By Natalie Stewart
Making the most of your study time can be a difficult thing to do. Here are seven tips to get better results from the hours you spend hitting the books:
- Know Your Learning Style
For instance, if you are a social learner, use a study group; if you are a visual learner, try to create or find visual representations and videos of the subject you are trying to learn. - Find the Line between Stimulation and Distraction
Extroverted people feel energized when there are more stimuli (stimulating things) in their environment, but that doesn’t mean they are immune to distraction! Stimulation keeps you alert and awake, while distractions can make it impossible to focus. - Get Proper Rest
Don’t delay studying until you feel tired enough to sleep. Instead, study when you are alert, and schedule time to rest when you are done. Students retain more information if they rest after absorbing it! - Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!
If you feel hungry or thirsty, you’re going to have a hard time concentrating. However, avoid sugar, which will provide short-term energy, but make you feel tired later. Instead, use a dessert as a reward after you finish studying. - Stay Calm and Relaxed
Practice meditation, breathing, and stretching if you feel stressed. - Try Talk Therapy
If you start to panic, talk to friends and mentors (e.g., an instructor, a chaplain, or a counselor) about your worries and fears. - Take a Break
Know your limits, and do not push yourself to achieve unrealistic goals like studying for five hours straight without a break. If you are starting to fall asleep, and/or your concentration is weakening, get up and move around.
These tips will be useful for making the most of your study time, but remember that your own determination is important as well. If you believe you can study, you can!
Image Credit: https://lisbonvoice.com/1372/student-life/study-tips-for-a-new-school-year/
