Study Inspiration - Blog Posts

27 march 2025

LONG TIME NO SEEEEE

okay i’m back from vacation (had the best time ever) and now it’s time to lock in 😼

i’m starting slow and doing zoology to pick up momentum so today’s goal is to finish the entirety of human physiology.

to do list :

breathing and exchange of gases

body fluids and circulation

excretory products and their elimination

locomotion and movement

neural control and coordination

chemical coordination and integration

okayyy i’m gonna get back to studying now

have an amazing day my loves 🌼

💌

late night biology cram session (finals ver.) 🧬

got some matcha 🍯🍵

15 march 2025

ENGLISH OVER YAYYYYYY

alr so im done with english and not sleep deprived at all so no naps for today, next is bio so i’m super excited eeeeeeeeeek so i’m gonna start studying today cus i’ve missed biology smmmmm ☹️

have a nice day my loves

💌

update - i ended up sleeping lol

okay anyways - sort of a vent rant so skip if yall don’t wanna get into it

it’s just been so weirdly lonely lately, like i have people but they aren’t exactly there and it’s so overwhelming to literally even exist. neet coming and boards going on and not being able to sleep until 5 am is genuinely making me feel so hopeless :(

i’ve kinda also started ghosting a lot of my friends and am only in contact with like 1-2 and maybe that’s why i’ve been feeling lonely but it’s just that, they all feel so distant. talking to people makes me feel pathetic.

this is pathetic, bye

9 march 2025

pretty lazy-chill day, until now. i’m revising organic from yesterday cuz i don’t remember all of what i did yesterday. had a major caffeine crash last night and slept like a baby after. i got a good five hours of sleep hehe so im refreshed. i don’t feel sick today so i hope it stays the same until im done with my exams but yeah

anyways,

to do list :

coordination compounds

d and f block

revise full organic

list looks pretty short so i’m hoping to fit in some more neet question sessions, but lets see how that goes.

anyways, have a nice day my loves 🍓

💌

update - feeling super burnt out :((( i don’t wanna do this anymore but gotta push through. i’m gonna shift to my bed and continue with some ginger ale hehe but i really feel so burnt out idk what’ll happen :(

the moon got shy?

5 march 2025

hihiiii

okay so i finished revising today, im doing questions for each chapter and hopefully i’ll be able to do at least half the portions by tonight. i’ve been trying to get in more productivity hours so i think ill have to start waking up earlier (ironic considering the insomnia) but yeah

to do list :

revise first seven chapters of physics with questions and derivations

plant kingdom reading ncert

welp that’s more or less it for today

have a lovely day <33

💌

4 march 2025

i’ve got three days for my physics boards so the plan is to finish revising in two days and have my last day for the final revision. i do have a question bank for chapter wise revision so ill be doing that along with revising it all too. 14 chapters in two days and i plan to do 11th biology on the side

to do list :

electric charges and fields

electric potential and capacitance

current electricity

moving charges and magnetism

magnetism and matter

electromagnetic induction

alternating current

read biological classification

re-do breathing and exchange of gases

i plan to do at least two chapters of biology everyday until my exams end and hopefully finish most of what’s left for biology.

anyways have a nice day loves <33

currently logged 3 hours of studying (i started late), i think it’s gonna be a long night so im preparing for probably another all nighter (i really need to fix my schedule)

💌

28 february 2025

starting late but it’s okay cuz it’s integration day, i needed the mental prep 😭 hopefully i finish it off today and have the next two days for revision. day 3 without coffee, it’s getting more difficult, i might cave in 🥲 but anyway :

todo list for today :

integration

application of integrals

differential equations

this’ll take my whole day by itself so yay, if i get some time ill prolly do physics or chem questions - i really miss doing physics questions now 🥲 but yeah let’s see

goodluck loves <3 have a lovely day and stay hydrated 💗

6 pm update - done with 1/4th of integration :))) seems kinda slow but i did a lot of questions so im happy with it

10 pm update - i’ve got 1/2 the chapter left (why is this so godamn long oh god) but yeah 🥲 sounds like it’ll be a late night

clocked in 8 hours of integration until now, my brain is going to collapse into itself

12 am update - done with integration, i give up on the rest for today, goodnight loves 💌

integration is content heavy so i can manage revision and doing the rest of it tmr or day after too

clocked in 9 hours of integration 🥲

days left for boards : 2

26 february 2025

good morning <3

alright i got some good sleep and hydrated myself a lot and i feel much better so let’s get back on track ahh, ive wasted too much time being sick, hopefully that doesn’t happen again until my exams end

anyways,

today’s todo list :

determinants

continuity and differenciability

differential equations

applications of derivatives

hindi - read 4 chapters

modern physics - revise + questions

i really need to get done with my boards portions 😭😭 hopefully i finish it all today

also tryna take a day off coffee since excessive caffeine is known to cause low blood sugar, which might’ve been causing my fainting bouts but let’s see

5 days until my boards, so i’m really scared but it’s okay, we got this :)) (i think)

anyways, i’ll keep updating the post to keep track of how much i’ve done hehe

have a nice day loves <33

4 pm update - i finished determinants and started differentiation, im definitely gonna finish this list today (motivation burst idk how) but i do like differentiation more than integration so that’ll help me get through this 🥲 but yayyyyy at least im down one chapter

8.30 pm update - almost done with differentiation, this is kinda fun yall

12 am update - why is this chapter so long omg, but i finally finished continuity and differenciability 😭😭 now moving onto others, they’re much shorter in comparison so i think that’s good

sometime later update - i realised i did more than just one chapter cus of the way our teacher teaches so yay, im done with math. now some hindi reading (my eyes are closing cus i’ve been off coffee)

24 february 2025

super sleep deprived so i can’t focus much but i gotta start doing math from tomorrow along with hindi for my boards so im doing light work today and heading to bed early so i have enough sleep to deal with math from tomorrow.

i slept pretty late last night, continued studying even after that post cuz why not 🪬 but yeah, i had to be up early for school too so today was reallyyyy tiring for me, i didn’t even sleep after coming back 😭

but i made my plan for all the days until boards and it’s pretty intense so i decided to keep today’s schedule pretty light, just finishing up what i left yesterday like the notes of aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids and amines and studying biomolecules.

