Six Random Study Hacks That Are Worth A Try

By Alyssa Marchal on May 11, 2015

Every student knows the stress of finals week all too well. Sometimes it’s hard not to give up. If you’re at that point, don’t fear; there are easy ways to boost your chances of doing well that are seemingly effortless. Of course, they can’t guarantee an A, but there is absolutely no harm in trying some of them out!

1. Make use of the senses to trick your brain into remembering.

There was one thing I learned during my ACT classes all the way back in my junior year in high school that stuck with me. Though it had nothing to do with the content of the ACT, we learned that studies show chewing gum or putting on flavored lip balm while studying improved test scores when that same gum or lip balm was used while taking the test.  It is basically a way of messing with your memory.

What you learn while studying is brought back to mind during the test because it is associated with a certain smell.  This may or may not work for everyone, but, like I mentioned earlier, there is no harm in putting on some flavored lip balm.

2. Study in the same environment you test in.

When you take your final, you won’t be laying down in a bed or lounging in a fluffy chair. You will most often be sitting at a desk in a hard chair in artificial lighting. If you are already used to this situation, that is simply one less thing to worry about while taking your test.

It is similar to the technique mentioned above. Your brain will associate the situation with what you learned while studying. It may not be pleasant, but it is not hard to find a desk and hard chair to try this one out.

3. Learn some breathing techniques.

Your brain can only take in so much information at once and retain it. Chances are, an entire semester won’t make its way into a few nights of studying.

Give your mind a break and get the oxygen flowing again! Focus on breathing through the diaphragm instead of your chest. You know you’re doing this when your stomach is what moves up and down instead of your upper body. This will allow much more air to make its way into your system, and you’ll feel a little bit more refreshed before you take in more information.

4. Loosen up your muscles.

The more tense you are, the less information you will be able to handle. Giving yourself a little neck or shoulder rub while reading or while taking a study break is a good way to relax. This can be done during a test, as well. The calmer you make yourself, the better you will do.

5. Splash some cold water on your face when you get sleepy.

This one isn’t proven to make you remember anything better, but it works very well for me when I need to stay awake. Coffee and energy drinks cause the jitters. Cold water simply makes me feel refreshed and ready to take on whatever I have to. And, I promise, it is more pleasant than it seems.

6. Play classical music.

It does not have to be at a distracting volume, but if it is on as low background noise, it can help stimulate your mind. Playing classical music the morning you wake up for a test helps as well. Anything to get the brain ready for its big show.

These studying hacks might not seem like much, but every little bit counts when it comes to finals. We all need to find our most perfect environment to study in, and I hope that these will help you get there.

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