How to study effectively

Shuchi, Class IX, AKSPIS Smart School, Sector 41, Chandigarh

We live in a world, where students tend to identify themselves with their academic achievements, thus taking these can be hugely stressful, more so if these happen to be major national examinations such as JEE Main, NEET or Class X and XII board exams. 

Here are some ways in which students can not only reduce stress but also prepare for the exams more effectively:

Sleep is the key: Your sleep pattern is closely linked to the working of your brain and a tired mind is a slow mind. As a student, remember to give your brain the rest it requires so that it is fully energised to grasp all the learning. Give great importance to your sleeping pattern as it can help you to focus better and improving the quality of life. Inculcate the following in your lifestyle for making sleeping the key.

The 2 pm nap: We understand that the extensive school/Test Preparation hours can exhaust you and your body might require the afternoon nap to energise itself but unfortunately, this nap could be of a great disadvantage to your mental health as it can evaporate your classroom learning by 30- 45%. Remember once you are back home, put down all your learning on a piece of paper so that you can avoid losing it.

Hydrate yourself: So here’s the deal to avoid this afternoon nap you must hydrate yourself regularly as it will keep you alert physically as well as mentally. You can even add an activity of your choice which will bring change as well as rest to your mind.

Revision is vital: Now that your exams are right around the corner, revision could be a  saviour. Begin with dividing your day into two halves. The first half should be kept for learning a new topic because studying a fresh topic in the morning can help you to retain better and faster when compared to the night. Try your best to dedicate the second half completely for revision and remember to revise from the very beginning; it is beneficial for the night as you are refreshing your existing memory and wouldn’t be time-consuming. This division of your day might sound tedious as it could be lifestyle changing but we assure you that this division will create a difference that will be seen.

Note it down: Take out 30-45 minutes from your precious day to make short notes. Start preparing short notes of all that you learnt in the past 2- 3 years. It might sound very puzzling but when once you decipher how and when to do, it will become an easy task that will make a difference to a whole new level. These short notes will help you in gaining confidence right before your examination because it will strengthen your revision speed.