Focus: 10 Quick Tips for Studying Effectively

FINALS. 

Studying is never easy, especially with the distractions in our lives. With finals week looming, the name of the game is finding FOCUS. Here are 10 quick tips: 

Tip 1 – Make a Plan 

Your Master Finals Plan should have two key ingredients: Priorities and Schedules. When prioritizing, ask yourself things like, “Which final will be hardest?” and “What class do I need to ace?” Once you establish a priority, make a schedule, including specific times, subjects and goals. Put the worst tasks first to get them out of the way. Make sure you schedule to start early enough, so you’re not overloaded at the last minute. Also, switch things up. If your schedule includes subject changes, your brain will stay fresh. 

Tip 2 – Location, Location, Location 

You know where you study most effectively so go there first. Don’t stay in your room, especially if there are distractions around. Swapping locations occasionally (like swapping subjects) may help refresh your brain for more productive retention. 

Tip 3 – Delete Distractions 

Sometimes our phone is our enemy. Make a rule: No texting during studying. No calls. Period. Follow your Master Schedule and check your phone only during a break. Disconnect your laptop from the Internet (unless you need it). Focus. 

Tip 4 – Get Comfy 

Wear comfortable clothes. You might want to layer, too, so you can adjust to the temperature of your study space. 

Tip 5 – Test Your Progress 

Your Master Plan should include goals and objectives. Then test yourself to see if you’ve accomplished each goal. Practice tests help information sink in, while helping identify areas that need work. 

Tip 6 – HELP!! 

Study groups truly are helpful, especially if your group sticks to the rules (no cell phone, no tangent conversations, etc.). Don’t feel guilty about asking for help from someone who’s successful in the subject. It’s flattering to them, and helpful to their study process as well. Explaining something out loud is one of the best ways to make it click in your own brain.

Tip 7 – Train Your Mind 

Does your mind ever wander when you study? Of course it does. Everyone’s does. Learn to deal with these wanderings, dismiss them and get back to studying. Keep a notepad for jotting down thoughts or future to-do’s, so they’re not disruptive right now. If you’re daydreaming, take a deep breath and then try to blow the dream out. If necessary, stand up and stretch, or switch to a different study topic. 

Tip 8 – Eat 

When it comes to food, use the Three Bears philosophy – aim for “just right.” You don’t want to be bloated and sleepy or distracted by hunger. Have snacks on-hand that you like to stave off hunger, but don’t gorge. Stick to good nutrition and stay hydrated. Fish like salmon, which has high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, increases brain function, and antioxidant-rich dark chocolate improves concentration. 

Tip 9 - Sleep Sure. 

Who has time to sleep? You do, if you plan right. Proper sleep (some of us need more than others) means less stress, more alertness and better study capabilities. Studies show that getting 6-8 hours per night can actually raise your GPA by a whole grade and helps boosts your immune system. So build sleep into your Master Schedule! 

Tip 10 – Reduce Stress 

Periodic breaks can help to relieve stress and improve your attitude toward studying.  It’s important to rest your brain occasionally to retain the information you are studying. Take a walk, eat a snack and come back refreshed. Remember that you are going to celebrate when it’s over. You’re going to feel good, with a sense of accomplishment and pride, knowing you took a step forward toward a successful future. 

You've got the tips and a plan. Stay focused and conquer finals - it’s worth it. Did we forget a tip? Let us know if you've got a great one we missed. You can comment in the section below.