Midterm exams are here. Tips to make the most of your study time include:
No. 1: Eat well. While pizza and junk food are easy and fast, it’s better to reach for healthier alternatives. But that doesn’t mean they have to taste bad. Dark chocolate and berries have antioxidants. Coffee can improve memory and motor coordination. Research other power foods to find good tasting and good options through midterms.
No. 2: Move. It may be tempting to skip the gym or other exercise to spend more time studying, but the brain will thank you for staying active. Exercise helps push more oxygen and glucose (sugar) to your brain, helping it perform better. But beware, not all exercise is equally beneficial. Walking or easy jogging is better for your brain than sprinting or weight lifting.
No. 3: Create mnemonic devices. Connect course material to your brain by using mnemonic devices such as acronyms, rhymes, visuals or other shortcuts while studying. This study method may take a little more time, but experts say it’s worth the effort to improve memory function and retain what you read.
No. 4: Chew gum. Studies have found that chewing gum while studying increases alertness, improves productivity and lowers stress. Grab a stick and get studying.
No. 5: Put most technology aside. While mobile devices, tablets and computers can be study aids, they can also be disruptive when you access social media on them. Be kind to your brain and turn off Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other distractions. Once you ace the tests, you can Tweet everyone you know or update your FB status with your awesome grades.