my eyes are already hurting 🥲

anyways i’m gonna finish this off and head to sleep soon today hehehe

byeeeee <3

21 february 2025

hihihiiii

ok so today was amazing :) i woke up too early for my own good and got a fever (don’t know how that works) but yeah 🥲 i did two chapters (two hours) before i went back to take a nap 💀 but i woke up really refreshed and i felt better tho my temp hadn’t gone down. anyways, i made a new schedule but clearly it needs some changes if i can’t deal with waking up early, im too much of a night owl 🫠

i clocked in 11 hours of productivity on a sick day, so i’m pretty proud.

what i got done today :

atomic structure- concepts and theory

current electricity - formula and concepts

current electricity- questions + pyq

haloalkanes and haloarenes- questions + pyq

alcohols, phenols and ethers - lecture + some questions

newtons laws of motions - theory + some questions

electrochemistry - 100 slides of lecture notes

pretty good for a sick day and my phone screen time is the lowest it’s been since months :) pretty happy about quitting social media too but it’s gotten much lonelier, but it’s a fair trade to me. anyways i’m doing my last hour now, i might do a few more questions from NLM to end my night but nothing too content heavy. today’s been a really fun day :) i wanna get to bed early so i can get better faster too. anyways - that’s all for today

days left for neet - 72

days left for boards - 10

bye byeee <3

pls take care and stay hydrated (summer is draining the life out of meeee)

11 february 2025

today was really unproductive, idk i just wasn’t feeling too well today. also jee results are out and im fairly happy with my chemistry marks considering it’s my weakest subject and studied just one day before the exam.

i’ve been focusing on both, boards and neet so my study plan is something like - study for boards in the day time and do questions for neet at night. my goal is to do 300 questions per day (150 per chapter) but i didn’t reach the goal today, ive been feeling very burnt out too.

what i’ve done in the past few days :

electric charges and fields - boards and neet

electric potential and capacitance - boards and neet

current electricity - boards

electromagnetic induction - boards

alternating current - boards

human health and diseases - pyq

it’s not a lot for the past two days, i hope tomorrow goes much better than whatever the past few days have been. i need to pick up my pace on questions again. i don’t know how to deal with burnout.

What to do during breaks? (as in no school)

In terms of preparing for the next semester or year…

Hey Anon! :D

How To Productively Use Time During Breaks For Preparing

These are some tips that I've used after experimenting with a lot of things

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Not More Than 2–3 Hours

I recommend this because you have a high possibility of burning out during school weeks if you even study during breaks. So, this is why just three hours is more than enough. Spend your time enjoying too.

Concentrate On Basics

This is one of the best ways to spend your breaks. If you're weak in a particular subject [Mine was Accounts], I spent my summer and my term breaks strengthening my accounting basics.

It helped so much when school started because everyone was trying to catch up on the advanced topics, but I could straightaway start with the year's materials. So, build your basics or revise that year's topics. Most of the subjects are just built in layers. So if you learn something in junior year, then it will likely appear in senior year but a bit more advanced.

Watch Concept Videos [Basics or Coming Term/Semester]

You could go through the syllabus for the next term or year and, based on that, watch videos related to that on YouTube. You can first go through the coming year's topics, and then you can decide if you're confident with new topics or if you still haven't figured out the basics. But these really help.

Prepare Cheat Sheets In Advance

If you get your hands on the coming year's textbook, then go through the chapters and write all the formulas or theorems [Shorten them]. Those are your cheat sheets for the whole term/year. Great for revision. You can even start practicing with this, but it's good to have these cheat sheets.

Complete Language Papers

I had two languages all throughout high school. And this trick always worked for me. A week before school starts, I'd literally sit and complete reading through my English and Arabic textbooks. I didn't do the exercises, but I completed all the lessons and sometimes even had short notes of the story ready. It doesn't take much time to complete your language syllabus. I always recommend this.

Tackle Your Grammar

Take it a step further [if you want] and revise or learn new grammar topics. I say this because, honestly, grammar takes some time to soak in, so by the time school starts, you'll have confidence with your language papers. Which honestly makes your work easier in the long run.

Improve Math [If You Have A Number Based Paper]

If you have any paper that is number-based, then work on your mental math. Practice with it. It helps during exams and saves a lot of time. Literally. Especially if you're not allowed to use a calculator. Memorize the square and cube roots from 1 to 10. Or anything else that matters.

_______________________

Do take time to rest because, honestly, this is the time you'll get to rest. So, enjoy too xD

Other than that, I hope this helps you :)

I think nobody says this, but it's completely okay to take up what you actually want as a major. It doesn't matter if people tell you that you have the capability to do more or that you don't. If you want to do a particular major. Go for it. And I'm telling you, you'll definitely ask yourself, "Am I doing this right?" but I think it's worth following something you're passionate about. You don't have to give justification for doing what you love.

Friendly Advice

Decide your major early. And don't tell anyone about it. At least not your teachers or people who will change your mind. It's application week here, and I was close to banging my head against the wall. It's not supposed to be difficult until you make it difficult. So, do what you wanna do. You do know it. You just need to shut off the noise that keeps telling you what you "have" to do.

It's better to work for it and fail than not try at all.

Because yes, you may see people who work less than you, who don't get up early in the morning and get work done, who don't have equal passion towards their ambition and yet they succeed. They make it to the top. And I just want to say, It is totally okay.

Your feelings are valid. Your jealousy is valid. Your emotions are valid. But that does not mean your reactions may be valid too. You cannot be angry at them for it. But you can learn from your mistakes and be better.

Things I Wish Teachers Would Understand

I have a life outside of school. I may be going through health problems or mental health issues or family troubles or financial issues. Literally, I can name so many things and of course, you won't consider it because the only thing you notice is that how I've not done my homework or how I got low grades in my exams.

Grades don't define me. Or my efforts. Or my self-worth. Just because I get high grades doesn't mean I'm more smart or disciplined. And just because I get low grades doesn't mean I'm dumb or lazy.

Mental health issues are real. Really real. And they are hard to deal with.

Learning disabilities are also real. You can't just get out of it. Working hard doesn't fix it. It's a real issue.

Being an introvert is not bad. IT IS NOT BAD. Period. I do not have to speak more in class to prove that I'm paying attention. It just means that I do not want to speak. I'm fine with being quiet.

