To
all the aspiring learners out there this article is in continuation of the
previous one. As we have discussed the initial steps to learn faster there,
here are some additional steps to consider after doing the previously listed
ones while studying. So, gear up and dive into this article to explore some
more secrets to learn faster
Read
the Important Parts Aloud
Read the
important parts aloud several pieces of research show that reading information
aloud helps you learn faster than reading silently. But why? When you read
aloud, you are both listening and visualizing the information using two senses.
When you read silently you just see, using only one sense.
But
let's be realistic, it's impossible to read all the content aloud, it takes too
long. So, here's a tip I recommend:
Step
1: As you read, underline the main concepts and formulas. I'm not telling you
to stop and memorize, just underline and read on.
Step
2: After you finish reading and underline the key information, read everything
you underlined aloud several times. Read each formula and information slowly to
retain it better.
Step
3: After doing step 2, take a three-minute break.
Step
4: Go back to the main concepts highlighted and assess whether you have
memorized them.
Step
5: For each concept and equation that was not memorized, repeat steps 2, 3, and
4.
Take Regular Study Breaks
Study
breaks improve your productivity and focus. Then, if you think the best
strategy is to spend 6 hours studying locked in a room, you are completely
wrong! My suggestion is that you take 5–10 minutes breaks after 40 minutes of
study. (Pomodoro Technique)
It's
nice to have a timer to remind you that it's time to stop studying and start
relaxing! Another important thing, during this period of relaxation, try to
avoid cell phones and computers. These devices don't “let” you really rest.
Give Yourself Small Rewards at the End of Each Study
Get
small rewards at the end of each study. Before starting your cycle or study
session, imagine a “little gift” for yourself at the end of the session. Many
studies show that this technique improves memory and learning.
Rewards
can be as simple as, eat something healthy that you like, listen to your favourite
music, take a little walk, do stretching exercises and many more. I believe you
already have good rewards in mind, don't you? Using this technique, you will
learn faster and smarter.
Focus On the Process, Not Result
If
you focus only on the proof “it's going to freak out”. Studies show that those
whose goal is learning and not just a good grade on the test get better
results. Put your focus on the process, not the reward.
These
students believe that with study and effort, they can improve, even in the subjects
that have the most difficulty. Always accept challenges.
You
understand that you have been successful when you learn something, not just
when you pass it.
Students
who are not “successful” tend to put the goal on the objective (pass) while
those who are successful tend to put the goal on the learning. The student with
the best grades will understand that he got the result if he learned, the other
if he passes.
But
do you want to see something interesting? Results-oriented people are usually
thinking about their image to others. They think: I will show my grade, my
approval, etc., to this person or that person.
Those
who focus on learning are more focused on personal growth, they think: I'm
going to learn “everything about backstage” or “everything about probability”
because “it will be interesting for my knowledge”, and they are concerned about
achieving this goal.
The
funny thing is that our society as a whole value and encourages students with a focus on results when the one who
gets good results is the one who is focused on learning.
Drink at Least 8 Glasses of Water
Every Day
No!
Don't skip this tip!
Studies
show that around 75% of people are in a chronic state of dehydration and,
dehydration is bad for your brain, hence your learning.
A
study showed that dehydration diminishes the mental ability to process
information. There are even cases that the brain shrinks due to lack of water.
The
solution is very simple, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Take your
“water bottle” wherever you are and drink it even before you feel thirsty.
Exercise at Least 3 Times a Week
Exercise
isn't just good for your body, it's great for your brain. Many studies show
that exercise improves your memory and your brain function, decreases the occurrence
of depression, prevents diseases such as diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis,
improves your sleep quality.
It
also reduces stress and improves your mood. So, if you want that magic learning
remedy do at least 30 to 45 minutes of exercise three times a week. You will
become more energetic and learn much better.
Sleep at Least 8 Hours at Night
Sleep
at least 8 hours at night. Many students say they get too little sleep to get
more free time to study. Unfortunately, it's a bad idea. Some studies show that
if you sleep well you will be able to stay more focused and learn faster,
improve your memory and handle stress better.
So,
sleep well you don't waste time! On the contrary, you gain learning speed.
There is another very interesting study that shows that if you study something
difficult before bed and review it the next day, you will be able to memorize
it much better.
So,
my suggestion is that you take a look at the difficult content just before bed
and review it the next day. If you're a partygoer and like to spend your nights
up, I have terrible news, several studies show that people who don't sleep at
night have worse test scores and worse career performances.
So,
no late nights or little sleep.
Eat Blueberry
Blueberry
or blueberry is a fruit rich in flavonoids, which improve brain connections and
stimulate brain cell regeneration. Researchers found that blueberries improve
both short-term and long-term memory, as well as prevent degenerative diseases
such as Alzheimer's.
In
case it is very difficult to find this fresh fruit, so the alternatives are in
capsules, flour or fruit juices.
Eat Chicken Eggs
This
tip is only for egg eaters. Researchers conducted a survey and they found out that
students who included choline in their diet did much better on memory tests.
Choline
is the precursor of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is released at the junction
between neurons, allowing nerve transmission to be better passed, which is
essential for the formation of new memories. But which foods contain choline?
Chicken
eggs! More precisely, the yolk contains 90% of egg choline.
If
you are afraid of cholesterol, then relax. Recent studies show that this was a
myth and that chicken eggs are very healthy!
Don't
worry my vegetarian readers. If you are not comfortable with eggs then here are
some alternatives like lentils, Sunflower seed, Pumpkin seed, Almonds, Cabbage,
Cauliflower and Broccoli.
Consume Omega 3
Consumption
of omega 3 is excellent for brain function. One study showed that consumption
of omega 3 reduced anxiety tests in students and improved concentration.
In
addition, omega 3 prevents high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis,
osteoporosis, depression, dementia, asthma, cancer and many other ailments. Eat
foods rich in omega 3 such as Salmon, Sardine, pumpkin seeds and nuts.
This
was my last tip for you to learn faster. But I would like to say that you don't
need and should not implement all the tips in these 2 articles, just test them
one by one and see which one works best for you.
People
are different and react differently to methods and stimuli, you have to be
perceptive to know what works and what doesn't for your reality. So,
"Focus on learning, not testing!".
Written
By-Sanskriti Dimri
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