Studying is a process – there’s no way around it. You have to put in the time to retain the information and perform well on tests and exams. But you can make the most of the time you put in by maximizing your productivity. Try these tips to improve your productivity and transform your study habits.
Know your high functioning hours
Studying is an individual process. You can choose to study in groups and to meet up with a tutor to help you out, but at the end of a day, it’s a solo practice. Only you can study for the test that you have, and put in the work that you know that you need to to feel confident. So, make it a priority to know what your high-functioning hours are. Are you an early bird, who is most alert and productive in the morning? Are you a night owl, who feels most creative and effective in the evenings? Do you feel supercharged after an afternoon workout?
Figure out what your studying sweet spot is, and fit in your study hours during that time. This will make sure that you’re maximizing your studying effectiveness on your own schedule.
Try the Pomodoro Technique
One popular technique for “time blocking” when it comes to productivity is the Pomodoro technique. With this technique, you work non-stop for 25 minutes at a time, usually with the help of a timer. During this 25 minutes, you are focused only on one singular task – you are not taking any breaks to check your phone or social media – you are only working on the task at hand. Once the block is done, stop working. Get up and take a 5 minute walk, get a coffee, take some deep breaths and re-center yourself.
Once you’ve completed three to four Pomodoro cycles, then take a longer 20-30 minute break. By using this technique, you can help to amp up your focus, eliminate distractions, and remain on task when studying.
Create an ideal study space
If you frequently study while sitting or laying in bed, you may want to reconsider your choice. To ramp up your productivity when studying, choose one consistent spot (or a couple consistent spots) where you can go and really get in the zone. Whether it’s a desk in your room, a certain spot at the school library, your favorite coffee shop, or somewhere else, find a space that works for you and use it to maximize your productivity.
Use Memory Tricks
Another way to maximize your study time is by using memory tricks. Probably the most popular memory trick is the use of mnemonic devices. The mnemonic technique translates information you’re trying to memorize into a pattern your brain remembers better, like a sequence of numbers letters, and words that will correlate to a core concept in the material. It’s a super helpful technique for when you’re evaluating your university of miami final exam schedule.
Use these tricks to make your study time as productive and possible, and improve your chances of getting the best grade possible on your test.