How to Warm Up Your Brain Before Studying for the Digital SAT

My sat Guide
Aug 6
3 min read

Let’s be real for a second — studying for the Digital SAT isn’t always easy. You’ve got your books, laptop, flashcards… but sometimes your brain just refuses to cooperate. You sit down to study, and all you can think about is how sleepy or distracted you feel.

That’s where warming up your brain comes in. Yup — just like you stretch before playing a sport, your brain needs a bit of prep too. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but taking a few minutes to get your mind in the zone can make your study time way more productive.

At My SAT Guide, we always say: “Don’t just study harder — study smarter.” So here are some super simple, no-stress ways to wake up your brain before a study session.

1. Move Around (Even Just for a Minute)

Okay, first things first — get up and move. Seriously. Sitting around all day makes your brain feel foggy.

Try this:

Stand up, stretch your arms and legs

Walk around the room for a bit

Do 10 jumping jacks or just shake out your body

You don’t need a gym. Just a little movement gets your blood flowing, and that helps your brain feel more awake and alert.

2. Do a Quick Brain Game

Before you dive into math problems or reading passages, try a fun challenge. Not SAT-related — just something to wake your brain up.

Here are some quick ideas:

Solve a mini riddle

Play a memory game on your phone

Try a crossword or word puzzle

Look up a “two-minute brain teaser” online

It’s kind of like stretching for your mind. It doesn’t feel like studying, but it gets your brain moving in the right direction.

3. Take 3 Deep Breaths

This one’s easy — and free.

Close your eyes. Inhale slowly through your nose, count to four. Hold it for a second. Then exhale slowly through your mouth. Do that a few times.

Why? Because your brain can’t focus when you’re feeling rushed or anxious. A little breathing helps calm the noise in your head and makes space for clear thinking.

4. Set a Tiny Goal

Don’t start your study session without a plan. Otherwise, it’s way too easy to get distracted.

Before you begin, just ask:

👉 “What’s one thing I want to finish in the next 30-45 minutes?”

It could be as simple as:

“Finish 10 SAT reading questions.”

“Review math formulas I keep forgetting.”

“Read one grammar passage and go over the answers.”

When you know exactly what you’re trying to do, you stay focused. No more jumping between five things and getting nothing done.

5. Grab a Light Snack (Brain Fuel!)

Let’s not forget: your brain runs on energy. And if you’re hungry, your focus goes out the window.

Grab something small — a banana, a few almonds, or a yogurt. Drink some water too. Your brain works best when it's fed and hydrated.

Just stay away from super sugary stuff or heavy meals — you don’t want to feel sleepy right when you're getting started.

6. Clean Your Study Space (Just a Bit)

No need to go full-on Marie Kondo. But clearing your desk can really help. Put away stuff you don’t need. Keep your SAT materials within reach.

A clean-ish space makes your brain feel less cluttered too. And that means better focus, less frustration.

7. Find Your Study Vibe

Some people like music. Some prefer silence. Either way, get your space set up the way you like it.

Play a lo-fi playlist, light a candle, open the window — whatever helps you feel calm and focused. When you enjoy your environment, your brain will be more willing to focus.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the thing — you don’t need to spend 30 minutes doing warm-ups. Even 5–10 minutes can make a big difference. A quick stretch, a snack, a clear goal, and boom — your brain is ready to go.

Studying for the Digital SAT is tough enough. Don’t make it harder by jumping in cold. Warm up your brain, get in the zone, and then hit the books.

You’ve got this.

And if you ever need more tips, SAT study plans, or SAT prep resources, we’ve got your back at My SAT Guide. Let’s make this SAT journey smarter, smoother, and a whole lot less stressful — together.