Brief Summary
In this video, Swathi Chola, a third-year MBBS student, shares her strategies for effectively studying 12-14 hours a day, which helped her succeed in her studies. She emphasises the importance of mindset, active learning, subject-specific strategies for physics, breaking down study hours, incorporating variety, smart scheduling, prioritising sleep, eating brain-boosting foods, and minimising digital distractions.
- Mindset and quality over quantity are crucial.
- Active learning is more effective than passive reading.
- Strategic scheduling and breaks are essential for maintaining focus.
- Adequate sleep and nutrition are vital for brain function.
- Minimising digital distractions is key to productivity.
Intro
Swathi Chola introduces herself as a third-year MBBS student at a government medical college. She aims to share her strategies for studying effectively for 12 to 14 hours a day, which she believes was crucial to her success. She acknowledges that the amount of study time may seem daunting but assures viewers that it's achievable with the right approach.
Mindset first
The most important thing is mindset. It's essential to have the right attitude and be prepared to put in the effort required for focused study. It's important to focus on the quality of study rather than just the quantity of hours spent. The goal is to be in a state of flow, where you're fully engaged and absorbing information effectively, rather than just suffering through long hours.
Active learning
Active learning is more effective than passive reading. Instead of just reading through the material, engage with it actively by asking questions, summarising information, and testing your understanding. This approach helps to retain information better and makes the learning process more engaging.
Physics guide
When studying physics, focus on objective-type questions and extracts from NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) textbooks, as a significant portion of questions are derived from these sources. Break down the chapters and ensure you understand every concept without missing any details. Practice is crucial, focusing on different types of objective questions, including previous years' questions, and categorise them according to NCERT.
Breakdown the 12 hours
To manage long study hours, incorporate regular breaks to relax your brain. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you study for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. After a few cycles, take a longer break of 15 minutes to allow for proper relaxation and prevent burnout.
Change subjects to avoid monotony
To avoid monotony and maintain focus, switch between different subjects throughout the day. This approach helps to keep your mind engaged and prevents you from getting bored or burnt out. For example, if you're studying physics in the morning, switch to biology or chemistry in the afternoon.
Smart scheduling
Schedule your study sessions strategically by studying the most challenging subjects when you're most alert and focused. If you're a morning person, tackle difficult topics early in the day. Also, consider your personal preferences when creating your study schedule to optimise your learning experience.
Sleep 6-7 hours minimum
Prioritise sleep as it's essential for memory consolidation and cognitive function. Aim for at least 6-7 hours of sleep each night to allow your brain to rest and recover. Sleep consists of different stages, including non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which are crucial for various physiological processes. Disrupted sleep can severely affect the quality of your study.
Eat brainfuel
Consume nutritious foods that fuel your brain and support cognitive function. Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins in your diet. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks that can lead to energy crashes and impair focus.
Digital detox
Minimise digital distractions by implementing a digital detox. Social media and other online platforms can be highly distracting and can disrupt your focus. Turn off notifications, put your phone away, and resist the urge to check social media during study sessions. Use website blockers to limit access to distracting websites.
Conclusion
Swathi Chola concludes the video by thanking viewers for watching and encouraging them to like, share, and subscribe to her channel. She hopes that the strategies shared in the video will be helpful for students preparing for exams.
