LIFE

Studying should be simple, right? You sit down with your textbooks and your notes and you start reviewing...but it's actually so much more than that. 

Some study methods are more effective than others, and there are some things you need to know before you actually dive into a serious study sesh. These 6 study tips will help you #thrive no matter what subject you're reviewing. Read on for deets...

1. Get organized, duh
This may seem like a waste of time since all of your papers will most likely end up in random pile anyways, but it is honestly SO helpful. Gather up all of your study materials and organize them according to subject, material or study preference. What’s great about this, too, is that while you’re looking at the material to sort through, you’ll actually also be imbibing some of the info. It’s like a pre-study study sesh!

2. Don't even think about looking at Insta
As tempting as it may be to scroll through social media, don’t! It’s an easy way to quickly spiral into hours worth of wasted time. Confine your internet use to study-related material only. All the flipping back and forth between research and your best friend's BF's cousin's Insta (don't act like you haven't been there...), you’re actually undoing a bit of the studying you've just done... so the best thing to do is stay focused!

3. Get your blood pumping
You might not think getting up in the middle of your study sesh to workout can really help you ace that test, but it’s true. Studies have shown that just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise can improve your brain processing speed. This will help you retain the information you studied before and after your workout. Plus, it’s always good to get up and take a break every once in a while so that you don’t tire your brain out.

4. Be your own teacher
They say practice makes perfect, and that’s totally true when it comes to studying! The more practice quizzes you take, the better you’ll do on the real deal when the time comes. That’s because the more you get wrong during a practice quiz, the more likely you are to remember it during the actual exam. So grab a friend, a piece of paper (or online study buddy, Quizlet) and find out what you don’t know yet.

5. Let it  all go
Let all of your negative feelings and stress go…or at least learn to manage that stress so it doesn’t overpower you. Take a break every once in a while, even if you don’t want to, to let your brain rest and reload. Keep a (healthy) snack nearby for some brain food. Most importantly, don’t forget to take a deep breath every so often. You got this! 

6. Get in the zone with music
If listening to music is the only way to help you stay focused, it's time to find the best mix for you. Some students work best with ambient noise, while others can work with major sounds around. We've cooked up a playlist that's the best of both worlds. Peep it below! 

1. "The Writer" by Ellie Goulding

2. "Skinny Love" cover by Birdie

3.  "You're Somebody Else" by Flora Cash

4. "Ocean Eyes" by Billie Eilish

5. "Honey Sweet" by Blossoms

6.  "Samsom" by Regina Spektor

7. "Liability" by Lorde

8. "The Night We Met" by Lord Huron

9. "Don't Forget About Me" by CLOVES

10. "All I Want" by Kodaline

11. "Technicolour Beat" by Oh Wonder

12. "Losing You" by Aquilo

13. "i can't breathe" by Bea Miller

15. "Certain Things" by James Arthur, Chasing Grace

16. "All Through the Night" by Sleeping at Last

17. "Roses on a Breeze" by Bear's Den

18. "My Baby" by Janis Joplin

19. "Just You and I" by Tom Walker

20. "Mixtape" by Jimmy Eat World

21. "Six Feet Under" by Billie Eilish

Share your study secrets in the comments below!

by Alexandra Shea | 1/23/2019