5 Effective Study Rituals to Prepare You for Any Test
It’s that time of the semester again when we bury our noses in books, notes, and other review materials; and now that we’re back observing face-to-face classes, preparations couldn’t get any dreadful.
Worry not! We are here to provide you with simple, proven-and-tested studying tips that can cushion your already hectic schedule. Read on and try to apply each one. We promise it’ll be worth your while.
Get comfortable before reviewing
To be efficient and effective with studying, you need to put yourself first in an area where you are most comfortable. Assess the conditions under which you think better, improve concentration, and lower stress.
Does lighting a scented candle help? It’s all up to you! Studies have shown that setting the room temperature to your preference can help you soak up information too.
Be careful not to get too comfortable though! You might fall asleep, and that’s for another strategy.
Exposure to sunlight boosts serotonin, a happy hormone that keeps you calm, positive and focused.
Establish a studying routine
Reviewing can include things like condensing your notes, but it doesn’t mean you’ll do it all in one sitting. (That would be similar to cramming.)
One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with complex lessons is to create a hands-on strategy that you’ll practice on a daily basis. Try doing the Pomodoro technique. It is a highly effective studying strategy that instructs you to focus on one task in a certain amount of time then take five-minute breaks afterwards.
That way, you’ll slowly digest each lesson just in time for the exam.
Following a routine you set for yourself also develops self-discipline, a trait that will help you not only during exams but life in general.
Manage and make time for studies
Now that you have a routine to follow, it's putting in the time to work that follows next. Success, after all, is never overnight. It requires patience and slow, steady, hard work.
Be careful overdoing yourself though, reviewing for the exams doesn’t have to be done the whole day. Don’t forget to follow that routine you drafted, try sneaking in a little me time too.
Eliminate distractions
While you’re at it with your books and notes, it is highly important to block unnecessary noise that only contributes to distraction. By putting your phone on silent mode, you’ll be able to focus more on your lessons rather than the notifications and updates you get on social media. A quiet environment, after all, can help you remember all the stuff you just read. This can help you develop self-control and discipline too!
By the way, this doesn’t mean you can’t listen to music anymore. Pop that classical music playlist for the extra boost of positivity.
Want to boost your concentration? Crank that Mozart masterpiece or Strauss’ Blue Danube! Just make sure to put your phone down once the tune starts.
Get a good night’s sleep
A person’s mind and body are only as good as their amount of rest. Yes, studying for your exams matters; but what matters even more is giving your mind the time to rest.
Relax. You deserve it.
Whoever said sleep is for the weak is obviously wrong
ALWAYS REMEMBER
No matter what the outcome of your exams, don’t ever let that number define you. After all, they are just numbers that assess how well you did in the semester. If all else fails, there are lots of ways to redeem yourself; it only depends on when and where you start. You are a work in progress!
