Beat the End of Semester Slump!

With just a few weeks left in the semester and summer in full-swing, it may be tempting to let your studies slide and begin your break a little early this year. Why end on a slump
though after weeks of hard work? Although it may be tempting right now to let things go, in the end, you will be happier if you don’t!

Here are 18 research-based tips for studying to help you stay motivated, remember more, and finish the semester a happy student!

1. Switch off study locations. Our brain associates memories and information with location. We will make stronger connections if information is associated with a few different places rather than just one.
    
2. Alternate subjects of study. Instead of spending long hours studying a single subject, split up the time between your courses. You are less likely to get burned-out out or bored if it’s different information.
    
3. Review your notes before bed. When we sleep, our brain strengthens new memories we’ve made; because of this, studying before we sleep may make it more likely that we retain the information.
    
4. Split information into smaller chunks. Instead of trying to memorize a large amount of content, break it into smaller chunks and focus on those individually. Study these chunks consistently over time.
    
5. Mix up the problems. Instead of reviewing twenty multiplication problems in a row, go over twenty multiplication, division, and fraction problems. This will train your brain to switch between different types of problems and determine which solving strategy should be used.
    
6. Do a practice test. Practice tests help our minds prepare for the real deal and when a problem is harder for us to remember during practice, we are more likely to remember it during the actual test.
    
7. Write it out. Complete your study guides or review notes by hand. We tend to remember more when we write things rather than type it.
    
8. Talk it out. Review concepts, processes, or any information by saying it out loud. This will help you store the information in two ways, by reading it and verbally processing it.
    
9. Study with a group. Although group studying is more or less effective depending on the individual and group, it can be a great way to verbally review subjects, get help or clarification, and solidify concepts by helping your peers.
    
10. Reward yourself. Make small goals for your studying! Tell yourself that once you finish reviewing the chapter or completing a section of problems you can eat your granola bar, walk around the library, or get a drink.
     
11. Make a plan. You can use your time more effectively if you know exactly what you need to study and when you are going to study it. Determine which notebooks, textbooks, or other materials you will need so you are ready to go.
     
12. Take regular breaks. Researchers suggest that students spend 20-50 minutes studying followed by a 5-10 minute break. Regular breaks boost overall and long-term productivity as well as help us focus on a single task.
     
13. Continue exercising. Don’t let your workouts slide out of your schedule! Not only will a visit to the gym give you a good break from studying, but 30 minutes of aerobic activity can improve the processing in your brain and increase your cognitive abilities.
     
14. Tune in. Many times, music can be more distracting to our studies than helpful; however, research suggests that classical music in particular can increase recall and reduce tension and anxiety.
     
15. Avoid distractions. If you do not need your computer to study, turn it off. If you don’t need the internet, close the browser. If you do, stick to the necessary websites and close any others that may distract you (for example Facebook, Pinterest, etc.)
     
16. Practice yoga or meditate. Regular yoga or meditation can clear our minds and relieve tension or stress. It can also increase our cognitive abilities as well!
     
17. Eat right. Your mind and body feel so much better when you eat healthy foods. Make sure you eat regular meals, bring snacks, and drink enough water. (One study recently found that students who ate foods containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats before an exam had reduced anxiety! These fats can be found in certain nuts, fish, and olive oil.)

Finally, do what is most effective for YOU! Learn what techniques help you most for studying and stick to them!

Good luck with the rest of the semester and with your finals.

You can do hard things!

Sources:
"23 Science-backed Study Tips to Ace a Test." USA TODAY College. USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2012. Web. 27 June 2013.

Wiener-Bronner, Danielle. "Study Tips For Exams: 12 Ways To Ace Your Finals." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 01 Dec. 2010. Web. 27 June 2013.