Written by: Lumi T.

Hey there! Yeah, you. Having trouble with some studying lately? Well...me too. I've been finding myself distracted lately, and it feels as if I've lost my game these days. Do you feel that as well? Well, if you do, then guess what? Let's find our rhythm and get back into admiring the world of studying. Okay, that does sound a bit fantasized, but you know what? You may be in luck because I may be able to help you with your struggles in studying through personal experience, as well as a bit of research. Now I've figured out that it really only just boils down to three words. Plan. Efficacy. And reflect.

#1. Plan.

The Significance of a Planned Study Session

What makes a series of study sessions effective and ineffective? Think about it. In fact, there is likely more than one answer. But, ask yourself what would be the difference between a planned study session and a non-planned study session? A planned study session is a form of proof that solidifies your confidence, as it shows that you've been thinking about studying beforehand. Planning your study sessions ahead of time may help you get yourself organized by getting the little details that do not focus on the study material out of the way - the duration and time of your study, where you will study, what you will focus on, and so on. This way, your sessions will concentrate on the actual material, and reduces the urge to distract yourself when you say to yourself, "I've got to stick to my plan."

Set Goals

I'm sure you've heard of this one before. Maybe you've heard it too many times that you've started to give up. Stop right there! Why? Because goals are your friends, not enemies. They help you figure out where you want to go with your study sessions. How? Try asking yourself this question: "What do I want?" Just by thinking about this question, your mind suddenly starts to find purpose in why you are studying. And mind you, goals can be simple, such as saying, "My goal this week is to study according to what I've planned." But don't forget, things are easier said than done, so when you set your goals, be honest to yourself - be reasonable. Try setting multiple goals that will eventually help you reach a big goal.

And if you think that what you've just read sounds amazing, although you have that gut feeling that tells you that you probably will give up, not to worry! I've got just the secret that may make your day! Try downloading the "Forest" app, (this link will take you to its website: https://www.forestapp.cc/), and from my personal experience, I felt like a better student and a better person . Here's how it works. The app allows you to set a goal of how long you would like to study, by setting a timer. Now, while you focus for that duration, the app will grow a tree, which allows you to earn coins. Now, with those virtual coins, you can plant real trees on Earth, as the app partners with Trees For The Future, a non-profit organization focused on supporting communities planting trees. Isn't that the charmer? If you, by any chance run out of self-motivation to study, now you won't give up so easily knowing that you are making a difference through studying - even if you and I debate on a million different things, let's both agree on this: the world is in need of some trees right now. So, try it out. All in all, it's a win-win.

Trust Yourself.

Finally - the most considerable part in the process of setting goals: trust yourself. Believe in yourself. You can do this, and if you can't, that's okay. Revise your aims, modify them, create new ones, I couldn't care less. Because your goals are meant to impress no one else but yourself. Think about the way you think about everything: your environment, your beliefs, yourself. And do your best to erase morals that make you believe that you cannot achieve your goals. You don't need a high IQ to succeed. Stop making excuses - and I know that it may seem hard to do, but at least try. Just trust yourself.

#2. Efficacy.

Find a balance.

Ever heard of something along the lines of, "Study smart, not hard?" Well, what does it exactly mean to study smart? Well, through personal experience and observation, I've come to the conclusion that to study smart means to study efficiently. And how can we study efficiently? Find your groove, or in other words, your balance. To get a 95 in French doesn't mean you have to study 24/7. Focus on many different tasks or activities at once - this way, your brain is less likely to find itself bored because it just doesn't have the time to be bored - it's busy! Now how you find your balance, that's up to you. Try to find a number activities that keep your mind active, but not to the extent that your brain starts to overwork and you tire yourself out. A variety of activities in your schedule is designed to replenish your brain with the motivation and energy to study when the time comes - so pick activities that you enjoy. Working out, playing an instrument, reading, or even playing video games - as long as you don't find yourself getting addicted and constantly rearranging your schedule in a way that no longer benefits you. And of course, don't forget to get a wholesome amount of sleep, or else how do you expect your brain to function without energy?

Take breaks.

When you study, let's be honest - it's normal to get distracted after attempting to do a 5-hour procrastination session. So be generous to yourself, and take SHORT breaks. My recommendation is you try studying for 45 minutes, with a 15-minute break in between every study interval. If that seems too challenging, by all means, start small, and then work your way up. The goal is to have longer study sessions and shorter breaks. They can help keep yourself replenished by easing your anxieties on the urge to distract yourself. Having breaks can also teach you to discipline yourself in terms of managing your time healthily!

#3. Reflect.

Both planning and efficacy for your study sessions focus on your organization, discipline and time management skills. Reflection involves both a combination of thinking about the actual material you've learned in your study sessions, as well as your planning and efficacy in your studying. Now, the key to reflection is simply asking yourself questions. How did my study session go? Did I understand what I learned today in-depth? Do I need to revisit this study concept in the next study session? Am I comfortable with my study environment? The goal here is to see the word "studying" as something you don't shudder at anymore. So be honest with yourself when you answer and ask yourself questions because honesty results in a true improvement in not only your study sessions but also with yourself. Make a list of questions, and organize them into two categories: 1) one that concerns the planning and efficacy of your study, such as if you liked the time at which you studied, and 2) things you didn't understand in the material you were studying, in which you plan to ask your teacher for clarification, which enhances your learning. An important concept to take note of is reflecting on whether your study sessions involve a last-minute effort to memorize everything in the textbook without deep understanding, or if they involve the effort in taking the time to process what's being studied and understand the material to a greater extent. Taking the time to understand the material given will undoubtedly prove more effective and less stressful as you will require less effort to write down the answer for an assessment because you have made sense out of what you're given beforehand.

• For subjects that require memorization of certain terms, try Quizlet - it's a great way to make or use study notes and learn concepts through a variety of methods, including certain games, taking tests and flashcards. Here is the link to its official website:https://quizlet.com/

• If you're struggling with understanding material, try finding some videos on the topic being studied. Websites such as Khan Academy and YouTube can be extremely helpful.

• Finally, if you're really stuck on a certain topic or question, you can count on the website BrainFuse: it allows you to connect with online tutors that will help you solve the problem you are struggling with. It is 100% legit, and I've tried it before - it's hands-down awesome! You can also access it with your library card! So check it out - here's the link: https://home.brainfuse.com/.

Well, I hope these tips helped! If you've got any questions, do not hesitate to comment - I will try to reply ASAP. Happy studying!

Cheers,

Lumindri

For Even More Tips, Watch This Video! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVlvxHJdql8 

Direct Links to Websites Mentioned Above

• Quizlet : https://quizlet.com/ 
• Khan Academy : https://www.khanacademy.org/ 
• Brainfuse : https://home.brainfuse.com/ 
• Forest : https://www.forestapp.cc/ 

References - Research

13 Study Tips: The Science of Better Learning [YouTube Video]. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVlvxHJdql8

Tracy, B. (2020). Eat That Frog For Students. S.L.: Berrett-Koehler.

What Are The Best Study Methods? (n.d.). Retrieved January 2, 2021, from www.tesh.com website: https://www.tesh.com/articles/what-are-the-best-study-methods/

References- Images Used

r/comics - [OC] "Studying." (n.d.). Retrieved January 3, 2021, from reddit website: https://www.reddit.com/r/comics/comments/9npuwf/oc_studying/

Studying for PM Certification: 5 Tips For Exam Prep in 2019. (n.d.). Retrieved January 3, 2021, from PM Tips website: https://pmtips.net/article/studying-for-pm-certification-5-tips-for-exam-prep-in-2019