Beating the learning blues - tips!
Everyone has different reasons and motivations for learning but it is fair to say that 99% of people, regardless of the level they are learning at, will at some point suffer from stress and worry whilst trying to revise for exams or complete an important piece of coursework. With this in mind we have put together a few tips that will help you get the most out of your studying while keeping your sanity intact!
The following tips are just a few of what is really a very exhaustive list but should prove helpful:
- Obvious perhaps, but look at the area that you are studying in. You are not going to maximise your learning potential if you try to carry out your study in front of the TV or in a noisy, crowded environment. Try to find yourself a quiet area of the house (ideally with a desk / table/ some sort of flat surface!) in which you can concentrate and spread your books etc out. If this isn't possible use the local library, it is sometimes possible to hire special designated 'study rooms' within a library.
- Take regular breaks. Research has shown that the humans powers of concentration fade in under an hour of solid study. Ideally you should be compacting your learning into short, focused sessions of around 30 minutes. This especially applies if you are using a PC to work with as the this can strain the eyes and heightens the risk that you will suffer eyesight problems in the future.
- For the same reason, make sure that you have proper lighting around your work area and that you are position in a way that is both comfortable and supportive. Your Optician and Chiropractor will thank you for it!
- If you are revising for an exam you may find it helpful to come up with 'flash cards'. This are ideally cards slightly smaller than A5 size onto which you can write key facts. It can also help to use colour coding when using this method to help you to remember the information.
- If you know other people who are studying the same subject you may find it helpful to put together a 'study group' where you can share facts, bounce ideas off each other as well as test each other.
- Lastly, remember to get enough sleep, eat well and take regular exercise (even if this is only a short brisk walk). Your brain cannot absorb nearly as much, and your concentration will be drastically reduced, if you are tired or lethargic due to poor diet / lifestyle choices.