How to study?

How to study? This is a question that every one of us has wondered about at some stage of our life. If you are a student, you still try to find out what is the most efficient way of studying. I can totally relate to your struggle when you sit in front of your table planning to study for a few hours without any distraction before taking any rest but fail to concentrate after a maximum of 15-20 minutes. However, have you ever wondered how can we sit for long hours to study just a day or two before exams? This is because of having no other option but to study during exams. But what you should question is, is it the correct method of studying? Do we become more efficient by studying a day or two before exams? The answer is no.  So what exactly is the most efficient way of studying?

                                                                Source: "My desk" by Paul Boxley - Under Commercial Use Allowed License

Set a routine - A planned study routine is one of the most important things to prepare to study efficiently. However, there is no hard and fast rule when to study. You can plan the schedule according to your convenience. Try to maintain the planned schedule as much as you can. The more you fail to maintain the routine that you have previously set for yourself to study, the more it will be difficult for you in the future. One important point to remember is that you must not set a timetable for yourself which is too hard to maintain. Set a proper timetable for the whole week covering all the subjects. This will surely help you in the long run and you will be able to study effortlessly.

Avoid distractions (Electronic or Non-Electronic): Nowadays, electronic distractions are one of the major reasons for our inability to focus on study. We become so indulged in our electronic gadgets that we kind of forget about time. The technology was invented to make our lives better not to make it worse. We must be able to avoid all kinds of distractions at the time of studying. Keep your phone away while you are studying because it does not take much time for the human mind to shift your attention from the books to your phone when the phone is within your reach. Also, avoid watching television while studying. It's best to study with a quiet and peaceful mind.

Avoid Studying for Long Hours: It is generally not recommended to study for 3-4 hours at a stretch. There are more chances of getting distracted when we try to study for long hours continuously. Instead, it is better to take a short break after studying for about 30- 45 mins.  This way, you won’t get bored with your study routine. Try listening to soft music during your breaks. It will relax your mind. When you will resume studying after the break, you will be able to focus at the same intensity at which you started.

Nice Study Environment: A good study environment is very essential to focus on study. Keep your study table neat and organized.  Do not just study anywhere. Make yourself a fixed spot so that it reminds you of studying whenever you see it. A look at the study table should always make you want to study. We as human being perceive everything from the outside. Keeping our study desk neat and organized creates a positive impact on our mind enhancing our concentration, focusing ability and productivity. We as human beings perceive everything from the outside. So it is very important to keep our surroundings clean and maintaining a nice study environment.

Physical Exercise: Doing a few sets of warmup exercise just before you sit to study increases your energy level and makes you alert and active. This is most effective when you do not feel like studying someday. However, I do not mean lifting heavy weights by physical exercise. This will only make you more tired and bored to study. The idea is to prepare yourself for a quality session of study without any distraction. Whatever keeps your mind alert and active just before studying is well and good.

Lastly, I would conclude by saying that you must make up your mind to study seriously every day, even if it is for a short duration. Unless you convince yourself to study, no one can convince you.  You have to be disciplined in order to achieve great results in the long run.  I hope you can study well and effortlessly following these simple steps. Best of Luck!