I’m in 3rd year, which means that this year I have the dreaded junior cycle. So, study, study, study. Trying to fit in my recommended four to six hours is difficult in my hectic schedule, much less trying to make my studying time effective. You probably know all about how to study, but you might not think about the when, where, and not combusting from stress.
Picking a place to study:
Having a designated ‘study spot’ really helps your mind and body to realise that now is the time to get things done, but it can be difficult to find one that works.
- Choose an environment that will help you focus, and don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit, trying out new locations.
- For anyone that needs to get away from a hectic home or little siblings that want to “help” you with your homework, the library is an excellent resource. It’s a quiet space with desks, computers, and wi-fi.
- If you can’t (or don’t want to) go out to the library or a coffee shop to study, and prefer to do so in your house/room, then try compartmentalisation. Create different spaces where you can study, sleep, and exercise, even if they are just corners of the same room. Wear different clothes when you are relaxing versus when you are studying. All these send signals to your brain that will tell it that it’s time for some studying.
- Eliminate distractions as best you can with noise-cancelling headphones, studying away from other people and putting phones or other devices out of sight.
- Declutter your study space. Only keep items to do with one subject around at a time, and clean up after yourself. The fewer distractions, the better.
Picking a time:
Planning your time well is crucial – otherwise you won’t get much done. Here are my tips for picking a study time.
- Track your current schedule, and make note of how you spend your time. When do you have an hour where nothing much happens? Don’t just track one day, as some of your days will have more/less on than others.
- Try to schedule studying time for every day, even if it is just for half an hour. It may be tempting to just cram on one day, but spacing it out has been proven to have better results.
- Use calendars/planners/journals to keep track of when you should study, and set alarms or notifications on your device(s).
- Try to be consistent with your timing so your body will know that it’s time to study.
- Schedule breaks of 10 – 15 minutes every hour. Your brain needs time to catch up with itself! Set alarms for them, and don’t be tempted to skip.
- Have a stopping time for the night, and stick to it. An overworked brain will not retain information well.
- Reward yourself afterwards. You deserve it. Some healthy ideas are: going for a short walk; eating a healthy snack; reading a book; listening to your favourite music; stretching; doing some exercise; playing an instrument; going for a shower/bath, etc.
Goals
Setting study goals for yourself can make studying easier, and more worthwhile. Here are some tips for setting goals for yourself.
- Find out why you want to study. Once you know your motivation, you’ll know what goals you should create. If your bigger goals seem really unachievable, then don’t say “I can’t do this” say “I can’t do this… yet”.
- Set small achievable goals that are easy to track. Also have non-study goals that you can achieve if you don’t end up studying that day. If you find yourself consistently failing to achieve them, then they are not achievable and you need to adjust them.
- Track your progress. It will motivate you to keep going.
- If you find yourself procrastinating, break down some of your big vague goals into smaller, clearer goals with manageable steps. Once you understand what you need to do, it will be easier to achieve.
Staying healthy outside of studying:
While the upcoming test(s) may seem life or death, you certainly won’t do well if you kill yourself studying. Here are some health tips that will actually help your grades (more than sleep deprivation at least). Always try to put yourself first, and be kind to your body and your mind.
- It might help you to snack while you work, and feel free to do so, but don’t fill your body with rubbish. Some foods actually boost your brain power! Foods which include chlorine help with memory in tests, such as: eggs, lentils, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. Foods which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can lower test anxiety and improve concentration, such as: Flaxseed, pumpkin seeds and walnuts. Blueberries are also very good for your brain. (Though be mindful of your diets and allergies, of course.)
- Drink a lot of water, and drink before you start to feel thirsty. Every 40 minutes or so when you are studying or sitting an exam (or a mock) take a drink. Water improves your focus and keeps you alive, and is really good for you and humans need it to survive, so, you know, drink it more. (I’m talking to myself as much as anyone.)
- Get at least 8 hours of sleep. We all have important things to do, and sleep can feel like a waste of the precious few hours in the day, but honestly, sleep deprivation will only add to your stress. Getting enough sleep can improve your test-taking and learning ability immensely. Also, set a time for the night where you stop studying. I know it’s tempting to keep going, and your brain might still keep you awake, and then what’s the point in trying to sleep?, but even lying in bed in a dark room with your eyes closed still gives you some benefit.
- Schedule quality time off, and enjoy it. I like to schedule some time where I don’t let myself think about exams or tests or studying or school in general. That could be exercising, reading, watching a movie, or just staring at a wall. If you don’t do this, and your life just revolves around studying, then after exams (or assessments) you’ll be jarred. Also, it is healthy to have a social life, or hobbies outside of schoolwork.
- Don’t put too much on your plate. Be careful with how much you expect yourself to do. Remember that you are a person, not a robot, and give yourself a bit of leeway when it comes to juggling everything life throws at you. Stress = less effective studying = more studying you’ll have to do = more stress = viscous cycle. Just like linear equations, you need to balance your workload.
- Try meditation. It can help you to focus, and to manage your stress. I also use it to help me sleep better.
- Write down your worries before a study session, or just generally. You could use a journal/diary or your notes app (though preferably a physical piece of paper/notebook). It can help your memory and your learning to leave all your worries on the page, and move on, with your focus on the best outcome, not the worst.