How to Study Smart

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Why do some students study very hard, spending most of their time doing their revision but they aren’t the best in their study group? And why are there some students who only spend a fraction of the time studying but they often get good or even outstanding results? This was not due to the lack of natural talent in studies but it simply means that they have not found an effective tool which acts as a knack for understanding concepts and learning new ideas. One of the smart study habits is by using mind-map to promote effective and accelerated learning experience. A mind map is a useful web-like structure which emphasizes visual imagery that helps to engage in critical thinking and seeing a bigger picture. Empirically, mind-mapping is proven as an effective method of note-taking as an active learning (Abi-El-Mona and Abd-Ei-Khalick, 2008; Liu, Zhao and Ma et al., 2014). Mind mapping makes learning more vivid, thus promotes creative thinking and encourages brainstorming. Th...
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"Have a break, Have a Kit Kat"



Scientifically proven to boost productivity and focus. Productivity is measured by how much you are actually accomplishing in a day and the value you produce, regardless of how many hours you spend at your desk. Taking regular breaks is an essential element in maintaining a sound body and mind, which leads to greater engagement and performance.

According to Schwartz (2011) and Baer (2013), it was stated that 90 minutes is the optimal energy capacity for focusing intensely in any given task. It’s the ultradian rhythm, which was first described by Nathaniel Kleitman, where it is the cycle that presents in both our waking and sleeping lives, signifying the movement between the higher and lower state of alertness in our daily lives. Our brain’s attention diminishes dramatically after a long period of focusing on a single task, thus decreasing our focus and hindering performance. Hence, it is crucial for us to take a break after 90 minutes to renew our energy, in order to become connected again to produce quality work. 

In order to accomplish our work efficiently and effectively, we need to be physically energized, emotionally connected and mentally focused. Push yourself too hard or too continuously, the consequence will eventually be burnt out and breakdown. If you are overwhelmed, chances are you’ll dread doing the work. It might actually just mean that you need to take more breaks or to be exact, better breaks that are truly restorative. Most people choose to restore their energy by consuming caffeine and sugar. However, exercise, stretching, playing and laughing produce more productive, sustainable and satisfying results. So, get up and move around to get the blood flowing and clear the mind.

Getting frustrated of not being productive although you sat in front of your desk for the whole day? Being exhausted from the heavy workload that is due this coming Friday? Feeling stressed of all these to-do-list? CHILL AND HAVE A BREAK!

References 

Schwartz, T. (2011) A 90-Minute Plan for personal Effectiveness [online]
Available at: https://hbr.org/2011/01/the-most-important-practice-i
[Accessed: 3rd July, 2017]

Baer, D. (2013) Why You need To Unplug Every 90 Minutes [online]
Available at: https://www.fastcompany.com/3013188/why-you-need-to-unplug-every-90-minutes
[Accessed: 3rd July, 2017]

By: Yau Che Yan, BAF1541
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