grace

Studying

   When you're studying, there are a few steps and hints you can use to be more productive. After all, if you're going to spend your time doing something, why not do it as well as you can?

Step One - Gather All of Your Supplies

   This means not only your school supplies (pens, pencils, paper, notes, highlighters, etc.) but all of those things that you will make excuses to get later, when you get bored. So, grab a drink, water is probably best. You could have something like milk, juice, or tea as well. Avoid anything with added sugar or anything carbonated, these kind of drinks will mess with your ability to concentrate. You can also get a snack, but the same rules apply. Don't munch on anything fried, salty, or sugary while you work.

Step Two - Find Your Time and Place

   Find somewhere where you won't be intrupted, and where you'll be comfortable. It's best to either work in silence, or if you're like me and you work better with a little noise, play quiet classical music. Studies show that classical music increases your material comprehension. Don't forget to try and tell your friends and family when you're studying, so they don't accidentally interrupt your study session. Also make sure that you are studying at a time when you'll be alert, you don't want to fall asleep on your work.

Step Three - Just Start Studying

   I know this sounds kind of obvious, but stay with me here. As you study, feel free to mark whatever material you're studying. By increasing your interaction with and thinking in a different way about the material you're studying, you are more likely to remember it. If you find yourself getting tired or bored, take a few minutes to get up and stretch or walk around. This will get your blood circulating in your brain, which is good for your memory and problem solving skills.

After You Study

   It may sound dumb, but what you do after you study is important. Leave your supplies neat when you finish. Not just so you can easily find things when you come back to study, but because it will subconsciously boost your mood.