking, mainly stating eating or listening to music, either does not have a drastic effect on their homework quality or efficiency, or benefits their homework habits by helping them enjoy homework and preventing boredom.

“It works positively because I feel like I’m getting fun out of doing the work,” one respondent wrote. “It’s kind of like when you give a dog a treat at the vet, the dog may not like the vet but a treat can make his or her experience a lot more positive and will encourage the dog to want to come back. With this type of attitude I look forward to my work and therefore I complete it faster.”

Students involved in extracurricular activities that end late into the day have only a small window of time for both homework and other tasks.

“By the time I get a chance to do it, I don’t have time to do much else,” another responder wrote. “There is only so much time in the day, and I can hardly get all my work done at a decent hour, even when I sit down and start working right when I get home. I don’t have time to take many breaks, so I eat at the same time, and I like to listen to music. Music helps keep me awake and active.”

If a student’s multitasking habits are damaging to their academic career, Pfeiffer recommends finding better strategies and being more conscious of boredom while allowing occasional breaks to regain focus.

“Sometimes it’s okay to walk away from something and come back to it if you feel that you are not being productive, because in that time frame you’re not getting anything done anyway,” Pfeiffer said. “The key is to really figure out how you best study, when you are most productive and to be honest with yourself on what you want to accomplish.”

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How to Stay Awake While Studying

Last Updated: June 24, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Jennifer Kaifesh . Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 387,506 times.

Studying is hard work, and all that work often makes you tired! Sometimes, studying through your fatigue is part of the road to success and getting good grades in school. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help increase your energy and focus .

Here are 16 tricks to help you stay awake while you’re studying.

Study somewhere that’s not too comfortable.

• If you like to study at home, make yourself a dedicated study space . This could be a corner of your room with a desk and a chair or a kitchen table. Wherever you can concentrate without being too comfortable is great!

Change your study spot every day to boost your memory.

• Choose locations that fit your studying style and personality. For example, if you study best in silence, pick a library or quiet room, whereas if you prefer background noise, opt for a cafe or common area.

Turn on bright lights if you’re studying late at night.

• If your space doesn’t have much lighting, relocate to a brighter area, if possible.

Eliminate outside distractions if you can’t concentrate.

• You can also turn your phone off, leave it in a different room, or put it on “Do Not Disturb” mode, so you don’t receive any texts or notifications.
• If you’re easily distracted by surfing the Internet, use an app or Internet browser extension that lets you set controls to block certain websites for a set period of time so you aren’t tempted.

Listen to upbeat music to keep your brain alert.

• If you’re in a public place, use headphones to listen to the music of your choice.
• Look for upbeat playlists online or on a music app. You can also find premade playlists with music specifically for studying.

Read out loud to engage your brain.

• If you don’t want to read everything out loud, you can also try talking to yourself when you study. For example, when you finish studying a topic, say out loud: “Okay, I finished studying for my history test, now I can study for the English exam!”

Chew mint gum while you study to wake up your brain.

• Keep a pack of mint-flavored gum in your backpack or pencil case so you always have it with you when you’re studying.

Eat foods that are high in protein for longer-lasting energy.

• Avoid sugary foods or drinks, like cookies or soda, along with carb-heavy foods, like potato chips. These might give you a quick boost, but you’ll crash later on.
• Try to eat every 2 to 3 hours, even if it’s just something small, to avoid low blood sugar, which makes you feel sleepy.

Drink lots of water to fight fatigue.

• Avoid alcohol, particularly on days when you're studying or the day before. Drinking alcohol regularly can negatively affect your brain function along with dehydrating you.

Drink a caffeinated beverage if you want an instant boost.

• Be aware that coffee and other caffeinated drinks can actually be dehydrating, so you should drink water with them, too.
• Avoid drinking coffee or consuming anything with caffeine, like chocolate, soda, or tea, within 6 hours of when you plan to go to bed or you may have trouble falling asleep.
• Don’t consume more than 200 mg of caffeine in a day. Too much caffeine can be very dangerous for your heart and can also worsen existing conditions, like anxiety or depression.
• Avoid energy drinks and pills that contain caffeine and/or chemicals. While quick fixes are tempting, they can have dangerous side effects, like increased anxiety or even heart problems. [9] X Research source

Study in 25-minute intervals if you like having scheduled breaks.

• Use your 5-minute breaks to relax and recharge your brain. Do something unrelated to what you’re studying, like stretching out your body or watching a funny YouTube video.
• Take a longer 30-minute break after you complete 4 intervals.
• Try to keep each total study session to no more than 5 hours long. If you study for longer than that, you’ll likely get burnt out.

Take a 10- to 20-minute nap if you’re really tired.

• If possible, choose a spot that’s quiet and dark to take your nap, which will help you get better quality sleep.
• Make sure you're getting at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, too. Naps are a good boost but they aren't a substitute for uninterrupted sleep.

Exercise for 15 to 20 minutes to get your blood flowing.

• If you can, do your exercise outside for even more benefits. Fresh air is an instant energy boost. Instead, you can meditate for 10 minutes.
• You can also find ways to incorporate exercise into your studying. For instance, swap your chair for a stability ball to work your core while you sit, or do stretches at your desk while you read.
• If you’re studying in intervals, try taking an exercise break after each one. For example, after studying for 25 minutes, do 5 minutes of bodyweight exercises like pushups and jumping jacks.

Switch topics every 30-60 minutes to stay focused.

• If you’re studying in timed intervals, switch the topic you’re studying after each interval.
• If you're only studying for 1 class, like English, change the specific material you're reviewing if possible. For instance, start with Shakespeare, then move to Chaucer.

Organize a study group if you get tired of working alone.

• Keep your study group to 3 to 6 people. Too many people can become distracting or difficult to manage.
• Stay on task by setting group goals for each study session, like finishing 2 chapters of a textbook or covering 1 topic. Otherwise, it may be tempting to just waste time talking or goofing off.You can also do meditation for 10minutes

Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

• Note that this is how much sleep the average person needs. Some people need a few more hours to feel rested and others do fine with less. The most important thing is to be consistent with your sleep. If you feel good with 6 hours of sleep a night or need up to 9, that’s fine too.

