1) Eliminate Technical Distractions
Technology is all around us. It enables us to be connected. We can look up when an assignment is due on the spot, we can study on our computer, on our phone, or a tablet. In a study done in 2013 by College Explorer Study from re:fuel, college students on average own 7 tech devices. If you have a Facebook account, Instagram or any other Social Media account, you can easily get sucked in and distracted.
- Turn off your phone - or put it on silent. If you are tempted to check it, try putting it on airplane mode or disabling the cellular data.
- Don't study by a t.v. - as much as we wish, our brains can't focus on more than one thing at a time.
- Only open web pages that are necessary - it can be tempting to have other pages open while studying, but your studying will be less affective if you are jumping back and forth between school and what is trending on Buzzfeed.
- Music or No Music? - Play classical music in the background while you study. I may be a little biased because I am a cellist and have been using this method ever since I was little, but there have been studies to prove the positive effects classical music has on the brain.
2) Stay Hydrated and Fueled
Fuel your body and mind by eating well and staying hydrated. This means eating a nutritious breakfast every morning, drink a lot of water, and make sure you are eating throughout the day. Dehydration and low energy limits your brains ability to stay focused, and retain information.
- Keep a water bottle with you wherever you go and stay hydrated.
- Have nutrient based snack foods in your bag such as: nuts, energy bars, or fruits.
- Plan weekly shopping trips to make sure you always have food readily available!
- Take daily vitamins - Try taking a multi-vitamin and fish-oil everyday and see if you feel the benefits.
3) Make Time to Plan Your Day
It is good practice to take 10-15 minutes to plan out your day. You'll be able to prioritize your tasks and decide how to be efficient with your time.
- Get a planner - this may be old school, but planning your day in writing takes more time and you'll be able to really plan things out.
- Make a "To-Do" list before you go to bed each night, and it will be ready to plan the next day.
4) Decrease Your Stress
It is important to study and aim to do your best, but it is also very important to take care of yourself. If you aren't getting enough rest, or you aren't taking time in your day to do something for yourself, your stress will increase and it affects your longterm health.
- Get adequate rest - Make sure you are getting 8 hours of sleep when you can. If you are cramming for a test and trying to decide if you should go to bed or stay up late, it is usually better to study after you have slept.
- Get into a routine - Try and get into a routine, this is where daily planning is key, but the more you can predict your schedule, the more organized you'll be.
- Be Active - take a walk around your house or apartment. Join a community sport team. Routine exercise helps decrease stress and regulate energy levels.
- Go Outside - Vitamin D has been confirmed as a source to decrease stress. Study outside even, it really makes a difference.
- Practice Deep Breathing Exercises - This can really help clear your mind and calm your energy.
5) Study With a Friend and Ask Questions
One of the best ways to learn, is by teaching. Make friends with your classmates, if possible, and study together. If you aren't in a physical class, don't be afraid to reach out to your professor for advice or clarification.
- Make a list of questions as you study, so you know where you need help.
- Use resources like Google Docs or Quizlet to take notes or build study material. You can log in anywhere, and aren't going to lose your material!
- Teach a friend or family member what you are learning if you aren't on a campus.
It is hard to get into good habits, but its not impossible. Focus on one or two new approaches at a time, and add more over time. You'll see the differences quickly!
