10 Study Tips That Actually Work
Not all study advice is created equal. Some tips stick, others waste your time. At Focus Guild, we only vouch for what’s been proven to help. These 10 study strategies are simple, and actually work — whether you’re prepping for finals, learning a new skill, or trying to stay focused.
1. Use Active Recall
Don’t just reread — test yourself. Try to recall key facts or concepts without looking at your notes. This builds stronger memory pathways.
2. Apply the Spacing Effect
Spread your study sessions over time instead of cramming. 20–30 minutes per topic across several days beats one long study marathon.
3. Teach What You Learn
If you can explain it to someone else, you really understand it. Try the Feynman Technique — teach it in your own words, as if to a beginner.
The Feynman Technique is a study method where you learn by teaching.
In a nutshell:
- Pick a concept you want to understand.
- Explain it out loud or in writing as if teaching a child or total beginner.
- Identify gaps in your explanation — where you struggle or use jargon.
- Go back and refine your understanding, then repeat the explanation simply.
It helps turn passive learning into active understanding.
4. Study in Short Bursts
Use the Pomodoro technique:
- 25 minutes study
- 5-minute break
- Repeat
It keeps your brain fresh and focused.
5. Switch Up Topics
Avoid mental fatigue by alternating subjects or types of tasks. It’s called interleaving, and it improves problem-solving and retention.
Interleaving is a study technique where you mix different topics or skills in a single study session instead of focusing on just one.
For example, instead of studying only math formulas for an hour, you rotate between formulas, word problems, and graphs. This approach strengthens your ability to connect ideas, spot patterns, and adapt to different types of questions, making learning more flexible and long-lasting.
6. Create a Dedicated Study Space
Your brain likes context. Having a space just for study helps you associate it with focus. Keep it clean, quiet, and well-lit.
7. Take Handwritten Notes
Typing is quick, but writing by hand improves comprehension and memory. It forces your brain to process information more deeply — especially useful for summarizing or learning complex concepts.
8. Practice Retrieval, Not Recognition
Reading and highlighting? Not enough. Flashcards? Great. Quizzes? Better. Make your brain work to retrieve info — that’s how you lock it in.
9. Eliminate Distractions
Put your phone away, close extra tabs, and consider site blockers like Forest, Cold Turkey, or FocusMe. Focus is a skill you can train.
10. Sleep, Move, and Fuel Your Brain
Your brain can’t focus if your body’s running on empty. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep, stay hydrated, move daily (even a walk helps), and eat brain-friendly foods like leafy greens, nuts, and berries.
Final Thought:
Studying isn’t about how long you sit at your desk — it’s about how effectively you use your time. These 10 study tips work because they align with how your brain actually learns. Try one or two this week, and let Focus Guild be your go-to for smart learning.