How To: Study (My 10 tips to a successful revision)

I'm sorry to say, but it has come to ''this'' time of the year again. And we all know what that means...  Truth is, no matter what exam  you're doing, whether one that might influence your future or just a simple end-of-year assessment, there always comes a time when we struggle with the revision (if we attempt to struggle at all!) But no worries... I've my J.C in five weeks and instead of studying I'm writing this... to help you all (now that's a sacrifice! ....just kiddin' of course).

1. Get to point
If you really aim on getting good grades or just simply passing, there is no time for excuses. It's hard to get motivated but once you do, it gets easier. Remember to spend at least 30 minutes each night revising something. After few days this will all become a routine and you'll be able to get to it automatically. You then can increase the length and amount you study, but don't overload yourself!

2. Organize your mind (and desk)
Making a study plan and keeping record of what you did and didn't go over will not only improve efficiency of your work done but also motivate into action. Hang self-made posters around the room of your work to keep on track. Always have your study area clean and organised to prevent any distractions. Beware though, it's easy to make a plan, it's worse sticking to it.

3. Figure out your style
Knowing what type of a learner you are will improve your study big time! There's basically 4 categories (or styles); visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic. Each of those has different methods of remembering and learning things. Click here to figure out which group you belong to and what your best way to study will be. (Personally, I qualify myself into visual and tactile. I like to read over chapters in the book, then change what I have learned into my own words, repeat few times in my head and finally jot down in form of short notes I'll be able to recognize.)

4. Don't be a rag doll
Ever feel like collapsing after a certain period of study? That's probably because you overload yourself and study in a place your mind relates to as something ''else''. If you tend to study in your room, your brain is more likely going to associate the space with sleep- that's why you'll feel tired whenever you'll attempt to study. To ''train'' your brain otherwise, you can use simple hacks to basically trick it. Turn on your lamp or open your window whenever you study. Turn it off/ close when your resting- this way your body will figure when it's time to learn and when to sleep etc.
   Also, try to follow a study-break-study-break routine. I like to study for 3 hours, taking a 5 minute break every 20 minutes. In this time I do things like getting refreshments, gathering my things or reading. It allows you to rest and relax and be able to focus more.

5. Forget the calories!  
I don't know how it is with you, but I always find myself more concentrated on a full stomach. Prepare plenty of snacks and drinks before you start revising. Eat during your breaks and always stay hydrated to prevent headaches and distractions. Healthy foods are the key but don't eliminate all the sugars- they do give some energy after all!

6. Switch off
Yes everything! Phone, tablet, laptop, iPod... Don't be getting distracted. Announce to everyone ''I'm taking 3 hours out. Do not disturb.'' Get off that social media! And if deep down you know you should be studying right now.... then go!!

7. Look back, predict, communicate 
Being able to look at questions that came up on previous years or once that tend to come up frequently and using that as your basis is a life saver! If you don't have access to past examinations try talking to your teachers or older friends. This might give you a gist of prediction about this years questions and topics that may come up but don't rely just on that!

8. Remember about life
Don't lock yourself in clustered rooms for hours. Get enough sleep, exercise, eat, go out with friends and live as normal. On an odd day out this is essential. For example, donate your Sundays and Wednesdays for some ''none-study-time''. Believe me it will only do good!

9. Do it for yourself 
Never live with the attitude that studying sucks because teachers and parents expect you to do it. Studying is not for anyone but you. Depending on your aspirations and ambitions you decide what to do with the course. If passing an exam makes you proud then work for it! However,remember that the piece of paper that will arrive with few letters on them doesn't prove anything. Learn for your own knowledge and satisfaction...after all that's all that counts.

10. Don't worry
Don't freak out, worry and stress- it won't changed anything and certainly won't help. Relax, take it easy, step by step. It's not the end of the world if you fail. There's so many options for you out there and it doesn't matter if you pass or not. Always do your best to then say ''I did the best I could''. Life doesn't end here. Be positive and just chill. Your not the only one stuck with this ''problem''.

Before the actual exam:
-Sleep, sleep and even more sleep.
- Meditate
- Go for a walk/ jog
- Don't repeat ''I'm going to fail''
- Eat some veg/fruit
- Look quickly through your short notes
- Focus, concentrate & attempt EVERY freaking thing
- Think of awesome plans you have already made (e.g summer holidays)


Well, that's all I can really advise on revising. I followed these for my mock exams and I'm pretty happy with the results. Hope it helped at least one of you. Good luck and never give up! ^^

P.s has anyone been keeping up to date with the new royal baby news? What do you think of the name Charlotte? Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana- personally I think it's really cute and adorable but honestly I was hoping for something more original... what are your thoughts?

Love,
-k.