A Lesson from Denny’s: Know When to Close the Books
We’ve all been there—feeling the pressure to study for hours on end, believing that more time automatically means more success. But this “study-all-day-every-day” mindset can be counterproductive. Take a lesson from Denny’s, the restaurant chain once known for staying open 24/7, which announced today that it’s now closing 150 locations and cutting back on those round-the-clock hours. If even Denny’s is realizing it’s time to rethink being open all the time, maybe it’s time we rethink how long we study too.
Cut Out the Long, Unproductive Sessions
Just like Denny’s has realized that staying open all night isn’t always a good business decision, long study sessions aren’t always the best use of your time. Studying for hours on end without breaks leads to diminishing returns. After a certain point, you’re no longer absorbing information effectively, and your brain hits a wall.
Typically, the sweet spot for focused studying is around 45 to 60 minutes, followed by a 10 to 15-minute break. This rhythm helps your brain reset and allows you to study more efficiently over time. Studies have shown that the brain functions best when you alternate between focused work and rest.
Too little study time? Less than 20 minutes per session doesn’t give you enough time to dig into the material.
Too much? Studying for more than 2-3 hours without significant breaks can lead to burnout and decreased retention. Ideally, aim for 4-6 focused hours of study per day, but adjust based on your circumstances. Ine. thing's for sure, though: Don't try to power through for 8-10 hours straight.
Whether you're balancing work, family responsibilities, or other commitments, the key is to spread out your study time with regular breaks, focusing on quality over quantity, rather than trying to push through long, unproductive sessions.
Recognize When You’re in Unproductive Hours
Denny’s is shutting down underperforming locations—those that aren’t profitable. Similarly, your study time has “unproductive hours”—when you’re putting in time, but not getting anything back. These unproductive hours usually happen when:
🥱 You’re tired: If you’re yawning or zoning out, your brain has stopped absorbing information. It’s time to stop.
📲 You’re distracted: If you keep reaching for your phone or your mind is wandering, you’re not truly focused.
💨 You’re rushing: Trying to cram in too much, too fast, often leads to shallow learning. Slow down and make sure you're engaging with the material.
Use these as indicators that it’s time to take a break, get some rest, or re-energize. Your most productive study time often happens when you're alert, well-rested, and focused, not when you're simply putting in more hours.
Find Your Ideal Study Schedule
Denny’s is adjusting to new realities by scaling back its hours and refining its menu. You should adjust your study schedule to match what works best for you. A solid, actionable plan might look like this:
⏰ Study for 45-60 minutes, then take a 10-15 minute break.
🔁 Do this in 4-6 cycles per day for a total of about 4-6 focused study hours.
💪 Alternate subjects or practice problems to avoid fatigue.
⚡️Use your breaks wisely: move around, grab a snack, or do something relaxing to recharge.
Everyone’s study rhythm is different, so pay attention to when you feel sharpest and most focused. Some people (and I include myself in this group) work best in the mornings, while others hit their stride in the evening. Track when you feel most productive and plan your hardest tasks during those times.
Know When to Shut the Books
Denny’s realized that staying open all day, every day, wasn’t making financial sense, and long, continuous study sessions don’t make sense for most bar exam takers either.
Just like Denny’s is cutting back on 24/7 hours and closing unproductive locations, you should focus on quality over quantity in your study routine. Long, continuous study sessions without breaks are as ineffective as keeping a restaurant open with no customers. By prioritizing shorter, focused study periods with regular breaks, you'll get more out of your efforts and avoid burnout
