Good Study Habits

Let's face it. Nobody likes to study. Unfortunately we all have to. So why not reduce your study time by doing it right the first time? 

Do you know how much time you are wasting in front of the books because of silly things that could have been avoided?

Habit 1

Make sure your room is light enough when you are studying. Weak lights or studying with a bedside lamp alone will make you secrete more melatonin which will put your brain to sleep. Weak lights = wasted study time.

Habit 2

Drink enough water! Keep a bottle of water on your desk and take regular sips. If you get dehydrated, your brain does not function optimally and you will have trouble concentrating.

Habit 3

Take regular breaks. Do not break in front of the TV or with a book!
Take a walk, play with the dog, dribble a ball, etc. Do something physical and, if the weather permits, preferably go outside. Physical activity will let your brain rest best.
Rest for 10 - 15 min and go back to your books for 30 - 45 min. (30min for Gr.4; 45min for Gr.12)

Habit 4

Music that is faster than 75 bpm will “switch off” your brain, because your heart is beating too fast. This means that you are wasting study time.

(a) Study in silence or listen to calm music without words (words will distract you and you’ll end up singing along instead of learning)
Try classical baroque music or the “Hooked-on-Classics” series.

(b) The radio will also distract you, because you will listen to the announcer and the ads. The music is usually too fast anyway and all have words. Rather switch off the radio and get some good study CD’s

Habit 5

Eat healthy during exam times. Make sure that you follow a balanced diet, especially in exam times.  Don’t be tempted to stock up on sweets and crisps for studying:

(a) They will make your blood sugar rise and drop too quickly, which mean that you’ll get tired quickly and you’ll have trouble concentrating.

It will also speed up dehydration and your brain needs water to work. Remember that you need to drink 3 glasses of water for every glass of soda you drink!

(b) Rather snack on fruit or yoghurt if you have a sweet tooth and drink diluted fruit juice, water or milk. If you want something salty, dip melba toast in hummus or cottage cheese, or couple with fresh herbs or salad.
You (or mom) can also make your own muesli bars. There are many recipes on the internet and they are much healthier than those you can buy in the store.

(c) Recipe: Healthy dip: Mix 250g smooth cottage cheese with lots of fresh chopped chives, 1tsp sweet-chilli sauce, 1tsp lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt.
Dip any fresh veggies, melba toast or plain pretzels - tastes great!

Habit 6

If you have trouble sitting still, always fidgeting or lose concentration easily, try sitting on a pilates ball instead of a chair. This will help keep your brain alert.

Habit 7

If you are frustrated, irritated or mad, your heart will beat too fast and your brain will “switch off”, resulting in ineffective study time.

(a) If you feel negative, do something physical for 15min

(b) Use positive self talk and tell yourself that even though you don’t like the subject, you need good grades and therefore you need to put your feelings aside and study effectively.