Studying and revision can sometimes feel like you are just hitting your head against a brick wall. We all know that feeling of doom you get a few weeks before an essay is due or you have an upcoming exam, when you know there is hours of studying ahead.
Here are a few tips and tricks you can try and implement that should help you get through those studying slumps.
Organise your time
Pre-planning what you are going to spend your time on when you study can actually be very helpful. Sometimes you can sit down with your books and laptop and just sit there wondering where on earth to start!
So, to avoid timewasting, write up a theme or topic and give it a 20 or 30 minute block of time. Doing this will give you some order to your studying sessions, rather than just re-reading your notes.
This also allows you to know what you have already studied and revised, so you don’t end up doing the same topic twice and missing out something that will no doubt be asked about in the exam.
Studying with friends
Sometimes being around your best mates when you need to get something done can distract you even more, so if this is you, then maybe skip this point.
But, for others, having someone you can count on actually being productive with is a big help. If you both need to get work done, you can help each other out. Testing each other with questions and coming up with ways to memorise dates or names together.
Two brains are always better than one. Unless one of those brains just spends the whole time reciting Vines and taking Buzzfeed quizzes.
Set goals
Breaking down your workload into smaller sections can be beneficial. If you set little goals for yourself whilst you study, you will find yourself getting motivated to carry on. It will make your work seem more manageable and less of a chore.
Each time you surpass a goal, you can get a reward. Whether that is a snack or five minutes on TikTok.
The goals you set need to be achievable, otherwise this will not work. If you set a goal such as, ‘finish two practice exams within an hour’, then you are only setting yourself up for failure. The goals need to be attainable and in small blocks of time.
Take breaks
Your brain cannot successfully keep studying for hours on end without breaks. You may feel as though taking a break in studying is a waste of time. But, there is no point in working for several hours, if the information you are studying is not retained.
A study from Kansas State University found that you are more likely to retain information if you set yourself 30-45 minute spurts of studying.
A break could be looking at social media or watching a short video on YouTube, even eating some snacks you brought. Just something to allow your mind time to breathe and slow down for 10 to 15 minutes.
Drink water
Water is highly underrated. If you aren’t drinking enough, you can become fatigued and studying can be much harder than usual.
The NHS Eat Well Guide recommends that you drink 6-8 glasses of water each day.
Along with water, having a balanced diet helps your body stay active and alert. This means that your brain will find it easier to retain information.
