If you’re like me, you sometimes forget to tie your shoes before you leave the house. With midterms around the corner, we could all use a boost in brain power. Here are some quick and easy changes that you can make to your everyday routine to improve your memory.
Exercise
I know, who has time to go to the gym during the midterm grind? But giving your body a quick workout helps improve your brain function, so try to move around in between viewing notes and having a mental breakdown. Whether that’s going for a walk after an hour of studying or going to your favorite yoga class with the cute instructor, any exercise is better than nothing!
Sleep
Sleep seems pretty obvious, but a lot of us forget how important it is to get a good night of rest. As I was typing that sentence, my friend said to me (as she wasn’t studying because she was too tired), “I didn’t go to bed until 1:30 a.m. last night.” Case in point.
Read, Write and Say it Aloud
This probably shouldn’t be done in the concourse, but if you read your notes, write them out a second time and then read them aloud to yourself, you are more likely to retain the information. This is because you are engaging your auditory, visual and kinesthetic learning styles. I do this when I am studying at home and it 100% does make a difference.
Diet
If you want your brain to function to its full potential, then you need to be feeding your body the fuel it needs to function. It’s easy to skip breakfast, but should you? Absolutely not. Studying on a full stomach is the best way to go. Even if you just have a quick bite from the coffee shop, it’s better than having nothing at all. Prioritize your health and your body will love you back.
Meditate
This may seem daunting at first, especially for someone who is new to the world of meditation. Meditation helps to exercise your brain, without exercising your body. The best method for beginners is called a body scan, where you take in how your body is feeling at that moment. There are a lot of helpful apps that you can use to help guide you through the process of meditation. I recommend using HeadSpaceTM. I personally use it when I need some guidance through my mind-space.
Studying is already hard enough, and we don’t need to make it harder on ourselves. Make sure to take care of yourself and don’t forget about self-love during exams! Good luck Golden Hawks!