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• ↑ https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/how-does-the-brain-learn-best-10-smart-studying-strategies/
• ↑ https://www.aiuniv.edu/blog/2016/may/stay-energized-for-late-night-studying
• ↑ https://success.oregonstate.edu/learning/ready-set-concentrate
• ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/3022942/the-surprising-science-behind-what-music-does-to-our-brains
• ↑ https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/featurephilia/story/how-to-stop-falling-asleep-while-studying-17-tips-to-keep-you-awake-for-board-exam-preparation-1648066-2020-02-19
• ↑ https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/09/17/does-chewing-gum-while-studying-help-you-remember/
• ↑ https://www.cnn.com/2017/04/26/health/energy-drinks-health-concerns-explainer/index.html
• ↑ https://learningcommons.ubc.ca/the-pomodoro-technique-study-more-efficiently-take-more-breaks/
• ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/how-take-nap-will-actually-boost-your-energy-ncna793681
• ↑ https://www.auamed.org/blog/12-ways-exercise-study/
• ↑ https://news.fiu.edu/2013/12/8-study-tips-that-will-help-you-overcome-finals-week/70573
• ↑ https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/how-to-organize-use-study-groups/

About This Article

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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To stay awake while studying, chew some gum since it will increase blood flow to your brain and give you a boost of energy. If you’re snacking while studying, eat high-protein foods that provide lasting energy like trail mix, beef jerky, or string cheese rather than sugary foods that will make you crash. Since staying hydrated can help you fight off tiredness, drink at least 8 ounces of water every 1 to 2 hours. Exercise is another great way to get reenergized, so take a break and go for a short walk to wake up your muscles and get your blood flowing. If possible, walk outside since fresh air is a great energy booster. When choosing where to study, pick somewhere with lots of lighting so you don’t get drowsy working in a dim room. For more tips, including how to study in intervals to stay alert, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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We know what to eat to stay healthy. So why is it so hard to make the right choices?

Associate Professor and Associate Director, Mitchell Institute, Victoria University

Disclosure statement

Nina Van Dyke receives funding from the Victorian Department of Health to conduct a policy evidence brief on healthy eating.

Victoria University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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A healthy diet protects us against a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

From early childhood, we receive an abundance of information about how we should eat to be healthy and reduce our risk of disease. And most people have a broad understanding of what healthy eating looks like.

But this knowledge doesn’t always result in healthier eating.

In our new research, we set out to learn more about why people eat the way they do – and what prevents them from eating better. Lack of time was a major barrier to cooking and eating healthier foods.

How do you decide what to eat?

We spoke with 17 adults in a regional centre of Victoria. We chose a regional location because less research has been done with people living outside of metropolitan areas and because rates of obesity and other diet-related health issues are higher in such areas in Australia.

Participants included a mix of people, including some who said they were over their “most healthy weight” and some who had previously dieted to lose weight. But all participants were either:

• young women aged 18–24 with no children
• women aged 35–45 with primary school aged children
• men aged 35–50 living with a partner and with pre- or primary-school aged children.

We selected these groups to target ages and life-stages in which shifts in eating behaviours may occur. Previous research has found younger women tend to be particularly concerned about appearance rather than healthy eating, while women with children often shift their focus to providing for their family. Men tend to be less interested in what they eat.

We asked participants about how they decided what food to eat, when, and how much, and what prevented them from making healthier choices.

It’s not just about taste and healthiness

We found that, although such decisions were determined in part by taste preferences and health considerations, they were heavily influenced by a host of other factors, many of which are outside the person’s control. These included other household members’ food preferences, family activities, workplace and time constraints, convenience and price.

Healthy eating means consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, while limiting processed foods, added sugars and excessive salt. Healthy eating also includes how we eat and how we think about food and eating, such as having a positive relationship with food.

One 35- to 45-year-old woman, for example, said that time constraints and family preferences made it difficult to prepare healthier food:

I love the chance when I can actually get a recipe and get all of the ingredients and make it properly, but that doesn’t happen very often. It’s usually what’s there and what’s quick. And what everyone will eat.

One of the 35- to 50-year-old men also noted the extent to which family activities and children’s food preferences dictated meal choices:

Well, we have our set days where, like Wednesday nights, we have to have mackie cheese and nuggets, because that’s what the boys want after their swimming lesson.

Research shows that children are often more receptive to new foods than their parents think. However, introducing new dishes takes additional time and planning.

An 18- to 24-year-old woman discussed the role of time constraints, her partner’s activities, and price in influencing what and when she eats:

My partner plays pool on a Monday and Wednesday night, so we always have tea a lot earlier then and cook the simple things that don’t take as long, so he can have dinner before he goes rather than buying pub meals which cost more money.

Despite popular perceptions, healthy diets are not more expensive than unhealthy diets. A study comparing current (unhealthy) diets with what the Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend people should eat found that the healthy diet was 12–15% cheaper than unhealthy diets for a family of two adults and two children.

However, learning and planning to prepare new types of meals takes effort and time .

Simply educating people about what they should eat won’t necessarily result in healthier eating. People want to eat healthier, or at least know they should eat healthier, but other things get in the way .

A key to improving people’s eating behaviours is to make it easy to eat more healthily.

Policy changes to make healthy eating easier could include subsidising healthier foods such as fresh produce, providing incentives for retailers to offer healthy options, and ensuring access to nutritious meals in schools and workplaces.

So how can you make healthier food choices easier?

Here are five tips for making healthy choices easier in your household:

If certain days of the week are particularly busy, with little time to prepare fresh food, plan to cook in bulk on days when you have more time. Store the extra food in the fridge or freezer for quick preparation.

If you’re often pressed for time during the day and just grab whatever food is handy, have healthy snacks readily available and accessible. This could mean a fruit bowl in the middle of the kitchen counter, or wholegrain crackers and unsalted nuts within easy reach.

Discuss food preferences with your family and come up with some healthy meals everyone likes. For younger children, try serving only a small amount of the new food, and serve new foods alongside foods they already like eating and are familiar with.

If you rely a lot on take-away meals or meal delivery services, try making a list ahead of time of restaurants and meals you like that are also healthier. You might consider choosing lean meat, chicken, or fish that has been grilled, baked or poached (rather than fried), and looking for meals with plenty of vegetables or salad.

Remember, fruit and vegetables taste better and are often cheaper when they are in season. Frozen or canned vegetables are a healthy and quick alternative .

Read more: Cost of living: if you can't afford as much fresh produce, are canned veggies or frozen fruit just as good?

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17 Power Snacks For Studying

Snack smart and study hard. That exam will be a piece of cake.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. Banana Dog Bites

Here's a reason to get excited about a classic-old combo: bananas — a darling energy-boosting carbohydrate — wrapped in wheat tortillas and peanut butter. Recipe here .

2. Mason Jar Hummus and Veggies

Mason jar fanatic or not, you can't deny that this method syncs with gravity: It's a mess-free way to transport your high-protein hummus and veggies in one container. Hummus recipe here .

3. Apple Sandwiches with Almond Butter and Granola

You're already carrying a backpack full of heavy books — the last thing you need is a load of bulky snacks. These sandwiches, already compact and ready to go, solve the problem. Recipe here .

4. Frozen Yogurt-Covered Blueberries

Like bite-size frozen Go-Gurt with real fruit! Just coat fresh blueberries with yogurt and freeze. Full directions here .

