As the grading period comes to an end, I find myself pulling out my hair more and more. Knowing that I am not the only person out there doing the same, I have created my top five study tips for everyone struggling along with me.
1. Music
Studies have shown that classical music can help you retain information. This is because listening to music heightens your emotional state, which can make you more responsive to information. However, listening to music with lyrics will only distract you from your work. Sometimes when I can’t focus with classical music on, I play the instrumental version of my playlists. Remember though, this is studying time, not party time. Limit yourself to pianos, violins, guitars, etc. and keep your volume to medium (the lower the better).
2. Take Breaks
Our minds are not meant to work for seven hours straight; that’s why we take breaks. Without it, our productivity declines, we have decision fatigue, and a lack of focus. Human brains can only be productive for three hours at a time. This is why after studying for an hour, it is best to take a fifteen to twenty minute break. Go do something enjoyable that can take your mind off school. Doing so will result in you making better decisions, having more creative ideas, and staying focused longer. While on a break, your brain will review the new information and store it.
3. Font
We have all heard our English teachers tell us to use a readable font whenever typing an essay, but what do you really know about fonts? There are two types of fonts: serif and sans-serif. Serif fonts have “legs” at the bottom of the letters like Times New Roman or Georgia. Sans-serifs lack these legs, like in Arial or Comic-sans. Serif fonts are the best to write and read with because the words with legs help lead the reader from one letter to another, making our eyes flow easier. It is also found that people are more likely to believe pieces of writing in serif fonts, because the font creates a more “professional” atmosphere than sans-serif. It is also said that Times New Roman is actually the fastest font to read, which helps for last minute reviewing.
4. Handwrite
Taking notes by hand helps you retain information better than by taking them digitally. When typing down notes, you are aimlessly writing down everything you hear and not processing it through your head. But when you take notes by hand, you can’t write down everything the teacher is saying. This forces you to listen, summarize, and take key notes on what is important. Actively using your brain will increase the amount you remember.
5. Color
It is found that certain colors are linked with certain functions of our brains. Writing in green helps with concentration and maintaining focus. It improves our long-term memory and efficiency. Writing with orange creates a bright and happy aura which promotes comfort. Orange also increases oxygen levels in our bodies, energizing us to be productive. Blue makes the best partner with orange because just like orange, blue helps with productivity. Writing on blue paper, highlighting with blue, or taking notes with blue ink can help with reading comprehension. Blue gives off a calm, relaxing feeling and the lighter it is, the more “friendly” it becomes.
1. Music
Studies have shown that classical music can help you retain information. This is because listening to music heightens your emotional state, which can make you more responsive to information. However, listening to music with lyrics will only distract you from your work. Sometimes when I can’t focus with classical music on, I play the instrumental version of my playlists. Remember though, this is studying time, not party time. Limit yourself to pianos, violins, guitars, etc. and keep your volume to medium (the lower the better).
2. Take Breaks
Our minds are not meant to work for seven hours straight; that’s why we take breaks. Without it, our productivity declines, we have decision fatigue, and a lack of focus. Human brains can only be productive for three hours at a time. This is why after studying for an hour, it is best to take a fifteen to twenty minute break. Go do something enjoyable that can take your mind off school. Doing so will result in you making better decisions, having more creative ideas, and staying focused longer. While on a break, your brain will review the new information and store it.
3. Font
We have all heard our English teachers tell us to use a readable font whenever typing an essay, but what do you really know about fonts? There are two types of fonts: serif and sans-serif. Serif fonts have “legs” at the bottom of the letters like Times New Roman or Georgia. Sans-serifs lack these legs, like in Arial or Comic-sans. Serif fonts are the best to write and read with because the words with legs help lead the reader from one letter to another, making our eyes flow easier. It is also found that people are more likely to believe pieces of writing in serif fonts, because the font creates a more “professional” atmosphere than sans-serif. It is also said that Times New Roman is actually the fastest font to read, which helps for last minute reviewing.
4. Handwrite
Taking notes by hand helps you retain information better than by taking them digitally. When typing down notes, you are aimlessly writing down everything you hear and not processing it through your head. But when you take notes by hand, you can’t write down everything the teacher is saying. This forces you to listen, summarize, and take key notes on what is important. Actively using your brain will increase the amount you remember.
5. Color
It is found that certain colors are linked with certain functions of our brains. Writing in green helps with concentration and maintaining focus. It improves our long-term memory and efficiency. Writing with orange creates a bright and happy aura which promotes comfort. Orange also increases oxygen levels in our bodies, energizing us to be productive. Blue makes the best partner with orange because just like orange, blue helps with productivity. Writing on blue paper, highlighting with blue, or taking notes with blue ink can help with reading comprehension. Blue gives off a calm, relaxing feeling and the lighter it is, the more “friendly” it becomes.