Whether you’re working on a degree, continuing education in your career or just wanting to brush up on some information at your current job, you need to figure out some ways to hack your learning.
This will not only shorten the time it takes for you to learn the material, it also deepens the impression and ensures that it stays in your long-term memory.
There are a number of ways that you can improve your learning potential, and the tips below will be useful to you. Consider these strategies and use them so that you and your brain can get on one accord, for the betterment of your education and career.
Get Your Body Involved
Studies have been done into the brain-body connection, and why it’s important to involve your body in whatever you are learning. Muscle memory applies to more than just repetitious physical activities, you will also be able to store matters in your mind when you move your body while learning.
Several studies show that physical exercise opens your brain’s cognitive flexibility and learning receptivity. Rather than just sitting at your desk and forcing your brain to learn, why not throw in some jumping jacks, push-ups, and burpees as you learn?
Even better, go over your information in depth during a walk or jog and you’ll find that you know it like the back of your hand. This way, you will also have more energy during a studying session and can improve your mind’s ability to recall even the smallest details.
Be Mindful of What You’re Listening To
It’s important that you set yourself up for success by improving your learning environment. Most of us use headphones on a regular basis, but studies show that this can do more harm than good depending on what you are listening to.
For instance, studies show that you can learn more, score higher on exams and retain information when you listen to instrumentals or scores, rather than songs with lyrics. Music is also either hurtful or helpful depending on what sort of activity you’re engaged in.
Studies show that repetitive tasks can be easier to get through when you have music playing, while music can hamper you when you’re trying to learn new information. Be mindful of what you’re choosing to listen to depending on these activities and you will see an uptick in your performance.
Music aside, consider listening to binaural beats audio, as this can put your brain in a clear, receptive state for learning.
Look Into Some Useful Learning Methods
Finally, you need to consider the methods that you are employing when you decide to tackle new material or a workload.
The Pomodoro method is incredibly popular because it allows you to set a timer, take a break and get back to your work refreshed. Too many people try to bulldoze their way through fatigue, when a simple break can help you to stay alert and on task, rather than suffering mental fatigue.
Flash cards are also incredibly effective since the mental reps allow you to retain the information on your terms. There are plenty of flashcard apps you can download which will make you a speedy learner.
Consider these tips when you’re looking to make the best use of some new information.