5. Roasted Chickpeas

Roast them in the oven for 45–60 minutes — just enough time to get through a chapter of notes — then select your seasoning, eat, and charge up for the next chapter. Recipes here.

6. Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Good chocolate? Boosts energy levels. Tricking yourself into eating healthy chocolate pudding? Boosts endorphins levels. Recipe here .

7. Multigrain Flatbread Cracker Snacks

Lightly spread goat cheese on a flatbread cracker and top with almonds, dates, and a drizzle of honey. Or sprinkle feta cheese over tomato slices. Or...you have seven more options. Recipes here .

8. Blueberry Yogurt Parfait with Granola

The timeless healthy snack. Let frozen blueberries thaw in yogurt. Then top with crunchy granola. Recipe here .

9. Peanut Butter Honey Yogurt Dip with Apples

Apples and Greek yogurt fortified with peanut butter is a power couple snack. AND you should use the apple slicer you bought but are always too lazy to pull out — because right now you need a reason to procrastinate. Recipe here .

10. Avocado Toast

One of those simple recipes with an output greater than the input. Smash some avocados on whole grain bread, drizzle with olive oil, and season. Recipe here .

11. Steamed Broccoli with Miso Peanut Butter Sauce

A NEW SIMPLE WAY TO EAT BROCCOLI? Yes. Steam and eat with a five-ingredient dip: miso, peanut butter, rice vinegar, mirin, and sesame oil. Make the sauce in bulk ahead of time and keep in the fridge. That way you get several snack/study seshes out of it and you don't have to eat boring broccoli just because you're under pressure. Recipe here .

12. Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are loaded with zinc and boost memory. Might give you a slight advantage if you're cramming for a test, but no promises. Recipe here .

13. Spicy Sriracha Popcorn

WARINING: This is addictive. Just melt butter and stir in sriracha. Then drizzle over popcorn and toss. You'll be set for every munchies moment coming your way till school's out. Recipe here .

14. Chia Yogurt Power Bowl

If you haven't met chia seeds yet, meet the superfood extraordinaire. In good company with bananas, berries, and nuts, this yogurt instantly powers you up. Recipe here .

15. Cheese Cucumber Sandwiches

Curb your carb intake by eating cheese with crunchy cucumbers instead of crackers. This way you also don't have to worry about (clumsy you) dusting off crumbs from your lap, desk, books — you get the picture. Full details here .

16. Healthy Five-Ingredient Granola Bar

Oats + almonds + dates + peanut butter + honey = a compact healthy way to get your nuts, fiber, and sugar boost. Recipe here .

17. Nutella Energy Bites

Gain energy via oats, shredded coconut, honey-roasted hazelnuts, ground flaxseeds, and chia seeds. Gain happiness via Nutella. Recipe here .

Want more amazing recipes? Sign up for the BuzzFeed Food newsletter and you’ll get them in your inbox twice a week!

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The Best (and Easiest) Study Snacks

Hey, we get it … who doesn’t love pairing a little snack with study time? Here are a few healthy, simple, and — most importantly — delicious treats we found from around the web. Reach for one of these the next time you’re looking for something to munch on while you get your study on. Your body and brain will thank you for it.

1. No-Bake Energy Bites

These healthy little bites from s mashedpeasandcarrots.com are an awesome combination of sweet, savory, crunchy, and gooey to give you the energy boost you need to power through a late night of studying. The ingredients are simple and affordable, and it only takes 30 minutes to make a whole platter. Bring them to a study group and you might just become the most popular one there. Get the recipe here .

2. Baked Organic Zucchini Chips

Have a case of late-night-potato-chip craving? No worries — these zucchini chips from My San Francisco Kitchen are here to rescue you. Just cut up some thin zucchini slices, season with whatever you’d like, bake, then eat. It takes about 90 minutes in the oven, but you can use that time to get some reading done, right? Find the recipe here .

3. Hummus and Veggies

This one takes barely any prep time at all! (Unless, of course, you want to make your own hummus. In which case, try out this recipe .) Replace your chips and dip with protein-rich hummus and a plate of carrots, celery, bell peppers, or cucumbers. This low-carb option will make you feel super full without the sleepiness that comes with heavy carbs.

4. Toast with Cottage Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes

This savory snack is quick, light, and tasty. Pop some wheat or wholegrain bread in the toaster, spread on some cottage cheese, slice some cherry tomatoes in half, add some pepper and other seasonings, and voilá: Another healthy and protein-rich treat to keep you full and focused. Find similar snacks on The Gracious Pantry . You can also learn more tricks to stay focused here .

Here’s how it turned out when I made it at home:

Pretty good, huh?

5. Frozen Yogurt Covered Blueberries

Prefer to eat something sweet while you study? This easy recipe for frozen yogurt blueberries from FamilyFreshMeals.com is just what you’re looking for. Prepare the blueberries and stick them in the freezer about an hour before you start studying, pull them out, then enjoy!

6. Apple Slices and Peanut Butter

Does it get any easier than this? Go ahead, slice up your favorite kind of apple (Honeycrisp for me!), and dip it in some chunky or smooth peanut butter. Looking to go healthier? Grab the organic PB at Trader Joe’s. Looking for something a little more creative? Try mixing it up with almond butter. This snack will not only keep you feeling full and satisfied (thanks PB), it might also keep the doctor away (thanks apples).

7. Brown Sugar and Banana Oatmeal

Did you know studies show that eating hot snacks can help you feel more satisfied? More satisfied means you stop craving junk food and start thinking more about the studying at hand — sounds like a win-win. And oatmeal is just the snack for the job. Get your cozy, warm snack on in just 15 minutes with this recipe from Taste of Home.

8. Roasted Chickpeas

Crunchy and savory, these little guys make a great replacement for chips and salty nuts. You can pop a few of them in your mouth while you study, or save them to add to a salad. Either way, the best part is that you can flavor them however you want. This recipe on Natural Noshing suggests you try them fajita-style.

9. Mixed Nut Medley

Sans heavy salt, a mix of nuts and dried fruit is a great option for study snacking. Grab a few small bags of your favorite nuts — almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts — then mix them up in a bowl with some fruit and granola. Do f eel free to add some dark chocolate chips in there, too!

Bonus tip: Don’t forget to drink water! Sometimes when you feel hungry, your body is actually trying to tell you that you’re thirsty. If you find yourself craving grapes or other watery foods, that probably means you’re dehydrated. So drink up, take breaks to walk around, and have fun trying out these treats.

Now, please excuse us. We have to leave and go eat all these snacks.

Want more studying tips? Check out 8 Ways to Keep Your Mind Sharp .

