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Study Habits to Start Using Now Preparing for your HSC. On average it takes more than 2 months before a new behaviour becomes automatic. Don’t let this timeframe dishearten you. Health psychology research has also found that if you mess up every so often it doesn’t matter. It is not an all or nothing process. Start a good study habit today with these tips.
1. where should you study? Work out what works for you but usually the bed or couch is not the smartest place to study. You’ll want to find a place that has the least amount of distractions but also somewhere you feel comfortable going to all the time.
2. Stay healthy and be balanced Staying healthy is so important, especially when you are under a lot of pressure or stress. The right diet can give you a clearer mind, exercise can promote blood flow and sleep allows us to recharge. It’s all about balance. Don’t spend all your time studying. Make time to exercise, spend time with family and friends, get a good night’s sleep and have a fun activity to look forward to.
3. Study breaks. When should you take them?
Create your own study schedule to include breaks at regular intervals to avoid over studying. Most people don’t enjoy studying non-stop for 5 hours. Break it up into 1 hour blocks and take a quick break after each. Grab a snack. Go for a power walk. Get outside and take a big breath.
4. what is your learning style? We all learn differently. Work out your preferred learning style to help you retain more information: Auditory – hear to learn Kinaesthetic – move to learn Visual – see to learn Read & Write – writing notes to learn Take an online test to work out your strongest learning style and take your study to the next level.
5. work out your note style
Do you like creating memory games or mnemonic devices? Are your study notes very colourful and artistic? Everyone has a style. Choose yours, and work with it. Don’t fall into the trap of just photocopying or printing out study notes. It is important to use your own words or visual cues and re-write words. Use as many senses and learning styles to increase retention.
6. be organised There is nothing worse than getting to the library or your special study nook and realise you’ve forgotten your green highlighter that you can’t study without! Be organized and intentional. Get the right equipment ready and have it with you while you study. In some circumstances a laptop or smart phone are not the best study companions. They can be big distractions.
7. MAKE AN ACHIEVABLE SCHEDULE Think about what time of day your brain is most active. Some people study best in the morning and others are better later in the afternoon. Go with what works for you to ensure you’re most productive. Consider what other commitments and activities you have on and schedule your study in to make sure it happens.
8. Practice with friends can actually work. 9. Have a good mindset to study. If you set good study habits now, at school, they will carry on in the future to help with your tertiary studies and even your work performance. Reward your achievements and set goals to keep you motivated.
Study groups can work but there are a few things to consider. Work with people at a similar academic level to you so you feel challenged and feel like you can contribute equally to your study group. You’ll also find that some of your friends may have picked up information from class or a textbook that you missed and vice versa.
Be positive. A positive mindset can make you feel inspired and expect success, not failure. You’ll tend to look for solutions instead of letting the problem take over. You’ll also start believing in yourself and your abilities.