Study Smarter, Not Harder: Secret Methods for Studying 

Are exams stressing you out? And caffeine is not coming to your aid either? Well, stop worrying and panicking because that is certainly not going to help. Now, bring your eyes a little closer, as we have some secret methods for studying that will help you boost your academic preparation. Exams and tests can be stressful with growing competition in the education field. Everyone wants to be a top student and excel in their exams. However, the common mistake that everyone makes is studying hard instead of showing some smart work.

Exam stress can be overcome with outstanding results if you are willing to use your brain and work smartly to not only save your time but also put in less effort. During this exam time, you need to change the studying game for your good. Turn your weakness into your most powerful weapon, as even a little routine change in your study schedule could impact you in a good way for your exams. 

In this article, we will delve into some secret methods for studying, which may sound sophisticated but are easy to follow through. We have listed some tested methods that have helped students train their minds and unlock their potential.

Top 10 secret methods for studying:

1. Pomodoro Technique:

The Pomodoro Technique is created to prevent burnout and be more productive. It involves breaking your studying sessions into intervals. You can study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. You have to repeat this cycle three times. After completing the fourth cycle, you can take an extended break of 25 to 30 minutes. 

2. Teach what you learn:

This is the best method to enhance your studying. Teaching the concept to someone else will help you test your knowledge and understanding of the topic. And also helps you identify the area of improvement. When trying to make others understand the concept, it also tells how much you have understood.

3. Active recall:

Actively recalling the material you are studying helps you train your memory power. It gives you a chance to remember what you are studying actively and focus more on memorizing the concept. Instead of highlighting text or passive reading, you can try flashcards, self-quizzing, or summarising the topic in your own words. This technique helps improve memory retention to force your brain to remember. 

4. Spaced repetition:

Spaced repetition is a scientific method used for long-term memory retention to enhance the memorization of the material. Instead of trying to grasp everything in one session, break it down into multiple sessions. Don’t forget to review and revisit the topic with longer intervals that will allow you to remember the concept for a longer time. With the spacing effect, you can improve your memory strength. 

5. Cornell note-taking system:

Cornell’s note-taking system is different than your regular note-taking techniques. Unlike others, this is a very effective method here. You divide your notes into three parts: the main notes, the questions, and the summary. This gives a structure to your notes that makes them easier to understand and go through. 

6. Use mind mapping:

Mind mapping helps with many things and concepts easy for visual learners. Making diagrams or mind mapping enables us to put the information in a simple hierarchy. How it works is you start by putting the main topic in the center and then start branching relative ideas around the same and connecting them with lines. You can grasp the bigger picture by breaking down the complex things into parts. 

7. Eliminate Distraction:

Try to create a distraction-free study environment to ensure your focus is intact. You can turn off your phone notification or put it on silent mode. You can also put signs outside your room. But the major thing is to make sure you are keeping your focus the way it is. 

8. Use Background music wisely:

One of the practices which has been proven effective is listening to music during studies. It helps with the focus and improves concentration. You put on some white noise or listen to some lo-fi music to relax your brain and give it some ease. When your mind is relaxed, it works better. One of the most effective secret methods for studying.

9. Practice Self-testing:

Self-testing is a study technique where you actively quiz yourself on the material you are trying to learn. Instead of reading notes or reviewing, you can recall the information when you test yourself constantly. Boosting and strengthening your recollection and memory power.

10. Study before sleep:

If you are studying and reading the material before you go to sleep, it helps you with memory consolidation. It is proven by research that reading anything before going to sleep, where our brain is in a relaxed state, helps transfer information from short-term to long-term memory. 

Conclusion:

These secret methods for studying will surely help you get your grades high and make sure your academic performance is excellent. These techniques are very easy to follow and don’t require to put in, much work. The tips and methods mentioned will help you train your mind in such a way that it will be beneficial for your future as well. You can use it during your exams, or you are trying a hobby or preparing for an important task. These techniques will surely take you ahead in life. So do give them a try, and all the best for the exams and tests.

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