I can forget things. I can forget that assignment that was due, I can forget to do the homework. And I can definitely forget about the test.

The things you say matters. Even if it is sarcasm. Even if it is a dismissal. Sometimes, it makes me stay up late at night. Sometimes it just stays with me throughout the day. So, yes. You should speak a bit more carefully.

Grades don't show my full effort. Sometimes, I try so hard and I still don't get it right. And when you say that I should try harder? That does shatter a small part of me, not because you told me that, it just makes me feel that I'm the one who's damn stupid and that no matter how much effort I put in the work, it doesn't matter if the grades are not there.

As a student, I will of course prefer some subjects over the others. It is not a personal attack. And it is not an invitation for you to tell me something sarcastic about it.

Calling out a student on their mistakes in front of the whole class or our juniors or seniors or any other teachers is not okay. It's embarrassing to us and makes us feel bad.

Small praise does mean something. Honestly. I remember every good thing a teacher told me because I'll be honest, most don't say very nice things.

Please don't try to force things on us. Whether it be competitions, extracurriculars or anything really. It doesn't feel good.

And if there are some students who misbehave? That doesn't mean the whole class is bad. And no, collective punishments don't help.

I also appreciate when you try. Like, really. I respect you because you teach dozens of classes a day and still show up to our classes with neutral moods. You have a lot of patience for dealing with us.

I really appreciate your stories, advice and the small tips that you give about life now and then. It helps. And yes, I do remember.

I also feel that sometimes that both our expectations come crashing down. You expect us to do good. We expect you to be supportive and passionate. And it's okay to let go of your expectations sometimes.

And I know you have stresses too. You, too, have health problems, mental health issues and family issues, financial issues. I know you have the pressure of making everyone pass through the year and delivering good grades. And I have to say, I understand you. I really do.

I'm writing this because I've had so many teachers expect so much from me. And I'll be honest, that pressure broke me. Seriously broke me. I also respect teachers a lot, but it also doesn't mean I appreciate their behaviors or actions. You make up the world that we currently live in and I say this, not just as a student but as a person.

(P.S. This has been in my drafts from a long time. This was like peak exam + pressure + stress season, so don't mind the not so small rant. And no, I don't have a personal grudge against teachers.)

Questions To Ask Before Choosing Your Major

Choosing your major is a pain, a real pain. It's the perfect time when every one, and I mean every one, decides that they should have a say in the matter when they literally don't.

Here are some questions to ask yourself which major you should choose. And I won't just cover general questions like "Is it tough?" or "Would I like it?"

_________________________

What could you talk about for hours without getting bored?

What is something that you do which makes you lose track of time while doing it?

What makes you feel alive and purposeful?

What do you enjoy working with? People? Words? Ideas? Or Systems?

What is a subject that comes to you easily?

What are the assignments that don't drain you?

What jobs are commonly associated with this major?

What do people who have this major actually do every day?

Can you talk to alumni or professors in this field and get their opinions?

Does this major offer flexibility to shift careers later in life?

Is this major aligned with who you are becoming or want to become?

Does this major offer room to grow and explore other interests

Could you combine two interests into a double major or minor?

Are you okay not having all the answers right now?

If everything changed tomorrow, would you still pursue it?

_________________________

I hope this really helps. I only included questions that I asked myself while choosing. But here's the tip. After you choose, there will be people who will want to change your mind and there will be times when you'd want to revaluate, so these questions would remind you what you thought when your head was clearer.

And I know this may look like hyping this particular topic a bit, but I'll be honest, I know many people who hate their majors but can't do anything about it. We'll spend at least 3 years with this, and I think it's better to feel that you chose this and actually like it rather than choosing something you hate and not liking it at all.

________________________

Friendly Advice

Decide your major early. And don't tell anyone about it. At least not your teachers or people who will change your mind. It's application week here, and I was close to banging my head against the wall. It's not supposed to be difficult until you make it difficult. So, do what you wanna do. You do know it. You just need to shut off the noise that keeps telling you what you "have" to do.

hey there i’m taking ap bio and are exam is coming up do you have any tips for cramming and how to be motivated for subjects you don’t like. thanks :)

Hey Anon! :)

Thanks for the ask :)

I did a similar post for cramming ⇒ How To Cram For Exams. You can refer to that post.

So, I'll make this a bit specific. Bio can mostly be learnt through memorization. There's a lot of repetition and practice. Here are some tips:

Build concept maps. Connect all individual concepts to the main concept and do it in the most simple way (or detailed, whatever works for you)

Review it from time to time. If the exam is weeks away, review it every day for a week then review it thrice a week and the remaining days, write tests. If the exam is in like 5–6 days, then review it in the morning, write tests and then review at night after correcting your mistakes.

Keep repeating the main keywords and practice writing them down.

(I can only think of these ways to study bio because honestly I haven't studied bio since I was in 7th grade. So, I hope this helps <33)

I'll do, for motivation for the subjects you don't like.

How To Study For Subjects You Don't Like

Accept You Don't Like It

It's totally alright if you don't like a particular subject. Honestly, I hated my subjects in high school. I wanted to take history, geography and political science with computers, but my school didn't offer those. So, I was stuck with accounts, eco and business studies. I hated it at the beginning, but i knew that if i base my emotions on my studies for the next two years, i'd never pass high school.

So, accept that you don't like it and think of a positive outcome after that. Mine was the fact that I'll never study those subjects again, at least not for a grade.

Rewards

I'd always use this whenever i encounter hard topics. Keep a reward you get after completing that topic. Make it irresistible. Chocolates were mine xD. It makes it awfully easier.

Focus On What Is Important

You don't have to study everything, there's always some topics that are more important than the others. Like, seriously. Think about some topics that came up in every exam before or the topics that the teacher put extra emphasis on. Tackle them first.

Revise What You Know First

This gives a good kickstart. And confidence. Spend the first 5-10 mins of every study session revising something you already know and then start with the new topics.

Practice Papers

I can never emphasize this enough. The best way to prepare for any exam is just do practice questions or previous year questions. You will learn a lot of things. The topics that are important or repeated. The topics that are never asked.

Tip: Since you have your exams in some days, do just 3 practice papers.

Improvement Sheets

Do this at least once (after the practice papers) and note everything. How much time you take to answer each question. What are your mistakes. Which section is your weakest. Note them down and most importantly, your overall improvements you should make.

