Most scholars and students are already working hard, spending most of their days in front of their books aiming to achieve those distinctions. Now, every individual has their own ways and strategies to study, but we also know that some don’t even know where to begin… Don’t worry; read on!

We’ll provide you with some study tips and tricks, but you’ll have to apply the ones you’ll benefit from most because not all strategies work for everyone. So, let’s see what you need for studying better, improving grades, and becoming a discipline and straight-a-student.

Study Tips & Tricks

1. Distraction-free study area: Find or create a space at home where you can study when you want to without distractions – where your surroundings will support and motivate you. A space with enough natural light with a good amount of silence for you to concentrate.
2. Table & chair: Don’t study on the bed (we know you prefer it, but…) instead get a proper study table and a comfortable chair to help sharpen your mind and won’t cause you back and neck pain.
3. Study schedule: Following a routine can be challenging. Instead of sticking to a routine (because life happens and not every day is the same), see what your day holds and choose at least one hour to study. Make use of sticky notes or set the alarm to remind you of your study time.
4. Avoid digital: Although we live in a digital era, it’s the one thing that keeps us most distracting – our phones and gadgets. Switch it off or leave it on the kitchen counter during your study sessions.
5. Use lists: What do you want to accomplish from your study session? Make a to-do list with an estimated time limit for each line item. This way, you’ll complete everything promptly, which will motivate you to complete the rest the next time… and you’ll have time to enjoy the rest of your day doing more fun things!
6. Eat before you study: Before studying, ensure to fuel your tummy with a light, healthy meal to avoid getting distracted from a rumbling stomach. You’ll also feel less sleepy. Try to work in these top 9 brain foods for studying.
7. Take breaks: Refresh your mind with short breaks during studies, especially if the study material is mentally exhausting, such as maths or science. Do a quick, 5-minute workout or take a nap. Watch this video to gain some inspiration and say on top of your fitness goals too. How long may your breaks be? For 1 to 2 hours of straight study, a 20- to 30-minute break is more than enough!
8. Mind maps: PNA offers you exam pads, exercise books, notebooks, and whiteboards to help you with mind mapping your study material. That’s the easy part – the most challenging but exciting exercise is choosing your weapon – colouring pencils, highlighters, kokis, markers, pens, pencils, twisters or crayons…

Mind maps will help you remember words and images while making connections and identifying relationships between topics. It can be very basic or highly in-depth. If you want to perfect this skill (and have some time to spare), read this article on using mind maps for studying.

9. Study techniques: There are dozens and dozens of study techniques to boost learning, productivity, and focus ability. Here are 15 study techniques, including the Reading Comprehension Technique, the Zeigarnik effect, and pre-testing before learning the new information.
10. Quizzes & tests: The only way to test your understanding and comprehension of the content studied is to test yourself. You’ll soon discover which areas are successfully mastered and which needs more attention – a great way to prepare for exams.

Do you need more to pretty up your learning space or pleasant things to help you stay focused? Then pop into your nearest PNA store today for everything you need and more.

Stay motivated and always give your best. Good luck!