Maizie writes about Magoosh and gets others to talk about Magoosh. A graduate of the University of Arizona (Bear Down!) with a BA in Journalism, she loves nuanced grammar rules, learning strange languages, and traveling to new places. She has an unnatural obsession with Middle Eastern politics and Mexican food.

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Does Homework Really Help Students Learn?

A conversation with a Wheelock researcher, a BU student, and a fourth-grade teacher

“Quality homework is engaging and relevant to kids’ lives,” says Wheelock’s Janine Bempechat. “It gives them autonomy and engages them in the community and with their families. In some subjects, like math, worksheets can be very helpful. It has to do with the value of practicing over and over.” Photo by iStock/Glenn Cook Photography

Do your homework.

If only it were that simple.

Educators have debated the merits of homework since the late 19th century. In recent years, amid concerns of some parents and teachers that children are being stressed out by too much homework, things have only gotten more fraught.

“Homework is complicated,” says developmental psychologist Janine Bempechat, a Wheelock College of Education & Human Development clinical professor. The author of the essay “ The Case for (Quality) Homework—Why It Improves Learning and How Parents Can Help ” in the winter 2019 issue of Education Next , Bempechat has studied how the debate about homework is influencing teacher preparation, parent and student beliefs about learning, and school policies.

She worries especially about socioeconomically disadvantaged students from low-performing schools who, according to research by Bempechat and others, get little or no homework.

BU Today  sat down with Bempechat and Erin Bruce (Wheelock’17,’18), a new fourth-grade teacher at a suburban Boston school, and future teacher freshman Emma Ardizzone (Wheelock) to talk about what quality homework looks like, how it can help children learn, and how schools can equip teachers to design it, evaluate it, and facilitate parents’ role in it.

BU Today: Parents and educators who are against homework in elementary school say there is no research definitively linking it to academic performance for kids in the early grades. You’ve said that they’re missing the point.

Bempechat : I think teachers assign homework in elementary school as a way to help kids develop skills they’ll need when they’re older—to begin to instill a sense of responsibility and to learn planning and organizational skills. That’s what I think is the greatest value of homework—in cultivating beliefs about learning and skills associated with academic success. If we greatly reduce or eliminate homework in elementary school, we deprive kids and parents of opportunities to instill these important learning habits and skills.

We do know that beginning in late middle school, and continuing through high school, there is a strong and positive correlation between homework completion and academic success.

That’s what I think is the greatest value of homework—in cultivating beliefs about learning and skills associated with academic success.

You talk about the importance of quality homework. What is that?

Quality homework is engaging and relevant to kids’ lives. It gives them autonomy and engages them in the community and with their families. In some subjects, like math, worksheets can be very helpful. It has to do with the value of practicing over and over.

What are your concerns about homework and low-income children?

The argument that some people make—that homework “punishes the poor” because lower-income parents may not be as well-equipped as affluent parents to help their children with homework—is very troubling to me. There are no parents who don’t care about their children’s learning. Parents don’t actually have to help with homework completion in order for kids to do well. They can help in other ways—by helping children organize a study space, providing snacks, being there as a support, helping children work in groups with siblings or friends.

Isn’t the discussion about getting rid of homework happening mostly in affluent communities?

Yes, and the stories we hear of kids being stressed out from too much homework—four or five hours of homework a night—are real. That’s problematic for physical and mental health and overall well-being. But the research shows that higher-income students get a lot more homework than lower-income kids.

Teachers may not have as high expectations for lower-income children. Schools should bear responsibility for providing supports for kids to be able to get their homework done—after-school clubs, community support, peer group support. It does kids a disservice when our expectations are lower for them.

The conversation around homework is to some extent a social class and social justice issue. If we eliminate homework for all children because affluent children have too much, we’re really doing a disservice to low-income children. They need the challenge, and every student can rise to the challenge with enough supports in place.

What did you learn by studying how education schools are preparing future teachers to handle homework?

My colleague, Margarita Jimenez-Silva, at the University of California, Davis, School of Education, and I interviewed faculty members at education schools, as well as supervising teachers, to find out how students are being prepared. And it seemed that they weren’t. There didn’t seem to be any readings on the research, or conversations on what high-quality homework is and how to design it.

Erin, what kind of training did you get in handling homework?

Bruce : I had phenomenal professors at Wheelock, but homework just didn’t come up. I did lots of student teaching. I’ve been in classrooms where the teachers didn’t assign any homework, and I’ve been in rooms where they assigned hours of homework a night. But I never even considered homework as something that was my decision. I just thought it was something I’d pull out of a book and it’d be done.

I started giving homework on the first night of school this year. My first assignment was to go home and draw a picture of the room where you do your homework. I want to know if it’s at a table and if there are chairs around it and if mom’s cooking dinner while you’re doing homework.

The second night I asked them to talk to a grown-up about how are you going to be able to get your homework done during the week. The kids really enjoyed it. There’s a running joke that I’m teaching life skills.

Friday nights, I read all my kids’ responses to me on their homework from the week and it’s wonderful. They pour their hearts out. It’s like we’re having a conversation on my couch Friday night.

It matters to know that the teacher cares about you and that what you think matters to the teacher. Homework is a vehicle to connect home and school…for parents to know teachers are welcoming to them and their families.

Bempechat : I can’t imagine that most new teachers would have the intuition Erin had in designing homework the way she did.

Ardizzone : Conversations with kids about homework, feeling you’re being listened to—that’s such a big part of wanting to do homework….I grew up in Westchester County. It was a pretty demanding school district. My junior year English teacher—I loved her—she would give us feedback, have meetings with all of us. She’d say, “If you have any questions, if you have anything you want to talk about, you can talk to me, here are my office hours.” It felt like she actually cared.

Bempechat : It matters to know that the teacher cares about you and that what you think matters to the teacher. Homework is a vehicle to connect home and school…for parents to know teachers are welcoming to them and their families.

Ardizzone : But can’t it lead to parents being overbearing and too involved in their children’s lives as students?

Bempechat : There’s good help and there’s bad help. The bad help is what you’re describing—when parents hover inappropriately, when they micromanage, when they see their children confused and struggling and tell them what to do.

Good help is when parents recognize there’s a struggle going on and instead ask informative questions: “Where do you think you went wrong?” They give hints, or pointers, rather than saying, “You missed this,” or “You didn’t read that.”

Bruce : I hope something comes of this. I hope BU or Wheelock can think of some way to make this a more pressing issue. As a first-year teacher, it was not something I even thought about on the first day of school—until a kid raised his hand and said, “Do we have homework?” It would have been wonderful if I’d had a plan from day one.

