7 tips to study smarter not harder

 

Do you work really hard and still wonder if you’re going to pass? Do you work really hard and still stress out over exams? 

 

The good news is studies show that some amount of stress can be beneficial in stimulating memory and increasing performance during exams. So perhaps, in order to hit that optimal point of ‘stress’ in the exam all you may need to do is tweak a few things and learn to study smarter not harder. 

 

Have you considered reviewing your study habits? Below are 7 tips to help you study smarter not harder. 

 

7 tips to help you study smarter not harder

 

1.   Find the perfect place to study. 

  • Make it quiet, light and free from distraction. 

  • It should be comfortable but not too comfortable!  Studies have shown that we perform best at an optimum irritation level. Therefore, we work better when we’re a little cold or slightly uncomfortable.

  • Consider moving between a few different study spaces to reduce monotony. Think about a café, the library, or recreate the environment of the exam somewhere at home. 

 

2.    Create a revision timetable and stick to it. 

  • Set clear goals for each study session and tick them off when you’re done. Crossing something off a checklist is very satisfying.

  • Be realistic when setting your targets, NO ONE can stay focused for 20 hours a day.   

 

3.    Be active when you are studying from a textbook. 

  • Reading and summarizing whole chapters from a textbook isn’t usually the most effective approach (and it’s pretty boring!) Being active means you recall, summarise, sketch, visualise and even find someone to teach the content to (even if it is to your 6 month old cousin). 

 

4.    Practice, practice, PRACTICE! 

  • This is perhaps the most important tip. You’ve got to source tests and exams from study guides or reviseonline.com and do as many as you can under exam conditions. 

 

5.    Attend a revision seminar. 

  • In addition to being an effective way to assist with the revision for a subject but it can also allow you to gain perspective. 

 

6.    Give yourself a break. Regularly. 

  • Find time to do exercise and spend time doing activities that are not exam related. This will keep you fresh, alert and in a positive mind-set to return to study. 

 

7.    Find support. 

  • Exam time is a difficult time so let your teachers, family and friends support you. Believe it or not they want you to succeed. 

 

Oh and don’t forget the obvious stuff like eating well and getting enough sleep… 

 

If you feel like you are spending heaps of time on your study but don’t feel like you are getting anywhere consider experimenting with some of these ideas and start to study smarter not harder. 

 

If you want to learn more about revising for tests and exams online anywhere and anytime – visit us at Revise Online.