A question that many students ask, especially when they are struggling with their own study habits, is how the toppers study such long hours and how can they, too, do the same. Here, we will share some tips and tricks that you can utilise for success and understand the mindset of someone who is the best in their field.
But, yes, these are obviously not magic formulas, that they can give you exactly what you want. But rather, these are practical strategies, to improve your focus, motivation and productivity. So, at the end of the day, you must put in the work.
How Do Toppers Study Long Hours?
Tip 1
The first thing that you must do before committing to any task is to plan your study sessions in advance. Toppers don’t just study whenever they feel like it or when they have some free time. They have a clear schedule that they follow religiously, plus, they stick to it no matter what.
They know exactly what topics they need to cover, how much time they will spend on each one, and what resources they will use. These students also set specific goals for each session, such as completing a certain number of exercises, reviewing a chapter, or taking a mock test. Try to be organised first, you will automatically be one step closer to your goal.
Tip 2
Have you heard of the Pomodoro technique, use it to memorize your studies. The Pomodoro technique is a simple but effective method of breaking down your work into manageable chunks of 25 minutes, which then gets separated by short breaks of 5 minutes.
Why use this, well, it’s great for you to avoid distractions, maintain your concentration, and prevent a possible burnout. Toppers use this technique to study for long hours without losing interest or energy. You can also use the breaks to reward yourself with something enjoyable. It can be anything really, such as listening to music, chatting with friends, having a snack, etc.
Tip 3
Another very essential step is to review your notes regularly. Toppers don’t just rely on their memory to recall what they learned. They revisit their notes often, preferably within 24 hours of writing them, and then again before exams.
Not only that, they use different methods of reviewing, such as rewriting, summarizing, highlighting, or making flashcards. These toppers also test themselves on the material, either by using past papers, online quizzes, or asking someone else to quiz them. So, to be like them, you must follow their path as well.
Tip 4
try to study in groups. Unlike popular beliefs, toppers don’t isolate themselves from their peers. They also study in groups, either online or offline, and benefit from the collective wisdom and support of their classmates.
You can also see them exchange ideas, explain concepts to each other, solve problems together, and give feedback. This way they can motivate each other to stay on track and keep going when things get tough.
Tip 5
Lastly, take care of yourself, as this is the most important step. Toppers don’t neglect their physical and mental health. They know that studying for long hours requires stamina and resilience, and they take steps to ensure that they are in good shape.
Rather than being a night owl, they get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, and avoid caffeine and alcohol. And do not forget, they also manage their stress levels. Yes, this might sound impossible but it is true. One can do that by practising relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.
These are some of the habits that help toppers study long hours and achieve their academic goals. You can obviously try them out and see what works for you. But, always remember that studying is not a competition, but a personal journey of learning and growth. Don’t compare yourself to others, but focus on your own progress and improvement. And most importantly, enjoy the process!
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