The Science of Smarter Studying

Written by Rhea Manjunath

Let's be real, school gets tough sometimes. With a little knowledge about how our brains work, learning can become less of a hassle and enjoyable.

Active learning is perhaps the best strategy for an engaged learner. Instead of reading through notes, try teaching someone else the information, creating diagrams, and developing flashcards. Active engagement with your material draws in multiple pathways in the brain to understand and recall concepts better.

Have you ever heard of the 'spacing effect'? It's a miracle. Instead of cramming the night before an exam, space your study sessions over a few days. This lets your brain do its own processing and storage to make retrieval much easier when it counts.

And lastly, sleep, one thing that most students undervalue. Think of sleep as the file storage system for the brain to keep everything organized at night. During deep sleep, the brain builds a storage system for what you've learned from short-term knowledge to long-term memory. Thinking that one can study more by cutting back on sleep is sabotaging retention.

Another tip: breaks. Science actually states that one works better in short bursts, say like 25 or several other times, followed by a five-minute rest (the Pomodoro Method). In that way, most will work for an extended period without going burnt out. Use those breaks to stretch, hydrate, or just take a walk-it works great for your concentration.

And don't forget exercise, whether it's a quick jog around the block or a little dance party in your room. Blood is rushing to the brain, increasing your creative juices and problem-solving skills.

It's not about working hard but working smart using these beautiful scientific evidence-backed strategies. Take your favorite study tools, make a timetable, and let your brain learn and grow.

Study smarter, not harder!

Written by Rhea Manjunath from MEDILOQUY