Optimal Conditions To Study To Increase Your Memory

Learning is a skill. So to ace your examinations first you need to learn the skill of how to learn. In layman's terms that means you need to learn how to feed your brain with information so that you actually remember it and not expel it back out of your ears. As they say 'in from one ear and out from the other'. Here are some tips I used to remember to learn better. 

1) Skip the computer

You may be amazing at typing or be more comfortable on your computer but studies show that using a computer reduces your effectiveness by 40%. Also, while using computers you tend to get distracted. Researchers have also found that it takes more time for your brain to process the information you are reading online than the information in front of you. It is better to write your notes on paper. While writing you often tend to paraphrase, this helps you retain the information longer. 

2) Study-sleep-study

It is scientifically proven that if you sleep between study sessions you are more likely to remember information. You should study in the afternoon, then sleep, and then study again in the morning, go out to do some exercise, study some more, do some physical activity and then repeat the cycle over again. 

3) Sleep and exercise

Sleeping and exercising help you to retain information. Sleeping and exercising give your brain time to rest so that the information sinks in and you can remember it.

4) Change the way you do the thing

Studies show that if you try a different way of learning something then it would be more effective than trying the same method over and over again.

5) Switch

Switch between tasks while studying. Change subjects after some time will defiantly ‘up’ your productivity.

6) Make connections

Make connections in your brain to try and remember things. Try using acronyms or making sentences. You can also use mnemonic devices to help you retain. Also use unique, stupid and weird sentences as they will stick longer. 

7) Say It Out Loud

When you say things out helps register things in your head. It gives your brain a better chance to let things stick. This has been proven in multiple 

8) Stay hydrated

Water helps overall mental processing. The more water that makes it's way to your brain, helps the brain to be more effective. 

9) Reward yourself

If you reward yourself you are more likely to remember. This releases dopamine in your 'hippocampus' which is a part of your brain and this helps motivate you to work better and makes your brain believe that you are getting instant rewards for your hard work. Doing this boosts your ability to remember dramatically. 

10) Be excited about what you are doing
If you are more enthusiastic you put more effort into what you are doing, this makes your productivity increase dramatically. 

11) Reduce stress
The more stress you have to deal with, the more things on your mind, which means that your productivity decreases. 

12) Listen to calming instrumental music
Instrumental music is has been proven to have a calming effect on your brain and it helps increase your productivity dramatically. 

13) Use mind-maps
Knowing your workflow or your algorithm for studying helps your brain plot the course of action better. 

14) Planning your day out
Like mind-maps, if you know your workflow, your productivity goes up dramatically. It's essential to have a list of things to do- because that helps you manage your time better. 

15) Being organised
Again, less time wasted on finding your things, more mental clarity, and more productivity.