That help make studying a bit more fun

To save you from doomscrolling for the best study techniques (and possibly getting distracted), we've put together some fun, and a little weird, study tips that can actually work. 

Give these a try next time you want to get in the zone: 

1. Chewing gum 🍬

Chewing gum while studying can help improve your concentration and memory. Now this isn't to say you're going to get 100% in an exam if you use this, but it may help boost your confidence and bump your mark up.

A fun fact about chewing gum is that if you chew a particular flavour while studying one subject and a different one during another, repeating that pattern in an exam can actually boost your memory. You'll associate one flavour with one topic and are more likely to remember the information you studied.

2. Gossip about the material 💅

Yes, it's weird, but trust us, it works. Everyone gets excited by a bit of gossip, and we all remember that one time someone did that thing. Try it with studying, it's weirdly engaging. Literally talk to yourself: "So then this enzyme just shows up and ruins everything for the cell". 

3. Teach your plants 🪴

Again, sounds weird, right? But honestly, teaching someone or something and explaining the material out loud can show how much you understand the content much faster than reading quietly. You can even pretend you're the lecturer teaching the subject; it tricks your brain, and you will easily find gaps in your understanding if you're struggling with the topic. 

4. Post-it notes 📝

Stick post-it notes everywhere - we mean everywhere! On your light switch, the kitchen cupboard, the mirror, and the windows. Being surrounded by the information will make you remember it more. Even start with your introduction or first sections where you'd start your day, and continue the content through your routine. (e.g. start with your alarm, then the bathroom mirror, then the wardrobe/kitchen, etc.). You can trick your brain into remembering it like a routine.

5. Stop mid-sentence 🧠

This is known as the 'itchy brain syndrome' method (or the Zeigarnik effect if you want the technical name). It's a given routine to finish a chapter of a book before you take a break, but have you ever tried stopping mid-sentence? Your brain will begin to nag you to finish it.

This can be a lifesaver to those who take a break, which leads to getting distracted for 3 hours. Say goodbye to procrastinating! 

We know these study tips may seem a bit silly at times, but studying for exams doesn't have to be that stressful or boring - if you enjoy it more, you can relax and retain more information. Why not give it a go and see what happens? 

If you find yourself getting stressed during exams, give our exam stress podcast episode a listen for more tips.