For me, I did this for accounts, and it gave me so much clarity, especially the improvements. I used to go through this improvement sheet before my actual exam and i did not repeat even a single mistake again.

___________________

Additional Posts That Might Be Helpful:

How To Self Study

How To Study Concept-Oriented Subjects

How To Study For Longer Hours

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Hope this helps :)

how to cram study for AP exams? 🥲

Hey dear Anon!

Thanks for the ask :)

How To Cram For Exams

Sleep. Hydration. Meals = Must

Snacking and hydration are a must. I recommend light snacking like nuts or fruits or some chocolates. I wouldn't go for heavy meals because they always make me feel sleepy.

Sleep is a must. Don't sacrifice your sleep for studying. During exams, 7–8 hours of sleep is a must. Don't stay awake after 12, you'll regret it. And sleep is different from breaks. You should not consider them the same.

Division Of Subjects

Every subject is learnt and graded differently. You can’t use the same study techniques for every subject you have. You have mostly 3 types of subjects:

Memorization based

Practical/Question based

Theory/Essay based

You use different study techniques for different subjects. Memorization based subjects require more revision. Practical/Question based subjects require more practice. Theory based subjects require you to learn how to format your information.

Read up more: Division Of Subjects

Note Skimming

First, take a topic. Try to remember 5 points, if you can't then just glance through it once. And then keep repeating the process until you know everything relevant for it. It works really well if you haven't picked up your textbooks in a while.

Practice Papers + Improvement Sheets

Create a fake exam environment. Sit on your desk with a timer, take a question paper and act as if you're actually writing the exam. Do this at least once and note everything. How much time you take to answer each question. What are your mistakes. Which section is your weakest. Note them down and most importantly, your overall improvements you should make.

For me, I did this for accounts, and it gave me so much clarity, especially the improvements. I used to go through this improvement sheet before my actual exam and I did not repeat even a single mistake again. The trick is to keep updating the sheet by adding improvements from your actual exams too.

Question Method

No matter how well you know your content, if you can't put it in words appropriately, then you won't get your grades.

Now, it's hard to remember every single thing, so here's a technique...

What? When? Who? Why? How? What's the use?

The basic information for any topic would be the answer to these questions. If you remember this and ca answer to it then you've prepared well enough.

If you want to read up more about it, check out: Question Method

Break It Down

Not your chapter. I mean the topic itself. Line by line if you have to. I did this exact thing for accounts whenever i had to do ratios. It was a pain. An unwanted pain. I couldn't understand anything. But i sat down one day and read every single line of the textbook for that topic. I made what i call "Line Visuals". This is simple.

You read a paragraph => You don't understand anything.

Read every line => Draw it

Understand the key terms used there

And then draw a single visual representation for that entire topic.

I'll guarantee you, you will understand it. Review it once a day for a week and then once a week.

Mnemonics + Story Method

Learn with these. It helps you to remember easily. Make catchy phrases and stories to remember points/facts. These are like the building blocks of studying anything. Stick small notes to your books writing the phrases beside the topic so the next time you want to revise it, it's easy.

If you want to read more about it, check out: How To Study Using The "Story Method"

Teach What You Learn

You learn the most when you teach. I had taken my friends for this. Study and teach it to them. This helps because you have to have a clear understanding of the material first rather to teach them and you may end up with some important feedback. Your friends might ask a specific question you didn't know the answer to and now all of you are trying to perfect yourself with the material.

Random Testing + Book Testing

Random testing is what you do as the final blow. You randomly answer questions that you're thinking about the topic. Book testing is basically when you open any page of the textbook, see the topic and literally say everything relevant to it. You can even write it down.

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Hope This Helps :)

Hi! I was wondering if you had any tips for studying consistently, especially with burnout?

I have an awful habit of studying a lot on one day then avoiding it and not even looking at my notes for 3 or so days after then repeat. i'm starting fifth year soon so this cycle can't continue because it will not end well for mw or my grades

Heyy :) Thanks for the ask.

I just answered a similar ask like this so i think my answer is pretty much the same.

How To Avoid Burnout While Studying

But you technically asked how to study while in a burnout so i'll add a few additional tips. I hope this helps :)

How To Study / Work During A Burnout

Micro Goals

Write down your micro goals. By micro goals i mean the goals that are broken down from bigger goals. For example, my first task was to complete chapter 4 in accountancy fully. Instead of completing it fully and contributing to the burnout, break it down. Divide chapters into 4 parts and complete each part throughout the day. This is more manageable and doesn't make you feel overwhelmed.

Watch Concept Videos

Whenever i'm too tired to study or revise from my notes, videos always help. I did this mostly for accountancy, economics and business studies. YouTube has a variety of videos and make the most use of it. It really helps during exams because it gives me some leverage of knowing some extra points that are in the textbook, but most haven't studied it so use it to your advantage.

1% Progress Everyday > 100% Progress Once A Week

I really feel that even one percent progress every day is better than giving your best on the weekend. I usually divide my subjects throughout the week. I don't exceed more than 2 subjects per day because i did have extra assignments and projects to catch up to. This is one important rule i really followed.

Find The Stressor And Find A Way Through It

Find your major stressor. And try to go around it as much as possible. You have to navigate around everything. Most common stressors would be tests, exams, pressure or extra curriculars.

I had ignored every single test and just winged it because one our teachers never corrected it and two i was focusing on my finals. I didn't even care for my midterms, i experimented with them. I didn't study for term finals because i wanted to test how much i actually remembered. When the pressure got too much at the end of final year, i just didn't go to school after the attendance closed even though they were having revision classes.

I don't know if it's the same for you but there is always a way to minimize the impact. Find stressors and try to make it easier for yourself.

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Additional Posts That Might Be Helpful:

How To Study For Longer Hours

An Absolute Guide To Manage Your Time And Energy For School

Floor To Ceiling Method

How To Study Multiple Subjects

_________________

Hope This Helps :))

hey! do you have any tips for avoiding burnout when there’s just so much to do? i usually go really hard the first few days of the week and then crash for the rest, which ends up making me fall behind and feel worse. i’m really struggling to find a balance between staying productive and not completely draining myself :D

Hey Anon! :) Thanks for the ask :D

You can also refer to How To Study / Work During A Burnout

How To Avoid Burnout While Studying

Periodic Gaps

Breaks are seriously important. I don't follow pomodoro and it doesn't really work for me. I recommend taking breaks when you are actually tired. It doesn't matter if you work straight for 1 hour and then take a break. I feel like it's better than taking unnecessary breaks.