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Senior Contributing Editor

Sara Rimer A journalist for more than three decades, Sara Rimer worked at the Miami Herald , Washington Post and, for 26 years, the New York Times , where she was the New England bureau chief, and a national reporter covering education, aging, immigration, and other social justice issues. Her stories on the death penalty’s inequities were nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and cited in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision outlawing the execution of people with intellectual disabilities. Her journalism honors include Columbia University’s Meyer Berger award for in-depth human interest reporting. She holds a BA degree in American Studies from the University of Michigan. Profile

She can be reached at [email protected] .

Comments & Discussion

Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Abusive, profane, self-promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected. Moderators are staffed during regular business hours (EST) and can only accept comments written in English. Statistics or facts must include a citation or a link to the citation.

There are 81 comments on Does Homework Really Help Students Learn?

Insightful! The values about homework in elementary schools are well aligned with my intuition as a parent.

when i finish my work i do my homework and i sometimes forget what to do because i did not get enough sleep

same omg it does not help me it is stressful and if I have it in more than one class I hate it.

Same I think my parent wants to help me but, she doesn’t care if I get bad grades so I just try my best and my grades are great.

I think that last question about Good help from parents is not know to all parents, we do as our parents did or how we best think it can be done, so maybe coaching parents or giving them resources on how to help with homework would be very beneficial for the parent on how to help and for the teacher to have consistency and improve homework results, and of course for the child. I do see how homework helps reaffirm the knowledge obtained in the classroom, I also have the ability to see progress and it is a time I share with my kids

The answer to the headline question is a no-brainer – a more pressing problem is why there is a difference in how students from different cultures succeed. Perfect example is the student population at BU – why is there a majority population of Asian students and only about 3% black students at BU? In fact at some universities there are law suits by Asians to stop discrimination and quotas against admitting Asian students because the real truth is that as a group they are demonstrating better qualifications for admittance, while at the same time there are quotas and reduced requirements for black students to boost their portion of the student population because as a group they do more poorly in meeting admissions standards – and it is not about the Benjamins. The real problem is that in our PC society no one has the gazuntas to explore this issue as it may reveal that all people are not created equal after all. Or is it just environmental cultural differences??????

I get you have a concern about the issue but that is not even what the point of this article is about. If you have an issue please take this to the site we have and only post your opinion about the actual topic

This is not at all what the article is talking about.

This literally has nothing to do with the article brought up. You should really take your opinions somewhere else before you speak about something that doesn’t make sense.

we have the same name

so they have the same name what of it?

lol you tell her

totally agree

What does that have to do with homework, that is not what the article talks about AT ALL.

Yes, I think homework plays an important role in the development of student life. Through homework, students have to face challenges on a daily basis and they try to solve them quickly.I am an intense online tutor at 24x7homeworkhelp and I give homework to my students at that level in which they handle it easily.

More than two-thirds of students said they used alcohol and drugs, primarily marijuana, to cope with stress.

You know what’s funny? I got this assignment to write an argument for homework about homework and this article was really helpful and understandable, and I also agree with this article’s point of view.

I also got the same task as you! I was looking for some good resources and I found this! I really found this article useful and easy to understand, just like you! ^^

i think that homework is the best thing that a child can have on the school because it help them with their thinking and memory.

I am a child myself and i think homework is a terrific pass time because i can’t play video games during the week. It also helps me set goals.

Homework is not harmful ,but it will if there is too much

I feel like, from a minors point of view that we shouldn’t get homework. Not only is the homework stressful, but it takes us away from relaxing and being social. For example, me and my friends was supposed to hang at the mall last week but we had to postpone it since we all had some sort of work to do. Our minds shouldn’t be focused on finishing an assignment that in realty, doesn’t matter. I completely understand that we should have homework. I have to write a paper on the unimportance of homework so thanks.

homework isn’t that bad

Are you a student? if not then i don’t really think you know how much and how severe todays homework really is

i am a student and i do not enjoy homework because i practice my sport 4 out of the five days we have school for 4 hours and that’s not even counting the commute time or the fact i still have to shower and eat dinner when i get home. its draining!

i totally agree with you. these people are such boomers

why just why

they do make a really good point, i think that there should be a limit though. hours and hours of homework can be really stressful, and the extra work isn’t making a difference to our learning, but i do believe homework should be optional and extra credit. that would make it for students to not have the leaning stress of a assignment and if you have a low grade you you can catch up.

Studies show that homework improves student achievement in terms of improved grades, test results, and the likelihood to attend college. Research published in the High School Journal indicates that students who spent between 31 and 90 minutes each day on homework “scored about 40 points higher on the SAT-Mathematics subtest than their peers, who reported spending no time on homework each day, on average.” On both standardized tests and grades, students in classes that were assigned homework outperformed 69% of students who didn’t have homework. A majority of studies on homework’s impact – 64% in one meta-study and 72% in another – showed that take home assignments were effective at improving academic achievement. Research by the Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) concluded that increased homework led to better GPAs and higher probability of college attendance for high school boys. In fact, boys who attended college did more than three hours of additional homework per week in high school.

So how are your measuring student achievement? That’s the real question. The argument that doing homework is simply a tool for teaching responsibility isn’t enough for me. We can teach responsibility in a number of ways. Also the poor argument that parents don’t need to help with homework, and that students can do it on their own, is wishful thinking at best. It completely ignores neurodiverse students. Students in poverty aren’t magically going to find a space to do homework, a friend’s or siblings to help them do it, and snacks to eat. I feel like the author of this piece has never set foot in a classroom of students.

THIS. This article is pathetic coming from a university. So intellectually dishonest, refusing to address the havoc of capitalism and poverty plays on academic success in life. How can they in one sentence use poor kids in an argument and never once address that poor children have access to damn near 0 of the resources affluent kids have? Draw me a picture and let’s talk about feelings lmao what a joke is that gonna put food in their belly so they can have the calories to burn in order to use their brain to study? What about quiet their 7 other siblings that they share a single bedroom with for hours? Is it gonna force the single mom to magically be at home and at work at the same time to cook food while you study and be there to throw an encouraging word?

Also the “parents don’t need to be a parent and be able to guide their kid at all academically they just need to exist in the next room” is wild. Its one thing if a parent straight up is not equipped but to say kids can just figured it out is…. wow coming from an educator What’s next the teacher doesn’t need to teach cause the kid can just follow the packet and figure it out?

Well then get a tutor right? Oh wait you are poor only affluent kids can afford a tutor for their hours of homework a day were they on average have none of the worries a poor child does. Does this address that poor children are more likely to also suffer abuse and mental illness? Like mentioned what about kids that can’t learn or comprehend the forced standardized way? Just let em fail? These children regularly are not in “special education”(some of those are a joke in their own and full of neglect and abuse) programs cause most aren’t even acknowledged as having disabilities or disorders.

