My Top 5: Study Tips!

Hello everyone!!

I'm here today to bring you my top 10 study tips that help me be successful in school, and get the highest grades I can. I don't have much scientific evidence to back these tips up, but I like them so... Let's get started!

1) Keep a clean study space.

This is really important. You have to be able to balance between having all your needed supplies out, but also keeping your desk relatively clean so you won't get distracted. I use a desk from Ikea, that has a desk connected to a bookshelf. It's really easy and convenient for me to get all my books out because I have so much space. I'll talk about my necessary supplies in a tip later.

2) Concentrate.

This is easier said than done. Now that we have so many buzzing phones and stuff, it seems as if no one can get anything done without checking their phone. My favourite app for concentration is Forest (on iPhone and Android, I believe). You have to pay for this app, but trust me, it's worth it. Basically how it works is: You set a timer for however long you want to study (minimum 20 minutes, I think), and in that time, a tree begins to grow. If you finish the time without checking your phone or going on any apps, your tree is grown! However, if you check your messages or go on any other app, the tree dies and you must start again. Killing the tree is just too much guilt for me, so I keep concentrated and working.

3) My favourite supplies.

Obviously, you will need supplies in order to study. I'll try to link them so that you can take a look. Here are some of my favs:

Staedler Triplus Fineliners
(http://www.staedtler.ca/en/products/ink-writing-instruments/fineliners/triplus-fineliner-334-triangular-fineliner/)

If you have a study blog or studyblr, you will know what I'm talking about. These fineliners come in a lot of colours, so I use them a lot for colourcoding my bullet journal, taking notes, or just doodling. The triangular grip makes it really easy to hold the pens, and they are pretty good at writing too. The only downside is that the nibs tend to wear out (not super often, but they do) and you'll have to get a new pack if you want new, sharp, nibs.

Bic briteliner Grip Fluorescent Highlighters (http://www.bicworld.com/en/products/details/110/brite-liner-grip)

These highlighters are so neon and inky, I love it! They are great for highlighting important things in your notes, planner, or anything. I've had them since 2014 and they STILL work. It's incredible. If you love highlighting, these are the way to go.

Zebra #2 Mechanical Pencils
(http://www.amazon.com/Zebras-Zebra-Mechanical-Pencil-51391/dp/B001BZ4RJS)

These mechanical pencils are my newfound love. I don't know what's so great about them, but they're so thin and easy to hold. I kinda don't like 0.7mm lead in general, but honestly, the pencils are so great that it makes up for it. I use these pencils all the time for math homework, in class work, and just anything. They are my favourite!

4) Stay motivated.

Motivation is key to study. We all know that studying is boring, school sucks, blah blah blah, and I think that too. That's only the mindset you have when you aren't motivated to get better marks and having fun. The way I stay motivated is to hang little quotes around my room, as well as study tips. They are placed just in front of my desk, and whenever I look up, I see many different study tips telling me how to work and be efficient. One of my favourite quotes is "Studying doesn't suck as much as failing." Another way to stay motivated is to think about the great marks and results you'll have if you study. This keeps me motivated all the time.

5) Take breaks!

No one can study for 10 hours straight. Everyone will tend to drift off after half an hour or so. So, I suggest using the Pomodoro technique! I don't think I really use it right, but basically, I use the Forest app to time 25 mins. When the 25 mins is over, I take a break, eat, go on Facebook, and relax for 5 minutes or so. This really lets my brain relax so that I'm ready for my next 25 minutes.

That's it! Those are some of my top tips for keeping a good attitude towards school and studying. I'm obviously not the best student in class, but these tips are what keep me motivated and willing to study.

Hope you enjoyed!

Lots of love,

Manny