As a student, it can be difficult to stay focused while studying. There are countless distractions all around us, from social media notifications to tempting snacks in the kitchen. However, there are many ways to improve your learning efficiency and get the most out of your study time. Read on for some useful tips:

Set Achievable Goals

One of the mAIn reasons students struggle to stay motivated when studying is because they don't have clear goals. Setting achievable goals can help you focus on what you need to accomplish, and give you a sense of purpose while studying. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, and realistic. For example, "I will memorize 50 new vocabulary words by the end of the week," is a specific and measurable goal. "I will learn every single word in this dictionary in one day," is not realistic or achievable.

Use Active Studying Techniques

Active studying techniques are methodologies that help you engage with the material, rather than simply reading or listening. Examples of active studying techniques include creating flashcards, summarizing concepts in your own words, or discussing the material with a study partner. Engaging with the material in a variety of ways helps you to understand it more deeply, and retain the information for longer.

Take Breaks Often!

You may think that studying for hours on end without taking a break is the best way to be productive, but that is not true. Taking frequent breaks actually improves your efficiency in the long run. Studies have shown that taking short breaks after 25-30 minutes of studying can help improve focus and retention. During these breaks, try to do something relaxing or refreshing, like stretching or taking a quick walk outside.

Eliminate Distractions

One major issue students face when trying to study effectively is eliminating distractions. It's important to identify what distracts you the most and eliminate them. Some common distractions may include put your phone on silent mode or Keep it in another room. You can use apps such as "Focus@Will" to block distracting websites while studying. Set up a quiet, clean study space. Keep away unnecessary items from your desk.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep impacts almost every aspect of your daily life, including learning. Getting enough sleep is essential for both your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation; new information is better processed during deep sleep, and REM sleep, which often occurs during the last third of the night. So, if you are trying to memorize something new, be sure to get enough sleep for optimal retention!

The Bottom Line

Improving your learning efficiency is essential to achieving academic success. Follow these tips to set achievable goals, engage with the material actively, take frequent breaks, eliminate distractions, and prioritize sleep. With a little effort, you can improve your focus, remember more of what you've learned, and get more done in less time. Good luck!