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A balance between coursework and other responsibilities can be challenging, whether you’re in high school or back in college. Here are some scientifically proven 10 study tips that will help you to succeed if you’re feeling burned out!
Here are 10 smart ways to study and become a better student:
1. Find a good place with minimal distractions
To study well, it is important to find a good place to study. Place yourself in a quiet, distraction-free space where you can focus without being interrupted by loud noises or constant requests for your attention. You can minimize these distractions by following these tips:
- Using Wi-Fi? Turn it off:
- Don’t let your phone distract you
- Get a friend to help you study
2. Taking breaks is Important
It has been found that taking breaks allows for better retention, enhanced attention, and more energy. The research shows that a break of 15 to 20 minutes between 50-minute work sessions can lead to maximum productivity. In Guru At Home’s online math tutoring classes for kids, we encourage them to take breaks frequently.
The following are some ways you can take care of yourself:
- Walk for a few minutes
- Listen to a song that boosts your mood
- Spend some time with a friend relaxing
- Taking a stretch
- Try to meditate
- Let your mind wander and daydream
- Grab a snack
- Take a bath
- Do a quick clean of your desk or room
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to breaks. A study break is a perfect time to check your phone or social media.
3. Be sure to space out your study time
The information you cram for a test can still help you score high, but studies have shown that as soon as you take the test, you’ll forget it. Consistent and well-paced study sessions are essential for remembering material (and avoiding exam stress).
Refresh your knowledge once a week instead of saving your study time for the test. Before the test day, make sure you dedicate 3-4 weeks (or even months) to studying for the exam. By doing this, you will be able to retain the information for a longer period.
4. Plan your study sessions in advance
Every time you study, set a study goal. There are two kinds of timers: content-based and time-based. A two-hour study session or reviewing 3-4 lessons from your textbook might be enough for you.
Sometimes studying can take longer than you anticipated; don’t be too harsh on yourself. Schedule another study session after taking well-timed breaks.
5. Give yourself a reward
To form good habits, you can reward yourself with treats – bribing yourself. It may be helpful to reward yourself if you finish a section or have a productive study day. Giving yourself a reward can motivate you to achieve your goals.
You can reward yourself with a candy bar, your favourite drink from the coffee shop, or a short episode of your favourite TV show. In addition to getting your favourite meal, relaxing with friends, or taking part in your favourite activity, bigger rewards can include getting through a long day of studying or getting an exam done.
6. Group studies are a great way to learn
Study groups have several benefits. Various perspectives can be provided, and group members can support each other by providing encouragement and holding each other accountable. It is even possible to help others understand and retain difficult concepts by explaining them to them. If you are studying alone, you should take periodic breaks and set a goal for your group to work towards.
7. Practicing makes perfect
The use of tests and practice tests for learning and retention of information has long been recognized as a valuable tool. The process of being tested not only reveals gaps in our knowledge and reduces exam anxiety, but it also helps us retain knowledge by allowing us to recall information from a memory-another powerful, researched method of retaining knowledge.
No practice test? Testing yourself can be done in several ways and has the same benefits. Here are some methods to try:
- Make flashcards
- Ask yourself questions
- Find practice questions on the Internet
- Take a quiz with a friend
8. Don’t be afraid to express yourself
When you write an idea down, your brain holds onto the information, and you can understand it better. According to Latrobe University, paraphrasing means using your own words to express your understanding of the source. Also, direct quotes should be used sparingly, so it’s a powerful alternative.
9. Whenever you need help, ask
The explanation in a textbook might not make sense to you if you are stuck on a problem. An expert could provide a fresh understanding of the issue if you are able to walk through it with them. You may be able to learn new ways to understand what you’re stuck on by approaching your professor, assistant, friend, or study group member. Want to be coached on a particular topic? It may be worthwhile to hire a tutor.
You can also take online classes from top online tutoring platforms like Guru At Home, to get help. In addition to Google or YouTube, you may be able to find articles or videos that will help you gain a deeper understanding of the topic at hand.
10. Self-care is important
Take good care of yourself because your brain is one of the most important organs in your body. Keep your mental health in check by exercising regularly, eating well, not overdrinking, getting enough sleep, and managing your stress.
- The lack of sleep is associated with reduced cognitive function, including impaired attention spans and poorer test scores. You can improve your student life and make yourself happier by getting more sleep.
- Veggies, fruit, nuts, and unsaturated fats like olive oil have been linked to better cognitive performance, so make sure to eat more of them.
- Brain stimulation occurs when your brain receives oxygen, nerve cells grow, and connections between them are strengthened. Consequently, neuroplasticity and efficiency increase in the brain.
- Having mental wellness means living a more fulfilling life, interacting with others more meaningfully, and being more productive at work. Mental health can help us deal with stress, improve our relationships with others, and deal with stressful situations better. It is important to exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep to keep our mental health in good shape.
Conclusion
There is no better way to improve your learning ability than by following the above tips, which you can find for most of your subjects. Using these simple techniques will yield surprising results. Have a great academic year!
