FAQs And Tips For Studying

Is It Necessary To Get Up Early For Studying?

It depends on the capability of a student.

Some students have the capacity to sleep late and get up late while some have the capacity to sleep early and wake up early. Accordingly, those who can sleep later can study till late night whereas, those who cannot stay awake for a long time will have to sleep early and wake up early. Some students can manage their studies within the daytime so well that they don’t purposely have to wake up early or sleep late. Well, this becomes possible mostly if the amount of study is less. Also, it is necessary to have enough sleep before appearing for an exam.

How Hard Should Be Studied?

Focus on smart studying instead of the hard one. Efforts have to be taken but in a right way which may otherwise result into waste of time as well as efforts. Following points can be considered to use both of them efficiently:

1.   Keeping The Distractions Aside. Distraction can be caused by friends, family, mobile phones, TV, etc. Sometimes, too much silence can also make one lose focus. Thus, the student should recognize the actual distraction and keep it aside at least while studying. Also, if these things need our attention after the study hours, the student should try to keep those thoughts aside while studying. Partying and holidays can be done after the exams. One has to remember that none is going to compensate for the loss if he/she fails in the exams. Blaming anyone later will not increase the scores. So, the present time should be utilized efficiently.

2.   Listening To Music. While studying, some students opt to listen to music. Here, calming music or some pleasant background music will be a good choice. Background music is created such that it goes with the flow of the scene and the viewers don’t get distracted. That’s why it is called so. This all can be a stress buster but again it should not make a student lose his/her concentration from the studies.

3.   Be Comfortable. One will feel comfortable to study in library or in some room of the house. Even in the house, some may sit on ground, some may sit on bed, some may sit on a chair while some may sit on a couch. Improper posture can break related muscles and result into fatigue. While sitting on a proper study table, leaning on the desk should be avoided and back should be kept straight but must not touch the chair. Desk should be at the correct height. Have enough light. While studying on the floor cross-legged, pressure should be concentrated on the hips and not the feet. While studying on a bed, books should be kept on some small table instead of keeping them on feet and having a trouble.

4.   Take A Break. Studying straight for long hours is not good. Instead, about 10 minute long breaks must be taken after specific period of time depending on the capacity of the student. In these 10 minutes, one can listen to music while dancing, stretching, or even walking around. It is recommended to do this after every half an hour to avoid the muscles becoming stiff.

5.   Have Proper Food. It is said that one should not eat heavily before studying in order to keep away from fatigue and sleep. But this doesn’t mean that studying should be done with an empty stomach. Nutritious food like citrus fruits, dry fruits, eggs(if possible), berries, beets, apples, avocados, fish(if possible), red, green and orange vegetables can be consumed before studying. More details about the above mentioned food items can be found here. Candy and coffee may result in a blood-sugar crash though they make us active for some time. Enough water should be consumed after every few minutes to be hydrated all the time.

6. Changing The Studying Environment. Finding some comfortable spot for studying everyday or after some days can increase memory and concentration.

7.   Only Inspiration Cannot Be The Way To Stay Motivated. Studying is not a one-day process especially if the examinations are tough accordingly. The student may surely lose motivation some day. But the student will have to train himself/herself in such a way that motivation shouldn’t decide his will to study. The student has to study according to the schedule irrespective of the motivation. Thus, a proper schedule comes into picture.

8.   A Schedule Should Be Made And Followed Too. It is recommended to study at the same time every day. Enough hours should be taken for sleeping(such as 8 hours on an average in a day). However, these are not the only activities in the life of a student. Some may even wish to spend some time for Yoga, meditation or exercises every day. Some must be attending lectures. Thus, a proper timetable has to be made considering all these activities which must be followed too. Disturbing the schedule is not at all recommended.

9.   Getting Adapted To Smart Work Instead Of Just Hard Work. The student has to first focus on the quality and then the quantity of time. Only reading or mugging up doesn’t mean studying. Reading the same thing for hours is a bad practice. Instead, the student has to go for understanding the topic which helps to remember it for a long time or even life-long. Various trusted sources such as internet, books, teachers, friends or magazines can be chosen here. At the end of the day, the student has to feel that he/she has actually studied enough for the day. Positive outcomes should be visible.

10. Revision Is Important. Revising the related concepts before starting and after finishing the studies for the day will be helpful. The old concepts should not be allowed to get washed out of the brain. Weekly revision of each and every concept studied till date are much important. Small points should be noted down as well as important sentences or words should be marked wherever possible. This is helpful as the student will not have to go through each word while revising. Only a look at the points or markings will be enough. Well, long sentences may not be needed everywhere. Some concepts can be remembered only by drawing flowcharts or related diagrams. Also, making algorithms can also help while studying.

11. Attention Should Be Paid During The Lectures. 10^th point will be fruitful here. Paying proper attention during the lectures and noting the things down at the same time will prove to be a boon while later. Similarly, doubts must be asked and cleared soon especially in the lectures.

Many other points may rise with the changing time. But these are the basic points applicable for the students of various ages.

What Is Acceptance Here?

We often forget that life is a journey and not a race. Most common mistake that people make is to compare two individuals and then ask the one to be like the other. This makes one lose confidence in self. No two persons can have same fingerprints. It means even God has made everyone different in some way, then how can we expect one person to be like another. There is a difference between getting motivated and copying someone. Sir Elon Musk had said that he had worked 22 hours a day and the corresponding video can be found here. Here, he has also recommended that one must not go to such an extent. Obviously, one cannot keep on studying for straight 22 hours a day. Then what can be learnt here? Before trying to work or study for long hours, a person must try to work or study efficiently in few hours first.

Everyone has a different method of studying. Some may grasp everything quickly while some may require more time. Some may clear the exams in first attempt while some may require more attempts. Everyone has to study to get a degree but not every student is interested in studying. Some may be interested in sports, music, dance, acting, etc. Thus, the fundamental aim is to clear the exams with enough marks to have a secured future. But we cannot expect everyone to be the first rank holder. Studies are important which doesn’t mean that the interests of the students should be killed.