1. Choose a Study Area
If you want to be successful in your studies, firstly you need to have a designated study area. It should be a special space some distance from the daily distractions of the living room. In this space should be a desk and a comfortable chair and all the relevant supplies (planner/diary, a calendar, pens, pencils, highlighters, markers, writing pads, and sticky notes) you might need.
2. Create a studying process
Studying is an ongoing daily active process.
To be clear, simply sitting at a desk with an open book in front of you is not studying. Your study methods should include reading and making notes. You should use bullets, mind maps and lots of colour (highlighters) to help to understand the material that needs to be learned. The TV needs to be off and having the mobile phone out of your reach will help to put you in the right frame of mind to study.
3. Create a study timetable
A study timetable is essential for you to use your precious time wisely. Using a timetable, similar to this one, will help you to use your day effectively.
Image Credit: Anna Anderson
4. Have Study Goals
Every study session needs to have a SMART goal. A good way to set up study goals is to break down everything to study into bite sized easy to learn chunks.
For instance, if the study topic was on STRESS, you’d chunk it down like this:
- What is stress
- Causes of stress
- Signs and symptoms of stress
- How to destress
- Follow the SMART formula for all your study goals.
Image Credit: Anna Anderson
5. Exercise
It might seem like an extra leisure activity, however, it’s important to ease the stress of studying with daily exercise. You could do a simple yoga routine, take the dogs for a walk, or go for a jog. Furthermore, the release of endorphins invigorates a person and they will be able to study better thereafter.
6. Eat well
A healthy diet allows people to function at optimal levels. According to Brain Food: What to Eat When Revising on topuniversities.com, the following foods should be in your meals to help you study better.
- Oily fish
- Eggs
- Dark leafy greens
- Peanut butter
- Green tea
- Fresh fruit