But yes all and all those pesky poor kids just aren’t being worked hard enough lol pretty sure poor children’s existence just in childhood is more work, stress, and responsibility alone than an affluent child’s entire life cycle. Love they never once talked about the quality of education in the classroom being so bad between the poor and affluent it can qualify as segregation, just basically blamed poor people for being lazy, good job capitalism for failing us once again!

why the hell?

you should feel bad for saying this, this article can be helpful for people who has to write a essay about it

This is more of a political rant than it is about homework

I know a teacher who has told his students their homework is to find something they are interested in, pursue it and then come share what they learn. The student responses are quite compelling. One girl taught herself German so she could talk to her grandfather. One boy did a research project on Nelson Mandela because the teacher had mentioned him in class. Another boy, a both on the autism spectrum, fixed his family’s computer. The list goes on. This is fourth grade. I think students are highly motivated to learn, when we step aside and encourage them.

The whole point of homework is to give the students a chance to use the material that they have been presented with in class. If they never have the opportunity to use that information, and discover that it is actually useful, it will be in one ear and out the other. As a science teacher, it is critical that the students are challenged to use the material they have been presented with, which gives them the opportunity to actually think about it rather than regurgitate “facts”. Well designed homework forces the student to think conceptually, as opposed to regurgitation, which is never a pretty sight

Wonderful discussion. and yes, homework helps in learning and building skills in students.

not true it just causes kids to stress

Homework can be both beneficial and unuseful, if you will. There are students who are gifted in all subjects in school and ones with disabilities. Why should the students who are gifted get the lucky break, whereas the people who have disabilities suffer? The people who were born with this “gift” go through school with ease whereas people with disabilities struggle with the work given to them. I speak from experience because I am one of those students: the ones with disabilities. Homework doesn’t benefit “us”, it only tears us down and put us in an abyss of confusion and stress and hopelessness because we can’t learn as fast as others. Or we can’t handle the amount of work given whereas the gifted students go through it with ease. It just brings us down and makes us feel lost; because no mater what, it feels like we are destined to fail. It feels like we weren’t “cut out” for success.

homework does help

here is the thing though, if a child is shoved in the face with a whole ton of homework that isn’t really even considered homework it is assignments, it’s not helpful. the teacher should make homework more of a fun learning experience rather than something that is dreaded

This article was wonderful, I am going to ask my teachers about extra, or at all giving homework.

I agree. Especially when you have homework before an exam. Which is distasteful as you’ll need that time to study. It doesn’t make any sense, nor does us doing homework really matters as It’s just facts thrown at us.

Homework is too severe and is just too much for students, schools need to decrease the amount of homework. When teachers assign homework they forget that the students have other classes that give them the same amount of homework each day. Students need to work on social skills and life skills.

I disagree.

Beyond achievement, proponents of homework argue that it can have many other beneficial effects. They claim it can help students develop good study habits so they are ready to grow as their cognitive capacities mature. It can help students recognize that learning can occur at home as well as at school. Homework can foster independent learning and responsible character traits. And it can give parents an opportunity to see what’s going on at school and let them express positive attitudes toward achievement.

Homework is helpful because homework helps us by teaching us how to learn a specific topic.

As a student myself, I can say that I have almost never gotten the full 9 hours of recommended sleep time, because of homework. (Now I’m writing an essay on it in the middle of the night D=)

I am a 10 year old kid doing a report about “Is homework good or bad” for homework before i was going to do homework is bad but the sources from this site changed my mind!

Homeowkr is god for stusenrs

I agree with hunter because homework can be so stressful especially with this whole covid thing no one has time for homework and every one just wants to get back to there normal lives it is especially stressful when you go on a 2 week vaca 3 weeks into the new school year and and then less then a week after you come back from the vaca you are out for over a month because of covid and you have no way to get the assignment done and turned in

As great as homework is said to be in the is article, I feel like the viewpoint of the students was left out. Every where I go on the internet researching about this topic it almost always has interviews from teachers, professors, and the like. However isn’t that a little biased? Of course teachers are going to be for homework, they’re not the ones that have to stay up past midnight completing the homework from not just one class, but all of them. I just feel like this site is one-sided and you should include what the students of today think of spending four hours every night completing 6-8 classes worth of work.

Are we talking about homework or practice? Those are two very different things and can result in different outcomes.

Homework is a graded assignment. I do not know of research showing the benefits of graded assignments going home.

Practice; however, can be extremely beneficial, especially if there is some sort of feedback (not a grade but feedback). That feedback can come from the teacher, another student or even an automated grading program.

As a former band director, I assigned daily practice. I never once thought it would be appropriate for me to require the students to turn in a recording of their practice for me to grade. Instead, I had in-class assignments/assessments that were graded and directly related to the practice assigned.

I would really like to read articles on “homework” that truly distinguish between the two.

oof i feel bad good luck!

thank you guys for the artical because I have to finish an assingment. yes i did cite it but just thanks

thx for the article guys.

Homework is good

I think homework is helpful AND harmful. Sometimes u can’t get sleep bc of homework but it helps u practice for school too so idk.

I agree with this Article. And does anyone know when this was published. I would like to know.

It was published FEb 19, 2019.

Studies have shown that homework improved student achievement in terms of improved grades, test results, and the likelihood to attend college.

i think homework can help kids but at the same time not help kids

This article is so out of touch with majority of homes it would be laughable if it wasn’t so incredibly sad.

There is no value to homework all it does is add stress to already stressed homes. Parents or adults magically having the time or energy to shepherd kids through homework is dome sort of 1950’s fantasy.

What lala land do these teachers live in?

Homework gives noting to the kid

Homework is Bad

homework is bad.

why do kids even have homework?

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The Daily Q

To snack or not to snack (while studying).

Nadia Al Hinai , Staff Reporter

Are you someone who loves to munch away on nachos while editing a video or reading Proust? Do you sometimes not notice how much or what you eat? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Students are notorious for snacking while studying.

It is absolutely normal for people to have cravings while studying and working, which is why nutrition experts say you should eat food that is high in protein. That’s because the neurotransmitters in our brains are made up of protein. And since those little guys help manage the body’s concentration, heart rate, and more, “feeding” them is the ultimate act of self-care!

So, besides protein, what else should you chow down on? Foods that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids since they help deliver more oxygen to the brain, according to Tamara Mirza, a nutrition program coordinator at Qatar Foundation.

Here are Mirza’s top choices for snacks that improve concentration:

• Fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, berries (high in antioxidants)
• Greek yogurt
• Small quantities of good quality dark chocolate
• Vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, broccoli and spinach
• Air-popped low salted popcorn (high in fiber, low in calories)

Not everyone is a big fan of snacking though.

“I prefer not to snack while I study because [it’s a distraction], and I eat mindlessly rather than because I’m hungry,” said Iman Ismali, a student at Georgetown University in Qatar.

