Piles of books, pages colour with highlighters, and the light of a desk lamp burning late into the night…these are the images that often come to our mind when we hear the word ‘studying’. But is studying really just a mechanical way of memorising and passing exams? Wait a minute. Have you ever realised how easy it is to remember something when you really *understand* it? In fact, studying is not just about becoming a bookworm, but a beautiful, human process of learning. It is a journey where you get to know yourself, the world, and new possibilities.
Change your perspective: The power of ‘maybe’
Studying does not begin with books, but with our own hearts and minds. If we start with the thought that “I can’t understand this subject” or “my memory is weak”, then struggle is inevitable. What is needed is a “Growth Mindset”. The belief that “I am not able to understand right now, but if I try, I will definitely understand”. Celebrate small victories. Understanding a difficult formula is also a big achievement. Give yourself a little praise. This self-confidence will become your biggest strength.
A place of your own: Your corner
It is very important to have a quiet, organized and your own corner. This place should be your own small world. There should be adequate light, air, and most importantly – there should be no things that distract you. Putting the mobile on silent is not enough, keep it in a drawer far away. Remember, multitasking is an illusion. Your mind can fully concentrate on only one thing at a time. Make a goal of 25-30 minutes at a time, study with full focus, and then take a 5-minute break. Hold a cup of tea, look out of the window, close your eyes for a few moments. This ‘Pomodoro Technique’ will help you focus for a long time without feeling tired.
Understand, not rote learn: Connect with life
Do you remember which lesson you memorized for last year’s exam? Probably not. But do you remember the story that your grandparents told you in your childhood? You will surely remember. Why? Because you *felt* it, connected with it.
Study can also be like this. History is not just a subject of memorizing dates and names of kings. It is the story of our past. Instead of memorizing math formulas, understand them. See where they apply in your daily life. Connect science concepts with experiments and real-life examples. When you start understanding something, it becomes easier to remember it. Ask yourself: “How does this work?”, “What does this mean?”, “How can I explain this in other words?”
Test yourself: The game of ‘recall’
Close your books and ask yourself questions (Active Recall) is one of the most powerful methods. After reading, close your notebook and try to repeat it in your mind. If you are unable to remember, it is okay, look at it again. It is good to struggle in this process, it strengthens the mind.
Another great method is the ‘Feynman Technique’. Imagine that you have to explain this topic to another person who does not know anything about it. Explain it to him in simple language like a child. By doing this, your own understanding will become clear and you will know the weak points.
Repetition is important: but in the right way
We forget, this is the law of nature. But by repeating from time to time (Spaced Repetition) we can refresh the memory. The chapter you read today, definitely look at it tomorrow. Then after three days, then after a week. By doing this, the information gets embedded in the mind for a long time. Making flash cards is a great way to do this.
Medicine for the brain: sleep, food and care of body and mind
Better performance cannot be expected from a tired, stressed mind. Studying does not mean locking yourself in a room.
- Sleep: A good night’s sleep is not just rest, it is the time to arrange and save the things you have learned throughout the day in the mind. Studying without sleeping is like turning off the computer without saving.
- Food: Light, nutritious food gives energy to the brain. Avoid junk food and excess sugar. Drink plenty of water.
- Movement: Taking a walk in between, doing a little exercise increases blood flow in the brain and improves focus.
- Distance from stress: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or any of your hobbies like listening to music, drawing, can be helpful in reducing stress.
Together, not alone
Do not make the mistake of considering studies as a solitary practice. Do group study with friends. Teach each other, discuss. Concepts become clear by listening to someone and expressing your views. And the best thing – you come to know that you are not alone, everyone is going through some challenge or the other.
Conclusion: The joy of learning
Studying is not just a game of numbers and degrees. It is a way to discover yourself, broaden your thinking, and understand the world in a better way. This is a skill that will continue to be useful to you even after the exam.
So the next time you sit down to study, do not consider it a burden. Look at it as a conversation – with yourself, with great authors and scientists, and with the world. Have some patience, trust yourself, and enjoy the journey.