Studying can often feel like a burden. With so many distractions and endless information competing for your attention, it’s easy to become overwhelmed . Instead of pushing yourself to work harder, why not find a better way? Learning how to study smarter can save you valuable time, reduce stress, and help you achieve higher grades.
In this post, I'll share my tips and techniques for studying. Keep in mind - I'm a work in progress myself, but when I take my own advice, it truly helps.
Create a Study Schedule
One of the best ways to study smarter is to create a clear study schedule. Not only does this help you stay organized, but it also ensures you devote enough time to each subject.
Make a list: Make a short, simple list. If the list is manageable and realistic - check things off as you get things done. If the list is too long - it can feel overwhelming.
Use a Planner: Utilize a planner or apps like Google Calendar to outline your study sessions. This structure helps you avoid last-minute cramming and lets you see what's coming up so you can better prepare.
Take Breaks: Include short breaks. Research shows that taking breaks, such as a five-minute pause after every 25 minutes of study, helps maintain focus and boosts retention.
Find Your Ideal Study Environment
Your study environment plays a crucial role in your effectiveness. A conducive space can significantly enhance your concentration and productivity.
Choose the Right Spot: Look for a quiet area with good lighting. Personally, I prefer the library or my favorite café - Starbucks.
Sound & Light: If I'm at home, I prefer to be in sunlight or have the window open.
Exposure to natural light has been shown to improve mood and cognitive function, leading to better focus and concentration. It can boost serotonin levels & help regulate circadian rhythms, which can enhance alertness & motivation.
Different types of light can affect alertness. Cooler, bluish light tends to promote alertness and focus, while warmer light can create a more relaxed atmosphere, which may be beneficial for winding down after studying.
Stay Organized: Keep your study space neat and make sure you have everything you'll need, so you don't have to pause to go get water, snacks, paper, etc.
Experiment: Test different environments to find what works for you. According to studies, students who prefer quiet locations often retain 30% more information compared to those who study in noisy settings.
I prefer to have background noise. I love to have music in the background BUT it has to be instrumental, otherwise the lyrics play in my mind and clash with what I'm reading.
Utilize Active Learning Techniques
Passive learning, like simply reading textbooks, often leads to forgetting what you’ve learned. You do NOT need to read the entire textbook to learn the information. I wish someone told me that when I was younger.
Here are a few methods to actively learn:
Interactive Learning Tools: Use apps, quizzes, or games that promote engagement with the material, such as flashcards or educational games.
I'm working on a complete interactive workbook for psych np students - it will be available soon!
Summarize Information: After reading a section, jot down a short summary in your own words. This process reinforces your understanding and helps cement the information in your memory.
Teach Others: Explaining concepts to a friend or family member can illuminate areas where you need more clarity. Teaching is a proven method to deepen understanding. I swear I learned more from my nursing bestie than I did by reading. She reinforced the information for herself, and taught me (which helped me). Win-Win.
Use Flashcards: Create flashcards for key terms or concepts. They encourage active recall and make for a quick study tool. For example, research shows that students who use flashcards can improve retention by up to 80%. Back in the 1900's we used index cards and colored markers. Now, there's digital options.
Digital Tools and Resources
Take advantage of the various tools and resources can enhance your studying experience.
Consider using:
YouTube: I used YouTube to find lectures for several topics
Khan Academy: Offers free resources and courses that can supplement your learning.
Quizlet or Anki: you can make flashcards and study anywhere.
Each of these tools provides unique features that can make your study sessions more interactive and efficient.
Health, Energy, Rest
A well-functioning brain needs proper care. Make health a priority while studying.
Eat: Nutrition is important - there's no doubt. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, can enhance cognitive function. Other yummy snack ideas: berries, avocados. I like to have snacks on hand when I'm studying. My top choices: edamame, cheese and crackers, or apple slices and almond butter.
Stay Hydrated: Water intake affects concentration; studies show even mild dehydration can impair attention and memory.
Watermelon - Yum! If you're not into water, eat your fluids (kind of)
Set hydration reminders on your phone - every couple hours
Hydration multipliers: Liquid IV & Drip Drop are just a couple of the options available.
Coffee/Tea: Hydration before caffeine! But.. for me, I need my coffee. I recently tried Starbucks Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Toffeenut - I think it's my new favorite.
Caffeine can enhance focus, concentration, and alertness, making it a popular choice for boosting energy levels. If you start to feel like it's making your fatigue worse - you might need a caffeine holiday.
For most adults, moderate caffeine consumption (about 200-400 mg per day, or roughly 2-4 cups of coffee) is considered safe and is unlikely to cause significant adverse effects.
My caffeine cut-off time is 4pm on my workdays. I'm not completely sure that it would interfere with my sleep but I want my brain as chill as possible when I'm winding down.
Sleep: Lack of sleep negatively impacts memory and cognitive function. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to keep your mind sharp. Everyone has an ideal amount of sleep and a minimum amount of sleep that they can function on. When I was younger (20s) I could function with 4 hours of sleep. Now that I'm in my 40s - I would love to sleep for 10 hours a night ... but I can function on 6.
Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management
Studying can induce stress; therefore, it’s vital to have techniques for managing it effectively.
Incorporate mindfulness practices into your routine:
Meditation: A few minutes of daily meditation can increase focus and decrease anxiety.
Deep Breathing: Simple breathing exercises can go a long way in promoting relaxation during intense study sessions.
Wiggle: Wiggling can help with a variety of things, including:
Wiggling can help people with ADHD stay focused and seated. The movement increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function and attention span.
Wiggling can help with emotional regulation.
Wiggling can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Superhero Pose - also known as a power pose, can have positive effects on confidence and performance:
People who hold a power pose for at least two minutes report feeling more confident and powerful.
An upright posture and power posing can lead to a more positive self-perception.
To perform a superhero pose:
Stand up straight
Put your hands on your hips
Spread your feet shoulder-width apart
Raise your chin
Look off into the distance
Even short breaks to clear your mind can boost your productivity significantly, leading to better information retention.
Review and Reflect Regularly
Consistent review is key to long-term retention. Avoid the temptation to cram the night before a test.
Review, Review, Review: Make it a habit to review your notes. This reinforces learning and makes exam preparation less stressful.
Use Various Formats: Try mind mapping, group discussions, or even recording a podcast summarizing your studies. Each format can provide a new perspective and deepen your understanding.
Podcasts: If you don't like the sound of your own voice - find someone else's podcast.
Some helpful podcasts that I've found:
Learn Psychotherapy - Sentio University
Real Life Pharmacology - Eric Christianson, PharmD
Psychotherapy & Applied Psychology - Dr. Daniel W Cox
Final Thoughts
Studying smarter, rather than harder, can dramatically improve your academic experience. By implementing these strategies, you can transform studying into a more productive and enjoyable process.
Think about your individual learning style and adapt these tips to suit your needs. Whether you prefer visual aids, solitary study, or collaborative sessions, find what works for you. Embrace these techniques, and watch your study sessions flourish.
If anyone has podcast recommendations or more study tips, please share!
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." – Nelson Mandela
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