Healthy snacks that are packed with protein and complex carbs give you the fuel you need to stay focused. Fruit, nuts, and whole grains are good choices. Avoid sweets and junk food, which will cause your blood sugar to spike and dip.
Additionally, study at a desk or table with enough room to spread out your study materials. Avoid studying in bed, since getting too comfortable can distract you from your studies. Keep your area neat, clean and organized, which can help you keep a clear mind. A messy space will make your mind feel cluttered, as well. Try to study in an area that has natural light, which can help energize your mind.
For example, if you’re studying for a history test on World War II, review your notes on the events leading up to the war. Take a break to have a snack or stretch, then work on the European front. You could also review textbook chapter outlines for an hour, then switch to studying flashcards. Rather than try to force yourself to concentrate on 1 thing, you’ll boost your efficiency and remember more if you mix up your tasks.
For instance, if you’re not a fan of chemistry, start your study session by doing practice problems for the quiz you have the next day. Once you’ve knocked that out, move on to the subjects you enjoy most.
Classical music is a good choice, since there are no distracting lyrics. You could also try listening to ambient tunes, electronic music, or nature sounds. To keep track of time, make an hour-long playlist instead of listening to random tracks. That way, you’ll know when to take a break or switch to another subject.
During your break, make sure you don’t engage in any distracting activities. For example, don’t turn on your TV, as you might get interested in what’s on and not go back to studying. Similarly, you might avoid getting on social media if you have a tendency to keep scrolling once you’ve started. Find a natural break in your studies instead of stopping abruptly in the middle of something. It’s better to hold off on taking a break for 15 or 30 minutes than to stop and forget what you were doing.
When you’re interested in a topic, motivating yourself to study it takes a lot less effort. If you just can’t get into a subject, do your best to make it fun. For instance, if you love to draw, make diagrams and sketches of the concepts you’re studying. [9] X Research source
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t accomplish your task, but be sure to reward yourself only when you actually finish. Writing down a specific study goal and reward in your assignment pad can help you stay on target. For instance, write “Task: Review history lecture notes for 2 hours. Reward: Play video games for 30 minutes. ”
Explaining concepts to others is a great way to process and memorize information. Studying with others can also help you fill in any gaps in your notes.
When you’re studying for long hours, it’s important to use that time wisely. For example, review your exam study guide as soon as you receive it, and highlight the main topics you need to study. If you have any questions, talk to your instructor so you won’t waste time trying to look it up on your own. Then, decide which topics you need to spend the most time studying and start with those.
For example, let’s say you’re studying math. You’d need your assignment materials (i. e. worksheet, textbook, etc), a calculator, graphing paper, a pencil, an eraser, drinking water, and a healthy snack.
For instance, if you’re planning out a 4-hour session, set aside the first 2 hours to study for your big science test. Switch gears and do your math homework for the third hour, and review your history notes for the fourth. If you have time left over, spend a little more time studying for your science test. Additionally, make a weekly list of your upcoming tasks. Fill in fixed blocks of time, such as classes, work, and practice, then divide your flexible time between studying and other assignments.
For example, if you’re studying for a final, start by looking over past tests and quizzes, and note specific areas that gave you trouble. Then review your class notes, divide the course into its units, and study 1 unit at a time. Smaller, approachable study tasks may also include creating outlines that summarize textbook chapters, making flashcards, and quizzing yourself.
For instance, suppose school, a part-time job, basketball, and choir are running you ragged. School and work are priorities, so they’re not going anywhere. If basketball is really important to you, take time away from choir. Then see if you can rejoin after basketball season is over.
