While many like to think or hope that once they graduate, they no longer have to take notes, cram for tests, participate in finals week, studying, and taking tests. But this knowledge needed for all of these things are fundamental parts of life. Whatever skills or habits we cultivate early on tends to stick with us as we leave the classroom and enter the workplace. It is important to figure out the secrets and tricks to being a successful studier before bad habits begin to form. I know from experience that studying isn’t always the most fun activity and is often put off, number one on the procrastination list, if you will. Studying doesn’t’ have to become this dull tedious activity we participate in simply because we’re expected to.
Part of the battle is figuring out what kind of learner you are, what that means for your study habits, and developing a plan of attack. The other part is actually doing what you say when you say you’re going to do it.
1. Treat it like a job
If you’re a student, studying is your job, and even if your not, treat studying as though it’s your 9 to 5. Teach and train yourself the specifics (like what times you do your best work, your preferred environment, etc) and then work the hours you planned on or agreed to and only take arranged breaks.
2. Become familiar with your learning style
Are you a visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or read-write learner? Have you ever wondered or thought about how you learn? The ways in which you learn means some ways work better than others and you could be making things harder for yourself by not knowing. Visual learners respond well to maps, charts, and diagrams. Using power points and flash cards would benefit these types of learners. Auditory learners should record lectures/meetings, read material out, and explain concepts aloud in their own words. Kinesthetic learners should utilize flashcards, study and exchange ideas with others, doodle while studying and only study in small blocks. Lastly, read-write learners should take detailed notes, rewrite them using different wording, and translate charts or diagrams into written summaries.
3. Stay motivated and don’t stress
Change pens when studying, maybe even color code. Use post-it notes, change study positions or spaces, and make checklists so you can physically check things off. Take breaks every 30 minutes, (Not to binge on Netflix or switch to a different subject) but take the time to clear your head. Deep breathing, meditation, walks down the hall/across campus, leisure read—something to reenergize you and lower stress levels.
4. Separate your sleep and study space
This is more for college students unless you find you’re sleeping at your desk at the office. While dorms are designed to give students a space within their room to do homework, studying where you sleep tends to confuse the brain. When you’re working, it registers the bed and wants to sleep and vise-versa for when you want to sleep it becomes more difficult to fall asleep. Finding alternative space to study is key.
5. Plan ahead
I know the term "time management" has been continuously drilled into your head but it is so important. There are only 24 hours in a day. You need to allow some for sleep, some for school and work, some for extracurricular or hobbies, and still leave some left over for studying. Using a monthly or weekly planner, making lists, and holding yourself and your friends/coworkers accountable for due dates and deadlines can be extremely beneficial.
6. Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep increases energy levels and betters your ability to focus. Don’t cram for the exam, meeting, or presentation. Use time management and make sleep a priority.
7. Make a playlist
Listening to music has been proven recently to increase levels of productivity. This strategy doesn’t work for everyone, and many times only certain types of music work depending on the person. Classical music is no longer the only style that can act as a study buddy. Music can act as white noise when it gets too quiet, or can be used to inspire and energize.
8. Avoid screens
Chances are you probably don’t need your phone to help you study. Sometimes you might not even need your computer. For many of us our phones have become an extension of ourselves, and browsing the Internet on our computers has become a bit of an addiction. Either turn your phone off or use it solely as a timer to alert you of study breaks. Use special program blocks on your computer for specific distracting sites.
9. Treat yourself
After you’ve studied for the time you said you would, or checked something off your list, treat yourself to something nice or something you’ve been looking forward to. Maybe your friends are planning on going to a movie or downtown, or your work is having a happy hour, but you know you have a test or paper due or you have a big presentation the next day. Use these things as rewards for getting your work done or getting ahead. Work and studies are important but make sure to reward yourself!
10. Use your senses
Believe it or not taste, and smell can help you remember things you studied better. By spraying a specific scent when you study and right before a test or presentation, you could actually remember more of what you learned. The same goes for taste, specifically mint. By chewing a new flavor of gum both while you study and popping a piece in for your test, it could help you recall more information. Weird right?
With the right tricks up their sleeve, anyone can study successfully. First, figure out what works best for you—environment, note taking style, group or alone. Then determine when you are most productive. Is it earlier in the morning or later at night? Use that information to schedule time for you to work. Lastly, but arguably most important...STUDY! You can concoct the best most innovative and successful plan of attack but if you never actually implement it, then you're back to square one.
Good luck studying! Now get back to work.
