5 Ways to Improve Your Study Habits

Is improving your study habits one of your goals for the new year? Or would you like to help your students or your kids to improve their study habits? Here are some ideas:

1. Start by finding the right workplace. If you can’t seem to focus while sitting at your desk, work in the kitchen. Try the library or a coffee shop if you are distracted at home. Sometimes it just takes a bit of decluttering your desk, and suddenly, focusing on your work is easier. If you don’t have a designated work area yet, maybe it is time to establish one.
2. Turn on some background music. What type of music works for you – relaxing meditation music or something that fires you up – you need to find out for yourself. No lyrics, mind you. There are several benefits to background music. First, you train your brain to get started once you hear the music. Also, when distractions are just one click away from your assignment, it is beneficial to use music as a way of entertainment that does not prevent you from getting your work done.
3. Stay hydrated. This sounds like something that shouldn’t be worth mentioning, but I have experienced this myself: You work and study, and after a while, your brain seems to get foggy, and your attention goes out the window. Sometimes, all it takes to get back on track is a large glass of water or juice, and your mind gets clear again.
4. Try different study methods. Do you learn best from a textbook or a video? Do you like to use your notes, or is it easier for you to use the teacher’s notes? Do you need to write things down or say them out loud to memorize them? Do you study better when alone or in a group? When is the best time of the day for you to get some studying done? A lot of trial and error will help you figure these things out.  
5. Train your study muscles. Start with doable chunks of work with enough breaks in between. Like exercise, studying can get easier once you start doing it more regularly and for longer periods. Overdoing it one time could mean that you are dreading it next time. If you make sure that your study goals are doable and maybe even enjoyable, your study stamina will increase automatically.