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Ultimate Brain Hacks to Top Up School Performance

Going home with a mountain of pages to read for your classes can be stressful. Maybe you want to ask yourself: “How and where do I start?” Or maybe you are wondering: “Is it even possible to memorize all these?”

Studying in the university can truly be arduous, but completing it with distinction and acing your class is definitely possible. All you need is a study habit that will bring you to the top.  Fear no more because we have collected a set of effective ways to improve your memory and boost your academic performance.

1. Map out your plan

Always start off with a strategic plan. First, make a list that includes all the tasks you need to accomplish, in this way you can be sure that all your assignments are noted. Once you have the list, try to arrange them by priority. You can align them by schedule, which ones need to be done immediately and which ones can be reserved for later. Make use of available planners for students  where you can easily jot down your tasks. This plan will serve as your guide in monitoring your progress. Go back to it every time you finish a task and observe how you are doing so far. Are you on the right track? Or are you working a little slower than you should?

2. Preload with brain food

Mental function is highly affected by the kind and amount of food we eat. Studying while hungry may only give you a headache. The mind requires a lot of energy just to sustain through the day. And you need nourish yourself more while studying.

Make sure to choose the right food, which means healthy food options like fiber-rich carbohydrates, vegetable, fruits, low-fat meat, etc. Munching on brain-boosting food before and during study hours will surely help the brain achieve its optimum function.

Students can benefit from Omega-3 fatty acids which are known to rest and repair brain cells, as well as, B vitamins which enhance relay of information. A full meal of salmon and rice before studying would be great. Grabbing a bowl of mixed berries and nuts while studying will help boost your memory too.

3. Study with colors

Make the most of your inner creativity to help you in your studies. Having tons of readings may be overwhelming. Here’s the trick: study smart. You don’t have to overburden yourself memorizing all minor details. Focus on the most important parts of the lessons and ascertain that you have understood the gist of a lecture.

Highlighting the key points of a chapter and organizing terms by color will help you recall the things. With just a quick glance, you’ll be reminded of its details. Use highlighter pens that suit your needs. Some are intended for unique purposes such for highlighting, underlining and coloring key points. There are also all-in-one highlight markers that can be used for a whole lot of purposes. These markers usually come in sets of 6 colors, sometimes, a dozen and there are many shades and color to choose from.

4. Scribble it down

Take down notes while reading your book. Aside from writing down the things you think are important, you can also take note those you do not fully understand. Studies show that re-writing important terms has always been an effective way of familiarization for both students and professionals.

If you need to rewrite the same thing over and over again to be acquainted to a lesson, just do it and thank yourself later. Coming up with your own visual aid or mnemonics will also come handy. When the examination comes, recalling things that you have written or made up by yourself will be much easier. 

5. Have a break

Heard of the pomodoro technique yet? Well if you haven’t, it is a time management technique where you break down work hours into intervals. The purpose is to give the brain time to rest for it to stay alert and productive.

Overworking the brain will only be exhausting rather than rewarding. Schedule several regular breaks during your hustle time, maybe take 10 minute breaks in between 40 minute work intervals. Use a timer or simply use your phone alarm for this. Do a little stretch or jumping jacks on your breaks to let your body recover from long hours of sitting.

6. Share your knowledge to others

After studying on your own, it is your time to teach others. Mastery of  a freshly learned concept is reinforced whenever you teach it to other people.  Using your own words and using your own style to relay information to others makes your brain further comprehend a topic. More than that, you are able to help others too so it is a win-win for every body.

Include these six simple steps in your study habit and you will doubtlessly enhance your academic performance. It might be challenging for others to build these best practices, but taking one step at a time no matter the pace will be eventually be effective.  Lastly, be confident and always trust in yourself.  Clear your mind of anxiety, believe in your ability, and ace your classes!

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