Want to get prepared for your next test? Here are 7 study tips to help you learn more when you study. The study tips include starting to study right away, creating a study group, organizing your study space, snacking on brain food, taking regular breaks, getting enough sleep and exercising while studying.
Study Tip #1 – Start Studying Right Away
Do not cram before a test. Organize multiple study sessions spaced out between a period of days. The brain remembers the first information and last information studied better than the middle. Make sure to stop and start studying on a regular basis and you will retain more information from your study time.
Study Tip #2 – Create a Study Group
Working in a group to study for a test is a great idea. Each person can be responsible for a different section of the curriculum and when the group comes back together they can share their notes. Things like studying for a test or working out can be easier when you have someone to do it with as you feel obligated to that person to do your part.
Study Tip #3 – Organize Your Study Space
Start by decluttering your space so you can keep your mind fresh. Throw out the trash on your desk and get everything you need to study without getting distracted.
Organize your study space like you organize your brain. Our brains are made up of three main compartments for storing information.
Working Memory – information we’re currently working with that doesn’t necessarily need to be stored.
Short-Term Memory – information we hold for a few days. If it is important, the brain will store it into long-term memory.
Long-Term Memory – information that is stored permanently.
The working memory could be a whiteboard of topics or information you are working on right now. The short-term memory can include post-it notes that you keep for remembering something coming up tomorrow or the next day. Long-term memory may be the information you store in your computer for later use.
Study Tip #4 – Snack on Brain Food
Your brain performs better when you eat good. Fruits and vegetables are good for long-term brain focus rather than sugar and caffeine. You may get a quick boost from caffeine but the downside of the high can really effect your focus when studying.
There are many brain foods that will improve your focus and concentration, according to A Life of Productivity. Many of these foods are called superfoods. A superfood is a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.
Blueberries – studies show that blueberries boost concentration and memory because of antioxidants that stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain.
Leafy Green Vegetables – are full of antioxidants and carotenoids, that help boost brain power and protect the brain. They also contain folic acid, which improves mental clarity.
Fatty Fish – Omega-3 fatty acids aid memory, mental performance and behavioral function.
Water – Staying hydrated gives the brain the electrical energy for all brain functions including thought and memory processes.
Study Tip #5 – Take Regular Breaks
Look up to refocus your eyes every five minutes so you don’t have to strain when you are studying. Get up and walk around every 45 minutes to get any energy out of your body and reset your mind so you can come back fresh and ready to tackle the next chapter.
Study Tip #6 – Get Enough Sleep
Nothing is worse than taking a test when you are tired. You need your full concentration so get a good nights’ sleep before taking a test.
Also, newly learned concepts are more easily recalled after sleeping since retroactive interference occurs. Retroactive interference is when a student has difficulty recalling old information because of newly learned information.
Study Tip #7 – Exercise & Study at The Same Time
Get your notes in order or create flash cards. Then start walking around the neighborhood or campus while you review your notes. Humans have a hard-wired survival instinct to retain information while in motion, from the days of running away from danger. Exercise will also increase oxygen flow to the brain for better concentration.
Once you have your study skills set and ready to find the right career college, learn more about Gwinnett Colleges & Institute. We feel studying is key to success in anyone of our 14 programs at our 6 campuses in Georgia, Florida & North Carolina.