Tutorial Learning Centre
Taking care of yourself during the semester is one of the most important, and one of the most overlooked, factors in your success. Here are some tips to ensure that you are mentally and physically alert in order to get the most out of your studying.
- Eat breakfast. Studies show that students who eat breakfast perform better on cognitive tests, and have better verbal fluency and memory skills.
- Drink plenty of water and clear fluids throughout the day. Dehydration can cause fatigue and poor concentration.
- Eat regular, balanced meals and snacks. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are all important in a healthy diet.
- Maintain a regular bedtime routine. One of the best things you can do to improve your concentration is to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. The average student needs 7 to 8½ hours of sleep per night to maximize learning potential. Don't make the mistake of trying to reset your biological clock every morning according to when your first class starts. This can create a constant state of fatigue.
- Get regular exercise. Exercise increases blood flow to your brain, reduces stress, gives you some downtime from studying, improves quality of sleep, and improves your overall mental and physical health. Try not to exercise within a few hours of going to bed though.
- Get at least 30 minutes of sunlight exposure daily.
- Unclutter your study and living environment. Most students work more efficiently and effectively in a neat, orderly, distraction-free setting.
- Set a goal of 100% attendance. Higher attendance correlates with higher grades. Once you start missing classes it is difficult to catch up on the missed information. Skipping occasional classes often leads to a pattern of missing more and more classes.
- Reserve time for recreation. Breaks help prevent burnout.
- Plan ahead. Staying up late to cram for an exam or starting a major assignment the night before it is due can start a cycle of not getting enough sleep, and can also create unnecessary stress. Use a planner or weekly schedule to plan time in advance of due dates or exams.
- If you work, try to limit your job time to 15 or less hours per week.
- Limit your use of alcohol. Heavy alcohol use not only destroys brain cells, but your body takes a long time to recuperate after intoxication. Many drugs also cause effects that negatively affect concentration and learning..
- Stop smoking. Carbon monoxide, the poisonous gas caused by smoking, decreases the amount of oxygen your body gets which leads to less energy, slower reaction times and poorer coordination.
- Get help with personal problems. Problems are a part of life. Personal issues can drain energy and intellectual potential, talk to someone. Professional counsellors at Student Counselling are available to assist you..
- Get help with academic problems early on. Instructors, classmates, peer tutors and the Tutorial Centre are resources available to you. Attend seminars, book an appointment with a counsellor (Room W111-PB, HP Centre), see the Student Counselling website and/or keep reading to improve your study skills.