Top 10 Study Hacks That Actually Work: Proven Techniques to Boost Your Learning

While there are no quick and easy ways to retain high volumes of information, there are some tips and tricks that may hurry the process.

What it is: Spaced repetition is a technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals to help you retain it in your long-term memory.
Why it works: Studies show that reviewing material over time (rather than cramming) helps reinforce learning by capitalizing on how our brains forget information. This method strengthens your memory retention and reduces the risk of forgetting.
How to use it: Use flashcards (physical or apps like Anki or Quizlet) to review material several times over the span of days or weeks. The key is to space out reviews, so you're not constantly re-reading the same notes every day.

What it is: Active recall involves trying to remember a piece of information without looking at your notes. Instead of passively reading your material, you actively quiz yourself.
Why it works: Research has shown that recalling information strengthens neural connections and improves memory retention. The more effort it takes to retrieve information, the better you'll remember it.
How to use it: After reading a section of your notes, close the book and try to recall the key points. Alternatively, use practice tests or ask yourself questions related to the material and attempt to answer them without referring to your notes.

What it is: Mind mapping is a technique where you create a visual representation of information, connecting key ideas with branches and sub-branches.
Why it works: Mind maps make complex information easier to understand and memorize by organizing it into a structured visual format. They also help activate both hemispheres of your brain, improving overall learning.
How to use it: Start with a central concept in the middle of a page and branch out into related ideas, using keywords, images, and color coding to enhance memory retention. You can use online tools like MindMeister or just paper and pen.

What it is: The Pomodoro Technique involves studying for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).
Why it works: Research has shown that our brains focus best in short, intense bursts. The Pomodoro Technique prevents mental fatigue and helps you maintain focus throughout longer study sessions.
How to use it: Set a timer for 25 minutes and commit to focusing on one task during that time. After the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break—stretch, walk, or do something relaxing. Then repeat.

What it is: Interleaving involves studying different subjects or topics in a single study session, rather than focusing on one topic for a long period.
Why it works: Research indicates that mixing topics (instead of blocking study sessions by subject) improves understanding and retention by challenging your brain to make connections between different concepts.
How to use it: Rather than studying only math for an hour, switch between math, science, and history every 20 minutes. This keeps your brain engaged and enhances long-term learning.

What it is: Chunking involves breaking large amounts of information into smaller, more manageable groups (or "chunks").
Why it works: Our brains can hold a limited amount of information at once, but by chunking data, you can store more efficiently. This works especially well for subjects like language learning or memorizing formulas.
How to use it: When trying to remember something complex (like a long list of terms or numbers), break it down into smaller groups. For example, instead of trying to remember a long string of numbers, break them into sections (e.g., 555-123-4567).

What it is: Teaching others what you’ve learned is a powerful way to reinforce your own understanding.
Why it works: Explaining concepts out loud forces you to organize your thoughts and fill in any gaps in your knowledge. It’s a form of active recall and helps reinforce what you’ve learned.
How to use it: After studying, teach the material to a friend, family member, or even an imaginary audience. If you can explain it clearly and answer questions, you’ll know you’ve mastered the subject.

What it is: Named after physicist Richard Feynman, this technique involves writing down an explanation of a concept as simply as possible, as if teaching it to a child.
Why it works: Simplifying complex concepts forces you to identify areas where your understanding is lacking. If you can't explain something simply, it's a sign you need to study it further.
How to use it: Choose a topic and write down everything you know about it in simple terms. If you get stuck, go back to your notes and study the concept further until you can explain it in simple language.

What it is: Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation, where the brain processes and stores the information you’ve learned throughout the day.
Why it works: Studies have shown that sleep plays a vital role in transferring newly learned information from short-term to long-term memory. Cramming all night can impair your ability to retain information.
How to use it: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night, especially before big exams or study sessions. A good night's sleep after studying helps solidify what you’ve learned.

What it is: Mindfulness techniques help improve focus and reduce stress during study sessions. By paying full attention to the task at hand and being present in the moment, you can reduce cognitive overload.
Why it works: Research shows that mindfulness increases focus, reduces anxiety, and improves overall cognitive performance. Being present in your study session means less mental wandering and more effective learning.
How to use it: Before studying, take a few minutes to practice deep breathing or mindfulness meditation. During your study session, eliminate distractions like phones or social media. Focus fully on one task at a time.