Snacking too much can also fill you up to the point that you forget to sit down for a well-rounded meal, which will leave out vital nutrients from your diet.

But snacking is always better than plowing through your homework on an empty stomach. Hunger increases fatigue and irritation, which can limit the amount of information your brain retains in a studying session, according to Oxford Learning.

“Snacking keeps me going and energetic, and If I don’t snack, I’ll feel sleepy,” said Marwa Al Kalbani, a Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts Qatar student.

So, if you’re craving a snack, give in. Just be sure to chew on something healthy. Otherwise, all your studying might be in vain.

“Having snacks while studying is [a] good thing if the snack is healthy. Unhealthy snacks include high sugar snacks, fatty snacks, caffeine and nicotine. These snacks provide temporary energy which will not last long and have many bad long term effects,” Mirza said.

And when in doubt, stick to a schedule. Mirza’s schedule, specifically:

“Every student needs to eat three main meals and three snacks daily in order to give nutritional support for their bodies and brains. They need to have protein in each meal to stabilize brain energy.”

Seriously, don’t forget the protein. Your neurotransmitters will thank you!

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To Chew or Not to Chew Gum (When Studying)?

Recent research suggests that chewing gum may improve cognition..

Posted May 1, 2019 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

Chewing gum sales exceed 4 billion dollars in the U.S. alone. People chew gum for many reasons. For instance, chewing gum is assumed to stimulate the production of saliva and freshen breath, clean teeth, help digestion, relieve tension, and improve mood. In an article published in the March/April 2019 issue of Applied Cognitive Psychology, Ginns and colleagues argue that chewing gum may also enhance attention, alertness, and learning . 1

Benefits of chewing gum

Though some research has concluded that chewing gum improves memory, concentration , sustained attention , and reduces stress , other research has found no such benefits. A recent systematic review of 21 studies found not a strong, but a statistically significant relation between chewing and sustained attention . 2

An important question is how can chewing gum improve attention, memory , or learning?

One set of theories suggest chewing gum increases physiological arousal. Optimal physiological arousal then results in improved attention, learning, memory, and performance. Alternatively, chewing gum might reduce “ stress hormones ” (e.g., cortisol), resulting in reduced stress and thus improved mental functions and performance. Lastly, the performance-related benefits of chewing gum may result from increased blood flow and the availability of glucose (i.e., sugar) in the brain. 1

Two experiments on chewing gum

In a series of two experiments, Ginns et al. tested the following two hypotheses: First, compared to students who did not chew gum, students who chewed gum while studying would be more alert. Second, chewers would outperform non-chewers regardless of material studied or method of instruction.

Experiment 1: Chewing gum while studying for a physiology lesson

Forty college students (13 males) were randomly assigned to non-chewing and chewing conditions. Both groups were asked to study a physiology lesson (on the heart’s functions).

Before studying the lesson, students in the chewing condition were provided a piece of peppermint gum and asked to chew gum while studying. After studying, both groups completed the same two multiple-choice tests on heart physiology.

Analysis of the data showed the two groups were comparable, but unexpectedly those assigned to the chewing condition appeared to have been more alert than the non-chewing group already (prior to chewing gum). After controlling for this difference, data showed that chewing gum did not appear to raise alertness to a statistically significant level in the chewing condition.

However, on combined multiple-choice tests, the difference between chewing and non-chewing was statistically significant, suggesting that chewing gum helped improve learning.

Therefore, the results supported the second but not the first hypothesis.

Experiment 2: Chewing gum while studying for a math lesson

The second experiment utilized a different subject of study (mental multiplication) and method of instruction (using worked examples and practice questions), but otherwise, it used a similar design and procedure as the previous investigation.

Forty students (10 males) were randomly assigned to chewing and non-chewing groups. As before, only one group chewed gum while studying the lesson. Both groups then completed two 10-item tests.

Both groups were equivalent on pretest measures, including alertness.

Supporting the authors’ first hypothesis, data analysis showed gum chewers, compared to non-chewers, were more alert at the end of the study period. Furthermore, in the test phase, chewers, compared to non-chewers, made fewer errors and answered a greater number of test questions correctly.

The magnitude of the positive effects of chewing on test performance was comparable in both experiments, despite the lesson on mental mathematics (and thus the gum chewing phase) being much shorter than the lesson on heart physiology (9 vs. 20 minutes).

Concluding thoughts on chewing gum and learning

These findings suggest that chewing gum while studying might improve test performance. The study’s use of realistic lessons and two very different types of material and instructional design supports real-life application and generalizability of the findings. Of course, future studies need to examine the effects of the number and type of gum chewed, time of day, duration of lessons, the period between chewing gum and being tested, participants’ age range, and type of learning (e.g., classroom learning as opposed to self-study).

The takeaway is that chewing gum while studying might be helpful in improving test performance, perhaps through effects of chewing gum on alertness. But we need to keep in mind that such benefits need to be balanced against negative aspects of chewing gum, like jaw pain or tooth cavities. In addition, alternative methods of increasing alertness should be considered. I do not mean drinking a lot of tea or coffee—or worse, so-called energy drinks—which also have side effects, but approaches like exercising, getting a good night's sleep, and managing stress, which might be safer and healthier ways of increasing alertness.

Facebook Image Credit: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

Ginns, P., Kim, T., & Zervos, E (2019). Chewing gum while studying: Effects on alertness and test performance. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 33, 214-224.

Miquel, S., Haddou, M. B., & Day, J. E. L. (2019). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of mastication on sustained attention. Physiology & Behavior, 202, 101-115.

Arash Emamzadeh attended the University of British Columbia in Canada, where he studied genetics and psychology. He has also done graduate work in clinical psychology and neuropsychology in U.S.

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4 Ways Parents Can Deal With Summer Homework, According to Experts Say

Most schools assign summer homework with good intentions, but they don't always know how to make school-break assignments meaningful.

School’s out for summer! Around the country, students have chucked their backpacks and planners aside and rejoiced. That is, if they don’t have summer homework.

A hotly debated topic in education, summer assignments can involve reading, online work, packets, and/or real-life enrichment opportunities in communities that students are responsible for completing by the time school resumes. It’s become a burden for some families whose parents work in the summer, or who lack teacher support or internet access. On the other hand, some parents want their children doing summer work to keep them busy and engaged in academics, and to prevent the “summer slide” — a regression in learning some educators believe occurs between school years.

Licensed Psychologist Connie McReynolds , Ph.D., says summer work can sometimes cause children to feel like they’re still at school. “It can lead to burnout before the next school year begins,” she says. For others, she says, the structure and routine are beneficial.

So summer homework can be advantageous — if it’s done right. The bad news is that, in a lot of cases, it isn’t. Here’s what the experts had to say about if, when and how summer work should be assigned — and how parents can cope if their school is missing the mark.

