You know how we sometimes rush our studying time and do not commit to learning but rather focus on memorizing? Well, that might enable a few of us to pass a test here and there, but it’s not a real way to excel and to understand.
If you are like me, it can take up to an hour to just get into the groove of studying. It’s normal to get into the books slow and then gain momentum, at least for me. Like the last stretch of a marathon, you speed up and flow better because now you have a method.
The same can be applied to studying. So, what are organic study habits? I call these organic study habits because I feel like they are a back-to-basics approach to learning and retaining knowledge. Skimming, Google searching and crash studying not included. :)
1. Food.
When I am hungry, I cannot focus on what I’m reading. So I make sure I feel full before I hit the books. I am talking healthy, no sugar and sodium concentrated snacks. My choice of food is pita and hummus and a fruit shake. I don’t feel sleepy when I eat this (something heavy food can do to you). The main objective is to feel fuller, longer.
2. Company.
Try a place where people are around to study. A community center, public library or, my favorite, a coffee shop is a good place to learn. Just make sure you are comfortable, it’s not loud and you can commit plenty of time to staying in that one place. The library is number one for me. Taking a friend along? Even better.
3. Natural Light.
Be near windows with sun coming in. Sunlight wakes you up.
4. Do a Rigorous Activity.
Before studying, I have friends that work out at the gym. I on the other hand dance to music. Skateboard. Race bikes. Dance for an hour to some good music.
5. Go to Sleep Early.
I’ve noticed that since I’ve started sleeping earlier, I wake up earlier and I don’t need naps during the day. Giving my body the rest it needs helps me wake up on time with more energy. Get into the habit of sleeping early more often. If you have sports or clubs or afterschool activities, finish your homework at school or at least get it started. This way, you can ask your teacher questions and have more review time for home and practice time for sports.
2 comments
cy says:
Feb 2, 2012
yes, such a timely post with the new semester off to a start! these are great tips – my fave is # 3 though i love # 4 too. i think i tend to study first and then get involved in some kind of movement afterwards – i get antsy from sitting too long. i’ll have to try it the other way around like you suggested too. i don’t know if this counts as organic but the one study habit i really aim for is to assess when my mind works the best and to schedule study sessions during those times. i’m utterly a morning person. waking up later than 6am seems unnatural to me and that’s when my mind is so fresh and ready. it makes it all so much more efficient. afternoon or worse, late at night and i’m reading the same passage over and over and still not getting it. great post and lots of love! xoxo
Adjoa says:
Feb 2, 2012
Okay, totally need to ditto the morning person premise. When the clock hits the double digits, I feel like the day is gone if I haven’t already accomplished something meaningful.
About reading the same passage multiple times, that happens to me the first hour. I study primarily at the public library (not really at home), so the noise of people talking can be hard to tune out. But I eventually tune them out and after an hour, I’m still reading steadily and slowly but it is all seeping in.
I should have added to the list that handwriting notes is so ideal. I seriously remember things I have written. And I have to make sure the book and pen are immaculate and unique. Just the look of a nice book and good ink inspire me to write out more thoughts and questions on the content I’m reviewing.
This same method of handwriting notes, I apply to writing papers. Sitting in front of a computer to type an essay gives me unnatural writer’s block.
I also go to this amazing aromatherapy session each week and the organizer also said that scent triggers memory. So she uses a certain fragrance when she reads to remember what she has studied. Now is that like the coolest thing you’ve ever heard.
Thanks for the love Cy, right back at you sis! Happy studies!