How to Optimise Your Day for Maximum Efficiency | 5 Practical Hacks
How to Optimise Your Day for Maximum Efficiency | 5 Practical Hacks
Studying economics isn't just about effort — it's about using your time wisely.
Ever sat with your books for hours but felt like nothing stuck?
That’s because our focus drops after just 25–30 minutes of intense work.
In fact, a study by the University of Illinois found that short breaks can boost mental focus by up to 40%. Long, unstructured study sessions do more harm than good. The key is to plan your day around how your brain actually works.
In this blog, you'll discover 5 science-backed hacks to help you improve your maximum efficiency so that you can study clearly and without burnout during your exams.
5 Practical Hacks to Improve Maximum Efficiency
Want to stop wasting time and actually get things done? These five practical hacks will help you improve your maximum efficiency and stay sharp throughout your economics prep.
Hack #1: Use the 25-5 Rule (Pomodoro, But Better)
Look, you’re not a robot — your brain needs breaks. Studying for 2–3 hours straight might look productive, but it actually drains your focus.
Instead, try this: study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After 4 such rounds, take a longer 20–30 minute break.
It sounds simple, but it works. Why? Because your brain stays sharp in short bursts. You avoid zoning out, and your retention goes up.
Tip from someone who’s done this: use a timer — don’t just guess. And during breaks, don’t scroll — walk around, stretch, or splash water on your face. You’ll come back way more focused.
Hack #2: Eat that Big Fat Frog First
We don’t mean it literally, of course!
According to Mark Twain, “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.”
With this logic in mind, schedule your most difficult and most important task first.
If you happen to have more than one such task lined up, attempt the difficult ones before moving on to the easier ones. Identifying your key priority for the day will get much easier when you follow this method.
Ultimately, setting one priority per day saves you time from needless procrastination and multitasking.
Hack #3: Prioritise Sleep Like It’s Part of Your Syllabus
You can’t focus if your brain is running on fumes. Skipping sleep to “get more done” might feel heroic, but it’s actually a bad trade.
According to a Harvard study, sleep-deprived people perform tasks 30–40% slower — and make more mistakes doing them.
Think about that: you’re losing time by trying to save time.
Your brain consolidates what you study during sleep, especially deep sleep. That’s when your memory locks in new concepts — like macro formulas or tricky graphs.
So, aim for 7–8 hours. You wouldn’t skip a mock test, right? Don’t skip sleep either. It’s brain fuel.
Hack #4: Cut Dopamine Drains — Your Phone Isn’t Helping
Here’s the truth: your phone is hijacking your brain’s focus. Every scroll on Instagram or random YouTube short gives you a quick dopamine hit.
The problem? These fast rewards make your brain less interested in slow, deep work — like solving a tough economics model.
According to a 2023 study from King’s College London, students who checked their phones frequently during study sessions scored 20% lower on average.
So what can you do?
- Put your phone in another room during study blocks.
- Use apps like Forest or Focus Keeper to lock it.
- Switch to grayscale mode — it makes everything less tempting.
You don’t need to quit your phone. You just need to control when you use it.
Hack #5: Align Study Tasks with Your Brain’s Natural Energy Peaks
Here’s what most students don’t realise: your brain doesn’t run at the same level all day.
It works in 90–120 minute cycles called ultradian rhythms — periods of high focus followed by dips. Push through the dip, and you’ll get sluggish and distracted.
Smart move? Batch your most demanding tasks — like solving numerical problems or reading tough theory — into your peak focus window, usually the first 2–3 hours after waking up.
Then, during lower-energy slots (like late afternoon), do lighter work — flashcards, revising diagrams, or watching a concept video.
This isn’t motivation talk — it’s neuroscience. If you plan your day around your brain’s rhythm, you’ll get more done in fewer hours.
The Bottom Line
Look, you don’t need to study 12 hours a day to crack CUET, DSE, or IIT JAM. You need to study smart. These hacks aren’t about working harder — they’re about working with your brain, not against it.
Most students burn out because they ignore how the brain actually works.
Now you know better.
Pick one hack. Try it today. Then add the next. Slowly, you’ll notice your day feels lighter, your focus sharper, and your confidence stronger.
Because real toppers aren’t machines — they’re just consistent people with the right habits.
And you can be one of them.
EduSure has developed the best and most structured programme to help students crack the Masters in Economics Entrance Exams. With a legacy spanning 14 years, EduSure boasts consistent top rankings in prestigious institutions like DSE, JNU, IGIDR, and IIT.
Student Testimonials and Success Stories:
Discover the success stories of EduSure students by visiting our YouTube channel: YouTube. Hear firsthand experiences from students who have achieved their dreams with our guidance.
Speak to an EduSure Student Counsellor:
For personalised advice and to speak to an EduSure student counsellor, call us at 8100824600/01. Our counsellors are here to help you every step of the way.
Faculty Spotlight
Samkith Banthia: ISI Alumnus, Eco(H) St. Xavier's Kolkata, FRM from GARP, Formerly with Barclays Bank.
Samkith Sir transitioned from a successful banking career to teaching and mentoring aspiring students. With his expertise in mathematics and a nurturing demeanour, he is dedicated to guiding students toward academic excellence.
Mahima Banthia: DSE Alumnus, Eco(H) SRCC Delhi, Former Lecturer at St. Stephen’s College Delhi, UGC NET qualified.
In Mahima Ma’am’s class, we prioritise logical reasoning and emphasise conceptual understanding, ensuring mastery of macroeconomics. Mahima Ma’am also handles administrative responsibilities at EduSure, ensuring the highest quality service to every student.
Join the EduSure Program:
To enrol in our courses, drop in your details at EduSure Form, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Email us: