Effective Study Habits for the Upcoming School Year

Studying can be challenging, but the good news is that anyone can cultivate effective, efficient, and enjoyable study habits. Interested in developing good study habits? Start small - don't expect to check off everything on the list right away. Instead, choose one or two practices to begin with. Setting realistic and achievable goals for yourself is also crucial.

How to Study Better? Top Good Habits

1. Get Organized
   Amidst the demands of homework, tests, and after-school commitments, it can feel overwhelming to keep everything in check. A planner becomes a vital tool to maintain your child's organizational skills. Encourage them to jot down assignments, appointments, and to-do lists. Make it a habit to review the planner at the beginning and end of each day to stay focused. While initially guiding for the first 1-2 weeks is expected, your child must take responsibility and manage their schedule effectively.
2. Find the Perfect Place to Study
   One of the key factors for successful studying is locating a suitable place. Opt for a serene environment with minimal disturbances, ensuring that you can concentrate undisturbed. Consider options such as a school or public library, a cozy corner at home, or even a peaceful coffee shop.
3. Set a Sleep Schedule
   As a student, it's common to find yourself staying up late and exhausting yourself. While late-night study sessions may be tempting, one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost academic performance and concentration is by prioritizing sufficient sleep every night. According to experts, adolescents between the ages of 13-18 should aim for 8-10 hours of sleep within 24 hours. Taking the time to catch up on sleep can also have positive effects on your mental well-being, as it can make challenging situations seem less overwhelming.
4. Think Positively
   Having the right mindset can make a significant difference. Encourage your child to maintain a positive outlook while studying or approaching an exam. Avoid catastrophic thinking and help your student transform negative statements into positive ones. Instead of saying, "I can't believe we have to do this online thing again" or "I'll never have enough time to get a good grade on this exam," encourage them to say, "We've got this!" and "I've got more time to proactively create a comprehensive study plan and cover the material before the exam."
5. Take Breaks
   Research indicates that intentionally taking breaks is associated with improved retention, increased attention, and enhanced energy levels. According to studies, working for approximately 50 minutes and then allocating a 15- to 20-minute break can maximize productivity [3]. Here are several methods for taking a break:
   
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   • Go for a brief walk
   • Listen to an uplifting song
   • Unwind with a friend
   • Stretch your body
   • Practice meditation
   • Allow yourself to daydream
   • Snack on something nourishing
   • Take a refreshing shower
   • Tidy up your workspace or room
   
   
6. Read a Lot
   Students often tend to overlook assigned book chapters, resulting in a lack of understanding of the main points. Encourage active reading by prompting them to identify the primary idea of each passage and research unfamiliar terms or concepts. Also, constructing an outline or utilizing flow charts and diagrams can aid in visualizing the subject matter. Additionally, encourage your child to summarize each section using their own words and formulate potential exam questions.
7. Limit Screen Time
   In our technology-driven world, it is incredibly easy to get sidetracked by numerous devices and social media platforms. To stay focused and eliminate procrastination, implementing physical or electronic limitations on your devices can be highly effective. This can be as simple as powering off your phone or leaving it in a separate room, or utilizing app-based time restrictions or device settings. Additionally, seeking assistance from your parents can also contribute to maintaining productivity.
8. Create a Study Group
   When students face difficulties in grasping a concept, working in groups can provide invaluable support and accelerate task completion compared to individual work. By keeping groups small and well-organized, participants can maximize the benefits while minimizing distractions.
9. Reward Yourself
   Rewarding yourself with treats, also known as "bribing" yourself, has been associated with improved self-control and can aid in the development of positive habits. Setting a small reward for completing a desired section or a larger reward for a productive day of studying can serve as effective motivation to achieve your goals.
   Small rewards may include a candy bar, a hot beverage from your preferred coffee shop, a quick game of your choice, or a short episode of a TV show. For more significant achievements like a long day of studying or completing an exam, consider treating yourself to your favorite meal, spending quality time relaxing with friends, or indulging in your preferred activity.
10. Diet
    The foods and beverages we consume can greatly impact both our mental and physical performance. Maintaining a well-balanced diet and regular eating habits are crucial for sustaining focus and effectiveness. This becomes even more significant during exam periods when stress levels are heightened and our bodies may feel fatigued. Prioritizing a nutritious diet and staying hydrated can greatly enhance your study techniques.

Conclusion

If you learn to discipline yourself and develop the right habits in yourself, you will be two steps ahead of your peers. These skills will be useful to you at any stage of life, so it is wise to take the time to self-organize and educate. The tips above will create all the conditions for the information to be better absorbed.

Author's Bio: Chloe Smith have 3 higher educations: cultural studies, philosophy, and law. She has been studying for many years and continue to realize the importance of rules, and habits in all life processes. In her main VeePN legal job, she also follows the rules of concentration, learning, and staying organized. She thinks this is a necessity in today's world with so many irritants.