6 Smart ways to study effectively

It’s safe to say that there isn’t a student in the world that hasn’t had to grapple with studying. For most, studying is almost a form of punishment they have to endure. Here are 6 smart ways to help you study without it feeling like some cruel and unusual form of punishment.

Be Mindful of How You Approach Studying

Researchers have found that ‘how’ you approach something matters almost as much as what you do. Having the right mindset is important in helping you study smarter and more effectively. Too many people see studying as a task or some form of punishment rather than an opportunity to learn and better themselves. You can think of it this way: people say intelligence is sexy right? Well studying is one of the easiest ways to build that intelligence.

Be Mindful of Where You Study

Avoid studying in a place that isn’t conducive or is too distracting for you. Some people can study with music and some need absolute quiet. Understand the environment conducive for you and opt for such environments when you study.

Bring Along Only What You Need to Study

When you find an ideal and conducive place to study, please refrain from bringing along things you don’t need. This is because those things can be a distraction to you. Also be sure to bring along everything you need to study to avoid wasting time going back and forth because you forgot one thing or the other.

Have a Game Plan

This involves understanding what you have to study (in terms of quantity and complexity) and executing a game plan to help you cover all you have to study adequately and in good time, without giving yourself a headache trying to cram it all the night before.

Try Employing Different Study Methods

This is mainly to make the study process more interesting for you. However, if you’re comfortable with using one study method alone, then please do so.  You can try using flashcards, mnemonic devices, rewriting your notes, jotting down study points, taking practice exams or doing past questions, studying with study partners or even creating a study game as some of the study methods you can employ.

Take Breaks

Taking breaks is just as important as studying, only be careful not to overdo it or be too excessive with it. The mind works better when you take breaks every half an hour to an hour. It will help you absorb the information and decompress to help your mind feel free for more studying. Studying for hours unending can give you a headache or make you sleep off. You can take breaks by moving around, eating, rewarding yourself by watching a short video or talking to study partners.