4 Tips to Improve Your Study Habits

---

When it comes to achieving your educational goals, the right degree and career path can only take you so far. Choosing a topic you’re interested in is a great first step. However, without understanding how to succeed on that educational path, you may never get to experience the benefits of your hard work. If you’ve gotten your high school degree, surely you have a good understanding of how to study. Passing college courses, however, is an entirely different beast that will require better study habits. Before diving into your higher education journey, consider these 4 tips to improve your studying.

Tip 1: Use Various Techniques

There isn’t one proven way to improve your studying. Depending on various factors, one studying technique may work better for you than someone else. Here’s a list of a few studying techniques you may want to consider:
– Make flash cards
– Hang up posters in your study area
– Consider using mnemonic devices
– Study with a partner/friend
These are just four different techniques you can use. Use a combination of them, just one of them, or different techniques that weren’t mentioned. Find ones that work for you and take advantage. The important takeaway here is to find the technique or techniques that will work for you.

Tip 2: Take a Break

The worst thing you can do when you’re studying an important topic is overload yourself. After a certain amount of time, feel free to do something you enjoy. Turn on the TV, go for a run, or make yourself a snack – all of these activities would be a great way to refresh your mind. Since studying isn’t the most exciting action, it’s important to keep your brain entertained. Use break time to recharge your internal batteries so you’re able to retain more information that you’re studying.

Tip 3: Listen to Music

One way you may be able to greatly increase your concentration is to listen to music. For some, music can be very distracting. However, the right genre of music (normally without lyrics) can really help you hone into your studies. If you’ve never tried studying to music, consider giving it a shot. Experiment with different genres: even if you’re not a fan of jazz or classical, these are two that tend to give off great results. At the very least, developing a habit of studying with music can have a Pavlov affect: once you hear the music, you associate the melody with studying.

Tip 4: Reward Yourself

The idea of rewarding yourself and taking a break come from the same family: studying shouldn’t be all stress and work. Set small goals for yourself and once you achieve them, give yourself some sort of reward. After finishing 4 chapters in your biology textbook, reward yourself with something sweet. After finishing an important essay, reward yourself with an ice-cold beverage. Studying isn’t very much fun, but setting certain goals and achieving them can make it at least a positive experience. All work and no play make studying a dull practice. Liven up the whole experience by rewarding yourself.