19/05/2024
Our last post was about why you should quit taking Nescafe for studying.
But how can you stay awake without it?
My dear you don't have to stay awake all day, all night. You only have to discover what works for you.
I'll be sharing tips, but it's important you keep in mind that your determination, hard work, and consistency are the keys to an effective studying. The tips follow below 👇
====> Start with your mindset.
You believe you can't pass an exam if you don't stay awake day and Night. You need to have a mindset shift. It's not about quantity but quality. Just as they say, "It's not how far, but how well". All you need to do is to focus on efficient study and not long hours of studying. As long as you prepare well, irrespective of TDB, you'll perform excellently.
=====> Set clearly defined goals and action steps
"Clear goals provide the blueprint for success, guiding every step with purpose and clarity." When you have a goal, you take the necessary actions to achieve it. Let's take a look at an example 👇
Goal: This semester, I'll have above 90% in my course "XYZ"
Action Plan: I'll read 10 pages of my course material everyday and a 1hour research on each topic every day.
Everytime you set your eyes on XYZ, the alarm of above 90%, 10 pages, keeps ringing to your ears and you are more than ready to get to work!
====> Listen attentively in class. You'll be more kind to yourself by paying full attention to lectures because not all courses can be self-taught. Besides, your lecturer can give you additional insight and examples that you can relate with. You get to engage in interactive learning where you ask questions to aid your retention.
=====> Use of Pomodoro Technique
You don't have to study for long hours without breaks. To make it simple, if you're to study for 2 hours, study for 25 minutes, then take a 5 minutes break, then resume the cycle until you complete 2 hours
25:5, 25:5, 25:5, 25:5 =2 hours
====> The reward System
When you send any of your siblings on an errand, don't you promise to buy her biscuits or so?
Why not use the same system for yourself too?
Anytime you fulfill any of your goals or action plans, Reward yourselfz even with the littlest thing as a biscuit. You deserve it!
Example: "When I am done with 2 chapters of this book, I'll get myself a biscuit"
The reward can be anything from your personal preferences. You'll see yourself looking towards getting the action done on time so as to be rewarded.
====> Early Morning Routine
After your morning prayer, make a schedule to read for at least an hour or two before any other thing, and see your brain do wonders. At this morning period, your brain is yet to be filled with activities of the day, you get to read and assimilate well for that few hours.
As much as this depends on individual choices, this works really well for me. You might want to try it too.
====> Eat Well nourished food.
You're so fond of eating junk foods! Just because you're studying?
You need to eat healthy to increase your energy level and concentration level. It improves your overall cognitive functions.
====> Healthy sleeping habits.
Although, as medical students, we don't have this luxury,there are times your brain and body needs that rest to rejuvenate. Don't deny it that chance. A 30 minutes or 1 hour Nap is not too much to revitalize your brain and body.
====> Apply your Nursing process
Your Nursing process can be used, not only for your patients, but also in your daily life.
The first step, Assessment, involves taking a proper look at yourself, derive proper history and examine yourself physically, emotionally, socially, etc. It's a process of self awareness.
Ask yourself, "What am I good at?", "Where am I lacking?", "What time works for me?, What methods works for me?", "Do I understand this?"
Then, you Diagnose yourself. What's wrong with you?
Your diagnosis can include "I am an average student", "I am a morning reader", "I read better at night", etc.
At this stage, don't receive yourself. Don't tell yourself "I'm a night reader" and then end up sleeping even before 8pm. It won't do you any good.
The next step, Planning. From your diagnosis, plan your action steps. Plan your day by having a a to-do list, schedule and reschedule without missing out on your study plans. Your plan can look like "I'll finish this course in 1 week by reading 3 pages each day at 9am.
Write down your to-do list the night before the following morning to be mentally prepared for the day ahead. Be stingy with your time, use it wisely.
Then implement what you have planned. You've planned to read everyday at 9am, then Don't miss it! Be consistent.
Lastly, Evaluate. Were you able to achieve all your goals during the period of your time schedule? If yes, good for you! Put more effort.
If no, re-assess yourself. Why is it not working out? Are you missing a step? Do you need to add another?
End note
Discover what works for you. Be disciplined and consistent.