When Summer Homework Is Done Right

It should be intentional and (actually) educational..

“Summer work for the sake of raising and/or setting expectations for rigor is baseless,” Davis says. “Students often put off the work until the last minute and complete the work for compliance, not true learning. And that’s only exacerbated when the teachers don’t create a meaningful classroom connection to the summer work.” This points to a problem with practices around all homework — are they meaningful practice, or just a check-the-box completion grade?

Teachers might feel they can’t teach all the material during the school year. But a 2023 study found that summer learning had a small impact on math test scores for students but not reading. Additional recent data has shown that the impact of the “summer slide” depends on a variety of factors, including grade and poverty levels.

What parents can do : “The teacher should provide a clear connection to how the summer work is going to enhance the learning and/or enrich the learning that will occur at the start of the year,” Davis says. “If there isn’t a clear explanation of the purpose of the summer work, parents should reach out to the teacher directly for clarity regarding the purpose of the work and if it is required." Don’t worry about being a nudge. “Parents should keep in mind they are advocates for their children and asking questions for clarity creates a two way dialogue with the teacher,” she adds.

It should come with tech and academic support.

A key pillar of homework is homework help — that is, if the purpose is real learning.

Many parents can probably relate to a scenario like this: “Hey mom, I’m supposed to work on a school app called blah blah blah.”

“Oh, okay, what’s the password?”

“I don’t know.”

And even if they can log in, what happens if kids don’t understand the assignments? Many parents can relate to not knowing the answer to a homework question a kid is asking, and not knowing which resources to use to find it. Adding in homework help around work hours can add stress to a family.

Not a whole lot of learning is happening in these situations, which all lead back to one missing aspect to effective homework practices — teacher support. Teachers are off in the summer, but if students aren’t, there’s an issue with technical troubleshooting and guided instruction.

“Homework should reinforce skills learned in the classroom,” Davis says. “Unfortunately all too often students are left to complete homework without the foundational knowledge to complete it to enhance their learning. During the summer months teachers are typically not available leaving the students to complete the homework with little to no direction which could result in them replicating bad habits without any checkpoints or feedback.”

What parents can do : It’s absolutely reasonable to expect summer support to have necessary technology and instructional guidance, even in the summer. “Students should be able to access the teacher to provide clarity, answer questions and/or to provide feedback,” Davis says. She again recommends communicating with the school as early as possible about how students are supposed to get tech or instructional support.

It should be inclusive and low-stress.

A student with an Individualized Education Plan, or a 504 plan, who typically has extra homework time looks at a large packet at the start of summer. Do they still have double time? What resources are available to them? These are concerns that all families, but especially those with additional academic and learning needs, have to navigate.

“Parents of children with ADHD are naturally concerned about whether being away from academic studies over the summer will lead to the ‘summer slide,’” McReynolds says. “This concern leads parents to struggle with whether to push on through the summer or give children a break from the pressure.”

Students who don’t have access to support can see an increase in academic-related stress too. According to a 2021 study by Challenge Success, a non-profit organization affiliated with the Stanford University Graduate School of Education, 56% of students reported an increase in stress from school . The same report found that during the school year, students spent an average of three hours on homework each weeknight, with 51% reporting they spent more time on homework than they did in the past. But 42% reported they had a decreased level of engagement for school and learning. So, experts are torn on whether homework actually increases engagement, and even learning.

“All too often the completion or lack thereof is utilized to gatekeep students out of higher level courses,’ Davis says. “In the event a student faces this, parents need to actively advocate for inclusion in the class regardless of completion of the summer work.”

What parents can do: “Individual accommodations and modifications included in a student’s IEP/504 must be taken into account,” Davis says. “Another approach to summer work would be for the parent and student to create a scaffolded schedule to complete the work as opposed to waiting until the final weeks of summer to complete it all at once. Ultimately, the mental health of the student is most important and parents and/or the student should actively communicate with the teacher directly to discuss concerns throughout the summer.”

High schoolers who are taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes, which sometimes require summer work, can consider opting for a College Credit Plus (CPP) class, when appropriate for them. CPP classes often carry the same weight without the summer work, but it varies state to state, and parents and students should ensure the desired university they would like to attend accepts CPP classes as credit as they do with AP. Pro tip from Davis: Ask around or ask the teacher before April or May to determine summer homework plans for an AP class, because you might miss the deadline to do CPP if you wait until summer.

It should even be…fun!

There just might be room in summer homework for a bit of enjoyment, with the right set up.

“I believe summer homework is detrimental for several reasons,” Davis says. “It perpetuates burnout … preventing students from fully relaxing and recharging during their break. This can negatively impact their mental health and overall well-being.” So, the only summer homework our experts are interested in are fun activities that enrich family or community life, or personal development.

Emily Pendergrass , associate professor of the Practice of Literacy and Reading Education at Vanderbilt University says summer homework should be meaningful for families, teachers and learning. “It should be interactive,” she says. “It shouldn’t be one size fits all…we should be moving towards learning and curiosity.”

Summer homework should move into meaningful activities, Pendergrass says. For example, instead of keeping a reading log that just lists the titles of books and how many minutes were read, students can be tasked with drawing a picture of what they read, writing an alternate ending, or making a short video about the reading to share with classmates when they’re back to school.

What parents can do: In the end, there’s no faster way to get students to hate school than assigning a classic piece of literature, and telling them good luck, see you in the fall. Pushback from parents, community and students themselves can ensure summer work, if necessary, is equitable and purposeful, well-supported and inclusive. Or, we can just cut it all together and go read something fun by the pool…

When to Call It Off

If your child is too stressed about summer homework, you and your child, and their educators, can discuss together if the right move is to simply not do it . What are the consequences? The ramifications of this depend on the school, and the program. In some places, summer work might not account for a large portion of their final grade and a student might be confident they can make it up during the school year. In others, they might be able to choose a less rigorous course without a summer homework requirement. Then again, skipping summer homework might result in failing a class if the summer assignments are weighted heavily in the final grade. You can also consider asking for an alternative or makeup assignment, which often would be considered on a case-by-case basis. “If summer work is being graded on completion, and not truly being utilized at the start of the year to extend instruction, the student, parent and teacher need to actively discuss the true purpose of the work,” Davis says.

Alexandra Frost is a Cincinnati-based freelance journalist and content marketing writer, focusing on health and wellness, parenting, education, and lifestyle. She has been published in the Atlantic , Glamour , Today’s Parent , Reader’s Digest , Consumer Reports , Women’s Health , and National Geographic . She spends her “free” time with her five kids under age 8, and testing lots of products. To connect or read more of her work please visit alexandra-frost.com or follow her on social media: Twitter Instagram Linked In .

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