Snacking / Hydration

Snacking and hydration are a must. I recommend light snacking like nuts or fruits or some chocolates. I wouldn't go for heavy meals because they always make me feel sleepy.

Breaks

Breaks should be taken when you start feeling tired. Don't push yourself. The best way to recuperate is to rest. Appropriate break time is important. I usually divide my study time by half and that is my break time.

Break = Study Time / 2

Sleep

Sleep is a must. Don't sacrifice your sleep for studying. During exams, 7-8 hours of sleep is a must. Don't stay awake after 12, you'll regret it. And sleep is different from breaks. You should not consider them the same.

"Off Days"

This concept worked well for me because i'll be honest, it was relaxing. Have "off days". At least 1 day per week. On this day, you don't work, you don't study. You just relax. And I know you may say, "I don't have time to rest" or "I'll fall behind" but it's better than forcing yourself to work and grind and then ending up not working for days. So, have off days.

Tip: I'll recommend Saturdays because it's perfect for the day off. On Sunday you'll be worrying about the work due on Monday. The rest of the days wouldn't give you rest because of school.

Prioritize

You need not do all your work at the beginning of the week. Work should be spread out over days. Prioritizing work is what needs to be done. Write everything that should be done (or make a mental check list) and then write the due dates for all the assignments and then align your energy and study sessions accordingly.

Manage Energy

Managing your energy is quite easy. You divide your tasks based on three categories. Low level. Middle level. High level.

Low level tasks include reviewing notes and flashcards.

Middle level tasks include assignments and projects.

High level tasks include learning a topic from scratch, solving a practice paper.

Now figure out your energy level tasks and accordingly align your tasks to your energy. It's easier than forcing yourself to do a high-level energy task when you're on low energy.

These tasks may be different for everyone. A high-level task for you may be middle or low level for someone else.

Burnout Effect

In one way, burnout is good. Honestly, some people's highest point is 30 mins or an hour. They find burnout creeping in after some time had passed. And that is why, if you want to reach at least two hours of studying. You need to push that limit. Every single time. Try moving 30 mins every week. Your max limit is 1 hour. Then this week, study for 1 hr 30 mins. The next week, study for 2hrs. then 2hr 30 mins. Do it for a few weeks.

If you don't push yourself to the max limit. Then you'll never actually reach your goal.

_________________

Additional Posts That May Be Helpful

How To Study For Longer Hours

An Absolute Guide To Manage Your Time And Energy For School

Floor To Ceiling Method

How To Study Multiple Subjects

_________________

Hope This Helps :))

Asks are still open. I'm literally free all day xD

I'm kinda running out of ideas, my brain's been fried these days. So, if you have any topic that you're interested in regarding high school or generally studying or anything, don't be shy to send an ask. I seriously need some ideas

How To Study Using The "Story Method"

One of the most effective study techniques I've used for the past 2-3 years has been this. People remember stories more than normal facts or random pieces of data. Stories allow you to link different facts together and make it easier for you to process.

The easiest way to do this is using "FTF" (First, Then, Finally).

First, the main character (you or anyone else you imagine) will start on a journey. That's scene one. You will need to associate some points to this scene. This will mostly include the overall concept. Basic understanding.

Then, the main character will face a problem. This will include all the major questions revolving around the topic.

Finally, the main character will find the answers. Let's break it down more.

Determine Your Characters And Scene

Depending on what you are studying, choose your characters and scenes. If you're studying chemistry? Imagine that you are the lead scientist who made some error during one of their experiments which made them go into a deep sleep and now the whole world is sleeping and you are the only one who can reverse it. Make new stories. Make them wild. Add dragons. Dialogues can be a few points too.

Read And Make Bullet Points

First, read and refer to various reading materials for the specific topic. And then jot down the main points before underlining the keywords. Now using these keywords, connect it to the story. You will get new ideas and trust me, it will get easier after some time.

The first thing to do after reading the passage or topic, find something that reminds you of something... it may be anything from fictional characters to actors to books, tv shows, movies, literally anything!!

Make A Chain

When you're learning, the best way to remember things is to make a chain out of each topic and it's subdivisions/points/headings. It acts in the same way as a link, you'll connect one link with another and you've got your chain.

You got 3 scenes for different points? Then connect them together.

Write And Relate

Then write down the points. Give one main keyword to each scene and write it down in the margin of your notes or textbook. Review it every day for a week. And then once a week until you can remember every detail of the topic.

Come Up With The Name

Split the word and see if you can come up with a name for the whole story. Keep it simple and make it memorable. Assign one story to each topic.

____________________

Hope it helps :))

Hey, hi. I wanted to reach out to tell you that I have never been able to study, but your tips seem amazingly helpful. I'm in my 30s and considering maybe trying school again (will be my 5th try) to get a teaching certificate. I don't know yet if I'll do it or not, it's very daunting, but finding your blog makes things seem a little more manageable.

All that said, I also wanted to check if you were okay with someone as old as me following you. I'm not planning to interact, I just want to reblog your tips to my "learn things" sideblog @learningtoletgo

Hello :)

First of all, I am so glad that my posts have been helpful. I really appreciate this, like seriously. And second, i hope that you get the certificate. Keep trying. It's honestly so brave that you keep trying again. I hope it works out for you <33

Lastly, of course I'm okay with you following me! You're free to reblog and interact too! Feel free to :)

Hi thanks for your informative posts! I am struggling with my studies and I really don't understand what the goal of studying should be. How do you actually study? And what usually is the aim to achieve? This is not about motivation btw.

Hey Anon!

First of all, i'm glad you like my posts, really appreciate it :)

What Is The Goal Of Studying?

It literally depends on you.

Entirely on your perception.

If you think studying is useless, then it will be useless. I personally would advise you to study for yourself. To be better. And to sharpen your skills. Don't study just because you have to, don't study because you need to. Study because you actually want to.

It may not be a problem related to motivation but it definitely can be a problem about purpose. You have no idea why you study and that may be the main problem. You haven't tied the act of studying to an actual emotion.

