Apply These 7 Secret Techniques To Improve Information Retention For Your Next Test

Does the thought of tests and exams leave you with a cold feeling in the depths of your stomach? Are you struggling with memory retention? Developing good memory skills is less about the number of hours you spend studying and more about the quality of your study time.

1 – Drink Coffee AFTER You Study

Caffeinated beverages are an integral part of the life of any college student. Although no real proof exists to show drinking caffeine before or during a study session improves memory, it does show promise when ingested afterward. You are nearly twice as likely to recall most of what you studied for as long as 48-ours following the use of caffeine when study time is over. The key is to not overdo the amount. A cup or two is fine. No need to drink the entire pot of coffee.

2 – Chew Gum as You Study for an Exam

As strange as it sounds, chewing gum as you study critical information can dramatically improve your memory recall. It’s unclear how it works, but it’s thought to help increase focus and eliminate external distractions. It’s a fun and delicious way to improve your recall skills for the next exam.

3 – Exercise Every Day

Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress and test anxiety. A good workout every day is essential for your mental, emotional, and physical health, especially during times like mid-term or final exams. Testing can be brutal and you need a safe and productive outlet to release pent-up anxiety and stress. Prepare for the next round of tests by starting a routine exercise program today.

4 – Get Sleep and Stop Studying Late

Few students make it all the way through classes without trying to pull an all-niter for studies at least once. Do cramming and last-minute study binging work? Yes and no. You might have better recall temporarily of the last information you studied, but the lack of sleep will cause you to lose focus and recall of most information. The kindest thing you can do for yourself is to get a good rest and set a reasonable study schedule.

5 – Exercise Your Brain

The brain is a muscle and needs to be exercised in specific ways to stimulate activity and improve memory retention. Look for apps you can install on your phone that offer games to improve memory skills. Play a good game of chess frequently. Read thought-provoking materials. The more you give yourself a cranial workout, the faster you’ll see results in your exam performance.

6 – Study Buddies and Verbal Quizzing

Surround yourself with intelligent friends. Smart friends are ones that push you to know and understand more than average. Get together with brainiacs from the same class and study together. Make it a round-table event where each person quizzes another on the information for an upcoming test. It’s a way to get through tons more studying faster and with better results. It’s also a lot of fun.

7 – Develop Sharp Focus

Eliminate as much distraction as possible when you hit the books. Be choosy about the music you listen to when studying. Try and make it upbeat and with as little vocal portions as possible. Your mind will drift to listen to the words and dim your focus. Keep lighting and temperature comfortable. Take short breaks each hour or two to relax the brain.

Try a few of the tips above and you’ll begin to see improvement in your ability to recall information for any test. Avoid falling into the common trap of putting off studies to the last minute and trying to regain ground at the last minute. Study in short bursts, often, and with purpose.