Transitioning from one school year to the next brings both worries and hopes for a positive and successful experience. At the core of this transition are healthy habits that replace unproductive and harmful routines, making room for a more sustainable lifestyle and of course, new achievements.
While the start of the school year offers a clean slate to cultivate these habits, there’s no rule that says you can’t begin at any time. If you’ve recently had a wake-up call about areas for improvement, the best time to start is now—better late than never!
Dos
Establish a Routine
Routines provide a structure to your day that you can use to keep yourself in check. Besides a sense of control, a predictable set of activities also reduces stress by preventing you from scrambling to catch up with tasks that have fallen behind. This means better mental health for directing your energy towards productivity.
Prioritise Sleep
For every success story born from burning the midnight oil is another of diminished academic performance as a result of a sleep-deprived mind. Don’t take the risk—rest is vital for learning and memory. In fact, studies have shown that the less students slept over the course of the semester, the worse they scored. Sleep boosts memory retention and recall by up to 40%.
Short, Intense Sessions
Marathon study sessions aren’t as effective as we would like them to be, even though they can feel incredibly cognitively draining. Rather, studying in short bursts—akin to a sprint—are likely to bring about better outcomes, especially when conducted over a period of time. For example, after a math class, review the material for 30 minutes on the same day. Then, set reminders to revisit it the next day, three days later, and again one week later. This is also known as spaced repetition, an evidence-based learning technique that increases the intervals between each review session.
Keep Organised
Physical and mental clutter can both be detrimental to your learning. Keep your materials accessible and ensure you plan your time effectively to make use of precious time. As a student, being organised means having all you need at your fingertips, because with time in short supply, even minutes can accumulate to make a difference in outcomes.
Form Support Networks
Study buddies and groups can positively influence your academic performance. Not only do they keep you accountable, they also motivate and lend support during instances of procrastination and self-doubt. Each member brings their own knowledge and way of explanation to the table, which can make complex concepts more digestible.
Don’ts
Juggle Multiple Tasks at Once
You may think you are being efficient, but multitasking often does more harm than good. This habit hampers your ability to properly comprehend and encode information. Harvard Business Review postulates that the concept of multitasking isn’t real—instead, humans are only capable of switching between tasks, choosing which information to process. So resist the temptation to check your phone while reading a textbook, or working on assignments while listening to a podcast. If you need music to accompany your study, opt for something less distracting, such as instrumental music.
Cram at the Last Minute
Leave behind the habit of cramming, which doesn’t work because it relies on short-term memory, induces more stress, and tricks you into believing you’ve got your concepts down. Again, break your study material into smaller chunks, and review regularly using active recall—such as by testing yourself using practice papers.
Hold Back Questions
One thing that students always forget about is that questions are tools for learning, too. Addressing doubts directly engages you in the learning process and helps you build a clearer, more comprehensive understanding of the concept. If you’re too self-conscious to voice out your questions in class, try approaching your teacher outside of class hours first. Tutors can serve as the bridge to knowledge gaps while helping you overcome the insecurity within a more comfortable and personal environment.
Rely on Passive Reading
Did you know? Silent reading is a relatively recent practice in human history. While it helps to make sense of information, it isn’t always the most effective method for actively engaging with the material in a way that allows you to process and apply it when you encounter it again. The next time you hit the books, experiment with reading aloud, summarising the key points, and relaying (or teaching) your understanding to someone else. Chances are, you’ll find that the material sticks better and you’re able to recall the information more effortlessly.
Neglect Your Health
Make taking care of your health a healthy habit. Self-care habits, such as eating a balanced diet, sleeping sufficiently, exercising regularly, and making time for hobbies that invite joy and creativity can make a positive difference in your performance at school. You’ll feel more alert and energised, enriching your life and enhancing your overall academic experience. Without good well-being, your mental health will be harder to manage and consequently, your body will be less resilient.
Final Thoughts
These habits may seem insignificant, but they can really add up to big results. Whether it’s keeping things organised, getting enough sleep, or finding your study group, each step you take will help you succeed. And don’t worry, it’s never too late to start turning things around!
Studious Minds helps struggling students establish a practical and goal-oriented routine, kicking off each academic year on the right foot. Incorporating proven revision techniques, high-quality practice and study materials, in addition to a robust network of qualified tutors and more, we empower students to reach their full potential and adopt positive habits that’ll continue to support them long after their studies.
Be among the top students of your cohort with our well-rounded tuition programme. Speak to our team at Studious Minds today to find out more.