For me, the only way I pushed forward through high school was to remember some main purposes of mine.

Get into a good college (that has the lowest fees)

Get into a degree i love

Actually explore things without the hindrance of getting good grades

Purposes will differ from one person to another. Literally.

Goals are achieved by purposes. Have a strong purpose. Make it worthwhile.

So, How Do We Actually Study?

This also differs from person to person. You're asking a subjective question. I'll be honest. Studying is actually easy. Really easy. You just have to stick to the act long enough.

Let me break it down. You want to start getting your grades up, but you don't know how to because you just don't know the purpose of it. So,

1. Replace "Study" with "Learn"

You don't have to study. Studying is a repetitive job. Stuck in memorization and practice. You learn things that literally won't benefit you in real life (especially maths). But that is the whole negative aspect of it, you know how i see it? Like, i'm learning something new. It always excites me. I don't study for an exam, i learn for myself because i just love the prospect of knowing things.

Approach learning with curiosity and not obligation.

2. Chase Deep Understanding

Many students learn. They get good grades. But. If you ask them to show how one thing links to the other? Nope, they can't connect even simple concepts together as if whatever they've learned is completely unrelated when it's actually not. They can't apply the things they learn about. So, learn to apply.

The goal is not to recite but to internalize. Turn your curiosity into something really powerful.

3. Progress > Perfection

I always believe in this. I believe that a step in a particular direction consistently with a purpose is better than running miles in different directions with absolutely no idea where you're going.

I don't think there's anything wrong with perfection. It wastes time and energy. Give it your best and pray for the rest.

What Is The Aim Of Studying?

Not good grades

Not perfection

Not to be smart

But to be better than what we were yesterday.

Let's be honest, if you learn something, how can you not be curious about so many things you're learning about.

There's a difference in learning for grades and learning for the sake of learning. A very minute difference.

Your perception.

You learn for grades; it makes you entirely dependent on it. You seek validation.

When you learn to better yourself, be curious and love the process of the grind? That's a different feeling. You'll love what you do.

And let's be honest. You wouldn't want to be a complete clueless person here, would you? Read more. Harness your curiosity. Be open to failure.

Getting good grades won't mean you'll succeed in life, but it might increase your chances in some cases. If not, most cases.

Your Steps

Take a day off. Don't do anything. Don't pick up textbooks. Nothing.

Take a piece of paper and just write what feel about studying. Get all your frustration out.

Then take another paper and write what studying has thought you. Your accomplishments, not just in studying but for anything.

You learnt something new? Won in a competition? Anything. You will be more aware that maybe, just maybe that you are doing good but you aren't aware of that fact. Writing down the things you've achieved gives you an idea and a direction.

Now take another paper and write:

Why Do I Feel This Way?

Do I Actually Don't Like To Study Or I Just Don't Like The Perception Of Studying?

What Actually Pisses Me Off?

Since When Am I Feeling This Way?

And Most Importantly, Is There Someone Specific That Gives Me Such Ideas/Influences My Thoughts?

------------------------

I hope this helps you, even if small. Keep trying and trust the process <33

Thanks for the input! Of course, you do you so whatever works is the way to go :)

Reblogging because it may be a useful tip for others :)

How To Study Multiple Subjects

As someone who had studied 4 subjects plus 2 languages and additional courses and extra curricular when i was homeschooled and in high school, obviously i got used to studying multiple subjects. It's fairly easy and interesting.

Here's the thing, multiple subjects is a blessing in disguise. It's easy to study many subjects because you have variety. Your brain loves variety. So, here's some tips...

Maintain Good Study Material

The mistake most students make is that they don't have the basic ground foundation. They don't know what's on the syllabus, how its structure is. Literally nothing. Many students i know, only search for their materials like two days before their exam and they panic. So, gather the following at the beginning of the school year/semester:

Textbooks (If you have any)

Practice papers

Previous year papers

Extra reading materials/ Reference books

If you don't have any textbooks. Go through the topics that you have and gather resources from different sources.

Different Notebooks For Every Subjects

I really don't understand the concept of using a single notebook for like 5-6 subjects. Like, you literally can't manage it. Even if you divide sections in the book, it will get confusing and sometimes the pages won't even be enough. So, just get a notebook for each subject. It will help you stay organized.

Divide Subjects.

Every subject is learnt and graded in a different way. You can’t use the same study techniques for every subject you have. You have mostly 3 types of subjects:

Memorization based

Practical/Question based

Theory/Essay based

You use different study techniques for different subjects. Memorization based subjects require more revision. Practical/Question based subjects require more practice. Theory based subjects require you to learn how to format your information.

Read up more: Division Of Subjects

Easy VS Difficult Subjects For You

Take a paper and write all your subjects. Now, draw a line and write your difficult subjects on one side and easy subjects on the other side. And then rate it from the most interesting to the most boring and categorize it. And then rank them on which ones take the same place. You'll get an idea of where you stand with your subjects and now you can study accordingly.

2 Subjects Per Day

This is the most important one i always recommend. If you're studying, then only 2 subjects per day should be taken up for it. Pair an interesting subject with a lighter one. If you hate accounts or find it difficult but you love English, then that's your combo. Make combinations and write them down. You can change them any day based on mood or you can keep them the same. It's up to you.

Standard Subject

I usually like to have at least one standard subject every day. That was accounts for me because i was so bad at it. The goal is not to ignore the subject until it is harder than usual. The goal is to study it every day. That subject must be your weakest one.

Breaks

Breaks are really necessary. I advise you to not allot a certain time limit for the break. Rather take a break when you actually feel tired. If you've worked for 2 hours straight, then you deserve an hour of rest. If you worked for just 30 mins and you feel tired, take 15 mins as your break. Divide your work time by half and that is your break time.

Subject Alignment With Energy

Your weakest subject must be done in your highest energy in order for you to grasp the actual concepts. That's the main aspect of it. Low energy = Easy subjects. High energy = Harder subjects. You have to identify your core energy grids and align your subjects accordingly.

Chunk Information

Group all your facts together. Instead of studying like everything is completely unrelated, study like it's all connected. If you want to learn something, chunk all your facts together. Create a visual chunk. Make everything related.

