Friday, May 22, 2015
Features
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Trouble studying? Follow these tips to better study habits By Sai Sreenivasan Staff Writer
Final exams are coming up and students are preparing for the tremendous amount of studying that is soon to come. Here are some ways to change your study methods for a more effective study session. 1. Thinking out Loud According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, saying information aloud stores it in the brain better than just reading it. Although this may not apply to all
subjects, repeating material out loud is a great way to memorize things. If speaking aloud isn’t convenient for you, writing out handwritten notes accumulates information more effectively than simply reading it. Copying old notes can help refresh the material and keep you organized. 2. Listen, don’t read After reading the textbook for a couple hours the information begins to repeat itself. Downloading audible material and listening to it on the go or during free time can provide an alternative to reading and can give
your eyes a break. “Crash Course” is a convenient video site to go to for specific topics and subjects.
3. Work Out Take a break from studying and go for a jog or any alternative physical exercise. According to a study from MENSA, adults’ brain-processing speed improved after half an hour of moderate exercise. Just half an hour can build brain power, fulfill your daily fitness and get your blood pumping for study time. “Exercise increases blood flow which in itself improves the concentration,” Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Rajendra Lowtan said. 4. Eat a Snack while Studying Found in fish, nuts and olive oil, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are known for their brainboosting potential. A quick snack can include an avocado with toast along with nuts. The nuts and olive oil offer some Omega-3 while avocado offers protein and potassium. Potassium helps send oxygen to the brain along with healthy fats. An avocados has twice the amount of potassium as a banana.
PICTURE BY SAI SREENIVASAN.
Snacks with Omega-3 or Omega-6 are perfect brain food for studying.
5. Change Location By changing your study location, the information you study is more
likely to be retained. “What happens is that you can have a different association based on your environment that connects to various emotions, which can then lead to improved memory,” Lowtan said.
6. Stay Hydrated Staying hydrated is extremely important while studying. According to a study done by University of East London Research Psychologist Caroline Edmonds, drinking water can improve the brain’s ability to complete tasks that require a rapid response. During intense studying, hydration is often forgotten about, but in order to maintain a healthy brain and body system, water is key. 7. Break it Up This might be the simplest study tip, but it is the most important. When it comes to studying, you should choose quality over quantity. Maintaining focus for one hour is more effective than studying for four hours and constantly dealing with distractions. So do yourself a favor and get off Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Also, make sure not to procrastinate. Separate the material over periods of time instead of trying to review everything at once. Although exams are just around the corner, these study tips can equip you with efficient ways to get all the informa-
Local donut shops prepare for National Donut Day Becky Wolfson Production Editor
You do-nut want to miss National Donut Day on June 5. National Donut Day began in 1938 to honor “doughnut dollies,” women who served donuts to WWI soldiers. Today, National Donut Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday in June. This year to celebrate, Krispy Kreme will be giving out free donuts to anyone who comes in on June 5. “To prepare for National Donut Day, we have a plan and prepare a lot beforehand,” Krispy Kreme employee Antonia said. “During the day we are constantly creating donuts.” In an Observer poll of 80 CHS students, 66 percent said they will celebrate National Donut Day this year. “I didn’t know there was a holiday for donuts, but now that I do I’ll definitely celebrate by going to Krispy Kreme,” freshman Justis Mitchell said. “I’m sure if more students knew about free donuts they would
celebrate too.” Out of the polled students, 56 percent said Krispy Kreme was their favorite local donut place. “To make the donuts, we let the ingredients sit for one hour to raise the dough, and after, they go to the fryer, then four minutes later, are put into the glaze,” Antonia said. Not only will Krispy Kreme be celebrating the holiday, Dunkin’ Donuts will also be giving out free donuts with the purchase of a beverage. According to Dunkin’ Donuts employee Rider, his store usually gets a few extra employees to prepare for the day. Entenmann’s and the Salvation Army also have a deal for the holiday. The two companies have teamed up to commemorate donuts by holding online sweepstakes. According to Entenmanns.com, 100 grand prize winners will win a free year supply of donuts. If you’re a donut lover, make sure you do-nut miss out on this holiday.
PHOTO BY BECKY WOLFSON.
On National Donut Day, June 5, local donut shops will give out free donuts.