Tip 1: Your brain is a supercomputer and your self-talk is the programme it will run.
Your brain, your body, and your mindset are heavily influenced by the quality of your self talk. Use positive self-talk to succeed, help you achieve goals and keep going when it gets challenging.
Tip 2: How to stop putting off studying.
Use the Pomodoro tool. It was invented by Francesco Cirillo, in the early 1980's. Pomodoro is Italian for tomato. The timer he used looked like one. You can download Focus Keeper in the app store.
All you need to do, is set a timer to 25 minutes, turn off all interruptions, and then focus. That's it! Mostly anybody can focus for 25 minutes.
The only last important thing is to give yourself a little reward when you're done. A few minutes online, a snack, even just stretching or chatting, allowing your brain to enjoyably change its focus for a while. Then set the timer again for another 25 minutes.
it's a little like doing an intense 25 minute workout at a mental gym. Followed by some mental relaxation. Give it a try!
Tip 3: Memory tricks.
There are billions of items in our long-term memory. Being able to find information in your long-term memory is vital as it's where you store fundamental concepts and techniques which are typically involved in whatever you're learning.
To help remember what you're studying you need to use a technique called spaced repetition.
This technique involves repeating what you're trying to remember, but what you want to do is a space this repetition out.
So, for example, if you're learning French verbs it is better to repeat studying them in short bursts over a number of days rather than cramming it all into one night. Anything you are trying to memorise won't stick nearly as well through one long night of study than if you practice it a number of times over several days.
Tip 4: Make sure you're getting a good nights sleep. It helps your memory and learning.
Too little sleep effects your performance on tests.
In fact, it doesn't just make you do worse on tests, sleep is actually an important part of the memory and learning process.
It seems that during sleep, your brain tidies up ideas and concepts you're thinking about and learning. It removes the less important parts of memories, and at the same time strengthens areas that you need or want to remember. During sleep, your brain also rehearses some of the tougher parts of whatever you're trying to learn.
Sleep has also been shown to make a remarkable difference in your ability to figure out difficult problems and to understand what you're trying to learn. Overall it is essential to try get a good nights sleep whilst studying and the night before exams.
For in depth tips on improving sleep check out the blog post ‘Unraveling the Secrets to a Good Night's Sleep: 7 tips for Teens’ on www.lifeskillsdojo.com
Author: Dr Alexis Carey is a Chartered Health Psychologist and a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist specialising in the well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults. For more information or to book an appointment to help improve your sleep or manage stress go to www.lifeskillsdojo.com