Developing healthy study habits is essential for success in school, college, and beyond. With good study habits, students can improve their grades, reduce their stress levels, and learn more effectively. Here are five healthy study habits that can help students achieve their academic goals.  

Create a study schedule and stick to it

Creating a study schedule is one of the most important healthy study habits. A study schedule is a plan that outlines when and what to study, and it helps students stay on track and avoid procrastination. To create a study schedule, students should start by determining how much time they have available for studying each week. This can vary depending on other commitments, such as work or extracurricular activities. Once students know how much time they have, they can then divide it into blocks for different subjects or assignments.

When creating a study schedule, remember it is really important to be realistic and to allow for breaks and rest periods. Also, be kind to yourself – students should aim to be flexible and willing to adjust their schedules as needed as life can be unpredictable!  To stick to the study schedule, students would do well to treat it as a priority and avoid distractions (please turn off your phone!) during the designated study time.

Set goals and track progress

Setting goals is another healthy study habit that can really help students stay motivated and focused. Goals can be short-term, such as completing an assignment, or long-term, such as achieving a certain grade. When setting goals, students should make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This means that the goal should be clear, have a quantifiable outcome, be realistically attainable, be relevant to the student’s overall academic goals, and have a deadline.

Once goals are set, it is important to track progress towards them. This can be done through a planner, a to-do list, or an app. By tracking progress, students can see their accomplishments and identify areas for improvement. It is also important to celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude towards studying.  Whether this is a meal out, chocolate bar, swim, or anything else, just go for it – positive reward and reinforcement is powerful.

Create a conducive study environment

Creating a conducive study environment is another healthy study habit that can improve focus and concentration. The study environment should ideally be free of distractions, comfortable, and also well-lit.   Having all the necessary study materials, such as textbooks, notebooks, and pens is an absolute must.  Otherwise, it’s easy to spend a chunk of time searching for what is needed rather than getting down to some serious study time!

Aim to find a quiet and comfortable space, such as a desk or a table, and make it a designated study area.  Turning off notifications or using apps that block distracting websites is also a great tip. It is also important to move around periodically to prevent fatigue and maintain focus.  Get that oxygen pumping!

Use active learning techniques

Active learning techniques are healthy study habits that can improve retention and comprehension of information. Active learning techniques include techniques such as summarizing, highlighting, and note-taking. These techniques really help to engage the brain and help learners process information more effectively.

When using active learning techniques, the key is to focus on understanding the material rather than just memorizing it.  Using a variety of techniques to keep study sessions interesting and engaging is a helpful strategy for most learners. For example, students can use diagrams, charts, or flashcards to help them visualize information to aid comprehension and information retention.  Don’t be shy to put revision notes or posters on fridges, walls and wherever else you spend time so you can glance at them regularly.

Practice self-care

Practicing self-care is a healthy study habit that can improve mental health and well-being. Self-care involves taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking breaks.

Sleep is essential for cognitive function and memory consolidation, and students should aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. A healthy diet can significantly improve mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. Additionally, regular exercise can also improve mood and reduce stress levels more generally as well as being useful in study breaks.

If you still feel that you need help, finding a suitable tutor could be really beneficial to help support you in developing long-term healthy study habits.