19 Study Hacks That Will Help You Ace Those Board Exams

    LISTEN HERE, YOU CAN DO IT.

    Imaan Sheikh
    by Imaan Sheikh

    BuzzFeed India Contributor

    1. Don't pull all-nighters.

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    Divide your time in the day efficiently. All-nighters -- even though we're all guilty of them -- are linked with lower grades, says psychology professor Pamela Thacher.

    2. Spend a little time exploring study apps. If you find one that works for you, your life may just become infinitely easier.

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    Keep the distracting noise out with this handy app.

    Try My Study Life to keep your studying schedule organised.

    3. Write down study notes instead of typing them out.

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    Research suggests that writing your notes while studying leaves a better, more long-lasting impression on your memory than just typing.

    4. Pull out those coloured pens/markers.

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    Remembering points is easier when you write them in different colours because it can stimulate the creative side of your brain, creating a lasting impression.

    5. Make mind maps on paper.

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    This is the oldest trick in the book but needs reiteration because it's just that bomb. Draw a web of thoughts or a mental map on paper -- anything that will collect and connect what you comprehend so you can recall them all together later in the exam. Mind maps imitate your thought process and make remembering things easier.

    6. Chew gum while studying.

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    Studies have suggested that chewing gum can improve test performance. You can try chewing a stick of gum while studying and then chew the same flavour of gum again right before you appear for your test. The scent and taste can also help you recall associated memories (in this case, things you studied.)

    7. Make up your own word sequences to remember things easily.

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    Just like BODMAS.

    8. Take breaks.

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    And not, like, hour-long breaks; just long enough to reboot.

    Studying or working for several hours straight can cause your attention span to reduce, making you think you remember/understand more things than you actually do. Breaks are healthy because they refresh focus.

    9. Stop waking up super early to study on the morning of your exam.

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    It could interfere with the REM sleep that helps your memory.

    10. Find a place where you can read out loud.

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    Well, audibly, if not loud. Studies suggest that listening to the words while you read them can help you understand or memorise things better. You might overlook something while reading quietly, but if you hear yourself, there are chances you will double-check or try to comprehend parts you didn't initially get.

    11. Block your distractions. Literally.

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    Download SelfControl to practically block off sites that distract you while you're studying.

    12. Watch videos on the subject.

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    You're the visual kind? Watch video clips and documentaries on the topic you're studying. It makes life SOHHH much easier.

    13. Get emotional.

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    Anger, love, or frustration -- any kind of emotion you associate with a subject (in moderation!) will make things better because we tend to remember emotional events better.

    14. Teach a friend.

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    When you explain what you understand to someone, you grasp and remember concepts better. And you're also helping your friend, so yay you!

    15. Prepare notes like you're making them for someone else.

    16. Switch up your study stations.

    17. Do some stretching during the breaks.

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    You've probably been sitting in a chair, couch, or a bed this whole time. It can cause shoulder and neck aches -- or worse -- slouching into a blanket and getting drowsy. Doing a few squats or even just walking around the house a little will re-energise you. Physically exercising right before mental exercise is great for you.

    18. TREAT YOURSELF.

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    Set goals. Watch your favourite show after finishing two chapters or after studying for three hours. Rewarding yourself can do make you perform better than usual. And it's best to stream freely after giving it your all, than browse guiltily while studying.

    19. Keep yourself hydrated to avoid headaches.

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    Not drinking enough water can lead to frequent headaches, which can totally ruin pretty much anything you're trying to focus on. Make sure you're drinking enough water.

    And don't forget that you CAN kick ass.

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