ways to study effectively

Since a huge chunk of your study time is spent on reading, try employing reading techniques like the SQ3R. It teaches you to Survey the contents of the book or reading material, Question the reasons you need to read the material, Read and understand the text, Recite the salient points in what you just have read and take down notes if there are any, and Review take a few days or a week to go over what you read in order to better familiarize yourself with the material.

Employ mnemonic devices which aim at translating information into a form that the human brain can retain better than its original form. For example, if you want to remember the colors of the rainbow. Remember the name Roy G. Biv. It sounds like a weird name but in reality it stands for Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet.

If youre trying to memorize a process, like how the human digestive system works, drawing a flowchart is a great tool to use especially if you are a visually receptive individual and respond to illustrations or abstractions. You dont have to make a really detailed flowchart like the ones computer programmers would use, just make sure the arrows are correctly situated or the drawings are easy to relate to.

Relaxation should be part of your study schedule. Take fifteen minute powernaps, walk break, game time, anything that is not related to studying.

If youve read the chapter once, theres no harm in reading it one more time. Reading it all over again helps you remember the information. Just make sure that you understand what youre reading so its easier for that information to switch over into your long term memory.

Flashcards are one of the best tools for studying. Jot down important information such as definitions, key points, name, dates, etc. and take the flashcards with you wherever you go. Throughout the day, pull them out and review the information you jotted down.

There are a lot of benefits from studying in a group. Group interactions will help you cement the information discussed in your memory. Moreover, different perspectives on the given study subject could broaden your understanding and application.

When you are sick, the best thing to do is just rest. Its almost impossible to fully engage your mind in studying due to the major distraction of pain, discomfort, drug side effects, etc. Rest and full recuperation is the best course of action.

It sounds a little crazy but for some people, it does work. Change the lyrics to your favorite nursery rhyme or novelty song with the lines from the chapter youre trying to memorize. Before you know it, youll be humming that which you have been trying to memorize.

One glass of water can go a long way for your brains health. Try to avoid coffee, power drinks, caffeinated drinks, etc. and instead drink water. After all 78% of your brain is, in fact, water.