5sos

Hi everyone, it’s finally happening: I will be making an entire series of posts that will be entirely dedicated to studying and studying effectively. So, to start off with, here are some actual working tips on how to make sure that what you read out of your textbook will stick with you!

For every paragraph/section that you read, formulate a question to which what you read will be the answer

Use flashcards by writing your previously formulated question on one side, and a shortened, summarised version of the answer (so the text that you just read) on the other

Highlight important terms, explanations of terms, and key sentences in you textbook; but don’t overdo it, because that may lead to you only reading the highlighted parts of the text, and not the other parts that may be equally important as well

Find patterns within different sections: could the two be combined and/or related to each other, and if so, how?

Use sticky notes to write down important processes, use them as tabs or provide your texts of further information provided by your teachers/professors (or yourself) that might be relevant

Make a mindmap for every chapter that you read: start off with one guiding principle and then work out the rest of your chapter’s sections around your guiding principle in your own words; this will help you visualise what you just read

Interpret what you read an develop your own opnion on the material (especially in the social sciences) so that you can understand the texts you’re studying from your own perspective

Discuss your interpretations and opinions with your teacher/professor; not only does it show to them you studies the material well, but it also helps you to see things from yet another perspective (in this case it would be your teacher’s) and therefore be beneficial to what you’re studying

Take your time to read; if you’re like me and you find textbooks to often state the obvious or not seem as very in-depth, you might still want to read it carefully and take your time on reading, asking yourself the following questions: what did I just read? and how does it relate to what I’m studying?

A full heart taken by @andydeluca 🙏🏼 If you’re reading this, I hope you’ve listened to teeth today.

swipe for the real me

John Lennon saying and i oop- as George squeezes passed him in the 60s-

and he added that he would never judge anybody on their beliefs or way of living because only god can judge the people

The anatomy of a c-section, as told with felt.

This is what people call “study burnout”

I wish someone had told me this earlier, but this happens to everyone.

My biggest advice for you is to STOP WASTING YOUR TIME.

Maybe you’ve worn yourself out, maybe you’re having a rough day (which is both valid & okay), maybe you haven’t eaten enough, maybe you haven’t slept enough .. there are literally a million reasons for this.

So instead of going into the viscous cycle of forcing yourself to read/write, not being able to, feeling unproductive, feeling like shit so you force yourself even harder to study .. STOP.

Do whatever you feel like doing (and know that it’s okay to give yourself a break)

Whether that’s taking a walk, cooking, playing video games, watching something, reading a book, hanging out with people, eating a snack, taking a shower, going to the gym, painting, doing yoga, playing music, texting someone … just do whatever you enjoy.

Because think about it, would you rather just sit there tormenting yourself or do something that’ll help elevate your mood and replenish your energy, you’re investing your time in yourself.

And it’s okay if you don’t get anything done for a while because after taking that break you’ll be refreshed and rejuvenated and you’ll be productive. Trust me a change in scenery, even if small, does wonders.

So to recap, stop, take a break, you’ll be fine the next day. It happens to everyone there’s nothing wrong with you.

But I must mention this, balance is a must. Don’t justify skipping classes/not studying for a week or two in the name of “self-care” (unless of course if you feel like you physically/mentally cannot, then seek professional help, this post is about the occasional study fatigue.)

Study tips made easy