Use Mnemonics & Storytelling

Learn with these two. These help you to remember easily. Make stories and catchy phrases to remember points/facts. These are like the building blocks of studying anything. Stick small notes to your books writing the small stories and phrases beside the topic so the next time you want to revise it, it's easy.

Cheat Sheets

Create small cheat sheets. Write them down. No digital notes. Because you have physical copies. Make formulae sheets, theories, everything for every subject you are learning and keep them in different folders. Don't mix your sheets. You'll get overwhelmed. During revision, this will help a lot.

Fake Exams & Improvement Sheets

Create a fake exam environment. Sit on your desk with a timer, take a question paper and act as if you're actually writing the exam. Do this at least once and note everything. How much time you take to answer each question. What are your mistakes. Which section is your weakest. Note them down and most importantly, your overall improvements you should make.

For me, I did this for accounts, and it gave me so much clarity especially the improvements. I used to go through this improvement sheet before my actual exam and i did not repeat even a single mistake again. The trick is to keep updating the sheet by adding improvements from your actual exams too.

Testing At Random Times

I did this mostly during travel time. If i learnt a specific topic some time ago. And if i had nothing to do then I'd just mentally ask myself a question about that topic and answer it. Many times, even i am surprised the questions i ask, it gives a deep understanding of the topic. I used to even connect it to other concepts. Ask questions relating both. It's even better if you jump from one subject to the other.

Connect Similar Topic

Connect all your related subjects. Everything in school is somehow connected. I usually used to connect economics and business studies concepts. Sometimes even computers so... Connect them.

Practice Subjects Need More Time

Subjects like Accountancy, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Maths need more time because they are in one way more practical. They require practice. Whether it be experiments o through sums. Invest more time in these subjects.

PYQ's

Use past year question papers because nothing shows important topics like pyq's. Note and mark the repeated questions and review them repeatedly. This really helps.

Read up more: How do you actually use previous year question papers

__________________

Hope this helps :))

How To Study Multiple Subjects

As someone who had studied 4 subjects plus 2 languages and additional courses and extra curricular when i was homeschooled and in high school, obviously i got used to studying multiple subjects. It's fairly easy and interesting.

Here's the thing, multiple subjects is a blessing in disguise. It's easy to study many subjects because you have variety. Your brain loves variety. So, here's some tips...

Maintain Good Study Material

The mistake most students make is that they don't have the basic ground foundation. They don't know what's on the syllabus, how its structure is. Literally nothing. Many students i know, only search for their materials like two days before their exam and they panic. So, gather the following at the beginning of the school year/semester:

Textbooks (If you have any)

Practice papers

Previous year papers

Extra reading materials/ Reference books

If you don't have any textbooks. Go through the topics that you have and gather resources from different sources.

Different Notebooks For Every Subjects

I really don't understand the concept of using a single notebook for like 5-6 subjects. Like, you literally can't manage it. Even if you divide sections in the book, it will get confusing and sometimes the pages won't even be enough. So, just get a notebook for each subject. It will help you stay organized.

Divide Subjects.

Every subject is learnt and graded in a different way. You can’t use the same study techniques for every subject you have. You have mostly 3 types of subjects:

Memorization based

Practical/Question based

Theory/Essay based

You use different study techniques for different subjects. Memorization based subjects require more revision. Practical/Question based subjects require more practice. Theory based subjects require you to learn how to format your information.

Read up more: Division Of Subjects

Easy VS Difficult Subjects For You

Take a paper and write all your subjects. Now, draw a line and write your difficult subjects on one side and easy subjects on the other side. And then rate it from the most interesting to the most boring and categorize it. And then rank them on which ones take the same place. You'll get an idea of where you stand with your subjects and now you can study accordingly.

2 Subjects Per Day

This is the most important one i always recommend. If you're studying, then only 2 subjects per day should be taken up for it. Pair an interesting subject with a lighter one. If you hate accounts or find it difficult but you love English, then that's your combo. Make combinations and write them down. You can change them any day based on mood or you can keep them the same. It's up to you.

Standard Subject

I usually like to have at least one standard subject every day. That was accounts for me because i was so bad at it. The goal is not to ignore the subject until it is harder than usual. The goal is to study it every day. That subject must be your weakest one.

Breaks

Breaks are really necessary. I advise you to not allot a certain time limit for the break. Rather take a break when you actually feel tired. If you've worked for 2 hours straight, then you deserve an hour of rest. If you worked for just 30 mins and you feel tired, take 15 mins as your break. Divide your work time by half and that is your break time.

Subject Alignment With Energy

Your weakest subject must be done in your highest energy in order for you to grasp the actual concepts. That's the main aspect of it. Low energy = Easy subjects. High energy = Harder subjects. You have to identify your core energy grids and align your subjects accordingly.

Chunk Information

Group all your facts together. Instead of studying like everything is completely unrelated, study like it's all connected. If you want to learn something, chunk all your facts together. Create a visual chunk. Make everything related.

Use Mnemonics & Storytelling

Learn with these two. These help you to remember easily. Make stories and catchy phrases to remember points/facts. These are like the building blocks of studying anything. Stick small notes to your books writing the small stories and phrases beside the topic so the next time you want to revise it, it's easy.

Cheat Sheets

Create small cheat sheets. Write them down. No digital notes. Because you have physical copies. Make formulae sheets, theories, everything for every subject you are learning and keep them in different folders. Don't mix your sheets. You'll get overwhelmed. During revision, this will help a lot.

Fake Exams & Improvement Sheets

Create a fake exam environment. Sit on your desk with a timer, take a question paper and act as if you're actually writing the exam. Do this at least once and note everything. How much time you take to answer each question. What are your mistakes. Which section is your weakest. Note them down and most importantly, your overall improvements you should make.

For me, I did this for accounts, and it gave me so much clarity especially the improvements. I used to go through this improvement sheet before my actual exam and i did not repeat even a single mistake again. The trick is to keep updating the sheet by adding improvements from your actual exams too.

Testing At Random Times

I did this mostly during travel time. If i learnt a specific topic some time ago. And if i had nothing to do then I'd just mentally ask myself a question about that topic and answer it. Many times, even i am surprised the questions i ask, it gives a deep understanding of the topic. I used to even connect it to other concepts. Ask questions relating both. It's even better if you jump from one subject to the other.

