Some Tips for Studying Smarter (Part One)

1. Study in Short but Continuous Intervals:

Based on statistics, the human mind is much more concentrated during short and frequent times periods than long ones. So even if you only have 1 hour to study, divide it into shorter intervals. It is also best to give yourself a break after every 10 minutes of studying.

Since our brain needs time to “make protein” and regenerate, this method is very efficient. Resting time allows the brain to absorb what is learned. In contrast, studying for a long time, is boring, tiresome, stressful, and confusing, thereby reducing the ability of learning.

2. Don’t Feel Guilty for Resting

If you have enough time, spend a full day resting in order to renew. (For example, once a month, especially after taking a test, give yourself a full-day or half-day break). Doing so may make you feel guilty and think to yourself “You should have studied today”. This might give you stress and cause you to spend your resting time with stress. But remember that the brain does not absorb new information under stress. Spend a day at leisure and don’t feel bad about not studying. Just try to do more of the activities that you enjoy and sleep on this one day. Do less of heavy mental activities, such as taking part in political debates or watching philosophical movies. Spend your time doing physical activity, sports, and uplifting activities.

3. Take Your Physical Condition into Account

Do not study when you are tired, angry, distracted, and in a hurry. When the human brain is in a state of calmness, it absorbs information like a sponge. But when you are stressed, your effort to learn is useless because in such a situation the brain repels information. Never force yourself to read and learn when you’re thinking about something else because it is just a waste of time. For this reason, we always advise you not to think about your exam and the result of the exam and stressful things in general.

We suggest you to just study and do your best and ultimately trust God for the final result.

4. Review What You Learned on the Same Day

When you learn something new, try to focus on the same things that day. Within a few days, you’ll need more effort to remember that stuff. However, a quick review at the end of the day will make your brain remember them easier.

5. Proceed Step by Step

You may not believe that always reaching out from the whole to details and from larger parts to small parts is an effective way of learning at different ages. But we recommend you to try this. When you are studying, try to have a clear understanding of the subject first, then go into the details, this will increase your chances of success.