how to revise/study efficiently.

It's no secret that we all get somewhat distracted when revising (phones, music, and ultimately, THE INTERNET!) But here are some tips to get revision done well and efficiently:

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1. Put away the iPod - leave your loud music behind and swap it for relaxing, instrumental music which has been proven to help aid studying. Several music playlists can be found all over YouTube and this one is my favourite.

2. Clear all the clutter - it's much easier to revise in a clean environment than one which is messy so before you sit down to study, clean up!

3. Get everything ready - don't keep getting up and pausing from revision to get all your bits: be prepared before you sit down!

4. Maximize time - work out when you will study each subject at each time slot. You could even use the Calendar app on your phone or others suited for revision but watch out, don't be distracted by your phone. If you are likely to be sucked in by the wonders of a phone, put it on Do Not Disturb setting if you have an iPhone or a similar alternative setting for other phones.

5. Be realistic about time - let's be realistic, there is no chance we could revise one subject for 2 hours straight without getting up. It has been proven that our minds can only concentrate fully for 20 minutes so organise subjects into 20 minute slots with a 5 minute break. Again, you can use a timer app on your phone or watch. Just remember to vary what you do in each break. Spread out the time you will eat and drink. Also, don't forget to put in a time slot for breakfast, lunch, dinner and other meals.

6. Enforce your own habits - do what works best for you. If writing out notes works best for you, then do it. However, don't be pulled into the social convention that is highlighting. If highlighting and using different colours in your work doesn't aid you, then don't waste time doing it! This applies to other things such as mindmaps and streams and streams of notes. Make sure your revision works best in a way that suits and aids you.

7. Keep hydrated - keep a glass of water by your desk at all times, you don't want to keep having to get up.

I hope this helps! And if you are reading this and are procrastinating, go do some work!

Remember: 'you get what you give' so study hard and it will pay off one day, I promise.

Kayla x