Connect Similar Topic

Connect all your related subjects. Everything in school is somehow connected. I usually used to connect economics and business studies concepts. Sometimes even computers so... Connect them.

Practice Subjects Need More Time

Subjects like Accountancy, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Maths need more time because they are in one way more practical. They require practice. Whether it be experiments o through sums. Invest more time in these subjects.

PYQ's

Use past year question papers because nothing shows important topics like pyq's. Note and mark the repeated questions and review them repeatedly. This really helps.

Read up more: How do you actually use previous year question papers

__________________

Hope this helps :))

Questions To Figure Out Your Progress (Academically)

What concepts do I understand now that once felt foreign?

Have I become more comfortable with the topic/subject?

Can I explain this particular topic/subject to a 10-year-old who has no idea about it?

What was the hardest thing i faced in this particular topic?

Will I remember it two weeks from now with no revision?

What actions will i take based on these answers?

These always help me monitor my progress. Gives me an idea on where to focus on. By the way, answering this isn't a big deal. Taking action is.

_____________________

Hope this helps :)

How To Better Your Overall High School Experience From A Recently Passed Out Student

No drama, absolutely no drama. Don't get into trouble, it stirs negative emotions which is a waste of time.

It's not high school musical. I seriously am saying this, you won't just have "problems" that can be solved by just working together. Not everyone would be willing to be your friend/solve problems etc. Be okay with that.

Catch up on homework/assignments/tests/projects. Everything is so much easier when you actually are doing the work on time. Don't pile your work up until it becomes a mountain you can't climb without breaking down.

Don't take everything as "I'll manage" or "it's easy". Newsflash? The really important topic that you thought you'd wing it by studying the day before is actually way more complex and harder. So, take your books and do sit and study.

Stay with positive people. Your friends determine your energy. The people you surround yourself with represent your energy and mindset. So, choose friends wisely. Have a good friend circle.

Sleep on time. This is honestly one of the things i had difficulty in following because sometimes there's too much to do and absolutely no time. But is still say this because it's not impossible. I made sure to sleep before 11 or 12. Max would be 12:30.

Do courses! Lots and lots of them. The reason why i suggest this is because it literally enhanced my experience and my learning journey. It also gives you better opportunities during college admissions and for job interviews.

Have an idea of what you want to do in college and choose subjects accordingly. If you just entered High School and are in a position where you have to choose your subjects. Sit back and think "What am i going to do in college?" (I live in a place where what subjects you pick in high school would only open up opportunities in those fields.)

Choose subjects wisely and make sure to have a variety of subjects. Like languages, practical based and memorization based so you have options and won't get easily bored.

Build career paths. How? I again recommend courses. Even online courses like Coursera and Edx can highly make you experienced in your desired field. It's a roadway for more opportunities.

Save! Even if it is a dollar. Save money for things that you don't know you need in the future. It might help you. More than you think it would.

Build habits. Good habits. Waking up early, reading, exercising. Anything really. And be consistent with it.

Read! When i say this. I mean it. Read Everything. Self help books, business books, finance, romance, fantasy, dystopian, fiction, biographies. You don't know how this makes you develop into a another category of improvement. If you don't like reading, listen to audiobooks and podcasts.

Explore. Seriously. Be open minded. Everything is interesting but you must make it interesting.

Extra curriculars are a must. I seriously mean it, i don't remember much about academic achievements but i do remember all the main events and awards from clubs and competitions. That also doesn't mean you join everything under the sun, something interests you. Join it. If it doesn't, then don't.

Even if your friends aren't passionate about improvement etc, you can be friends with them. It doesn't mean they're bad, it just means that your goals differ. You can still be friends with them.

Don't drag out fights between friends or anyone. There's nothing wrong with cutting off from fights, it saves a lot of energy

Always lend an ear to others, friend or not. People remember others who are good to them so be nice. It doesn't hurt much. If someone needs help. help them.

Have some network beyond school (from other schools if you go for extra competitions or anything) I found it extremely helpful

Don't party (not too much). Personally, i don't believe too much in FOMO. Like, everyone around me participates in every small event, parties and what not. The trick is to join things you actually want and not just because you think you'll miss out. If you join every party/event, you'll likely won't be able to differentiate between the things that actually matter because everything looks the same.

Don't drink. That's what I'll always say. It's actually pretty bad for you, not only can you result in a bad hangover on a Monday morning but also actually mess up your body from the inside.

Don't do relationships. (at least in my opinion, it's an invitation for unwanted drama from what I've seen with my friends. it's messy)

Speak up in class (It can be difficult, but you must do it from time to time, it will boost confidence). You don't have to answer every time really. I spent my entire life sitting silently knowing the answers to every question but I chose not to say it.

Explore your aesthetic. Literally.

Cut your hair, wear rings, go emo or goth or cheerleader style. Hell, mix them. No one cares. Even if they do, does it really matter?

Take mental health days. I literally had 3-4 days a month for just resting. My sister and I would take days off together to watch tv shows and movies.

Talk to freshers, sophomores, juniors and seniors. (Honestly, I really love when my juniors come and talk to me, it feels nice, and you'll actually help them. we seniors aren't that bad)

There's no such thing as not cool (except when you disrespect somebody).

Don't start fights, if you find yourself in one, apologize and move on. Unnecessary drama really.

And don't gossip/talk bad about anyone. Once, my friend literally asked me, "Don't you freaking hate anyone from the class?" and i just said, "Hating someone requires energy, i don't want to waste my time and energy on that. Even if i hate them, i don't really have to advertise it."

Get familiar with your circle.. Honestly, i am a very quiet person, I didn't start getting comfortable with my group until like 3 months into senior year. It took me 1 and a half years to get comfortable with them.

It is totally fine to have a small circle of friends. It's also okay to have a large circle of friends. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Don't back answer a teacher. Teachers have impressions and if you back answer. That definitely leaves a bad impression. And you don't want that.

Have a memory book or anything for the last day of high school (I didn't want to keep a book because you had to spend weeks giving it to everyone so when we had a high school party, I took one of my scarfs and made people sign it and write a short message)

Don't give in to peer pressure. Honestly, it's fine if you don't do or like something.

__________________

Additional Posts:

Mistakes I made in my junior year that i don't want anyone else to repeat.

Mistakes I made in my senior year that I don't want anyone else to repeat

__________________

Hope This Helps! :))