As a student, I want my study time to be as effective as possible. If you understand how the brain works, you will be a successful learner. That means crowding must be a thing of the past, study time must be planned around what you need to learn, and your environment must be optimized.
The following are the six must-have skills you need to study better.
- Sleep is not optional. In fact, it will help your brain store information in long-term memory so that you can retrieve it for a test or a job. Slow wave sleep occurs during the first third of the night, if you miss this moment, you are missing the moment when you take short-term memory, consolidate and put it in long-term memory. Your brain will remember information more effectively than long-term memory.
- A little nap or a walk will help you focus. Your brain can only absorb a certain amount of information; Get up after 45-50 minutes and take a 20 minute nap or go for a walk, this will help clear that short-term memory so you can store more information.
- If you are studying fact, the best time to study is between 3 pm and 5 pm during the day. This is when your brain will learn these pieces of information optimally.
- If you are learning skills, then study between 6 pm and 8 pm. This is the best time for your brain to process memory skills.
- Disorder is the enemy. Clutter in your study environment or in your sleeping environment will distract you. This is true if you have ADD or if you are the average person. It’s worth spending 10 minutes tidying up your space before you start studying. This doesn’t mean you need to clean your entire house, just try to organize the area you’re working on.
- Noise or no noise that is personal. Some people are distracted by the slightest sound, if this is the case, white noise like rain, ocean sounds, or soft music will help lessen the distractions. If you find this distracting, it may be beneficial to be in a quiet place.
Remember that going to school or taking classes is one way to achieve your goals and as such you should take advantage of the time and do your best. This is true whether the class is for credit or for knowledge. What you want to do is be the most effective person at learning while taking the class.
