How to Use Your Whole Brain While Studying

Co-authored by Jai Flicker and Christopher M. Osborne, PhD

Last Updated: March 3, 2023 References Approved

It’s a myth that we only use ten percent of our brains (leaving ninety percent of potential genius untapped),^{[1]
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Association for Psychological Science
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Go to source} and it is also not accurate to say that people are either left- (logical) or right- (creative) brain dominant.^{[2]
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Research source} So, your goal when studying is really to make the most of the brainpower you have available. Fortunately, by preparing and focusing, making the most of your study time, and supporting your brain health, you can increase your chances of acing that upcoming test.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Jai Flicker
Academic Tutor
Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.}

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Studying More Effectively

1
Pay attention in class. Good study habits begin before you even leave the classroom. Listen attentively to what the teacher has to say on the subject. Ask questions, and answer the teacher’s questions. Pay close attention for cues (or direct statements) from the teacher about what is most important to know, and take notes especially on these topics.
2
Utilize all resources made available to you. Read the assigned chapter in the textbook, and read over any notes, handouts, or other materials given to you. If there is a review or study session offered by the teacher, go to it. Give yourself the best chance for success. You'd be surprised by the number of people who do poorly on tests because they don't read the book.

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3
Pick apart the textbook. Don’t just read the assignment mindlessly — actively engage with it.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Jai Flicker
Academic Tutor
Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.} Pick out the important words (sometimes they’re in bold), look them up if needed, and write your own definition for them. Carefully examine introductions, conclusions, review sections, and recap questions you find in textbook chapters.
4
Put information into your own words. As with writing down your own definitions for key terms in the textbook chapter, it’s best to put all the critical information in your own words. Keep a notebook and pen near you, and write out the key points you are studying. If you have someone else’s notes, rewrite them yourself; it’s even best to rewrite your own classroom notes. This is a proven trick to help your brain engage more in the material.
5
Process, then summarize the information. Our brains engage the material we’re studying at multiple levels at once. While we consciously take in and try to comprehend the material we’re studying, unconscious layers of our brain are working behind the scenes to organize and make sense of the material. Stop every so often so that you can take advantage of this behind-the-scenes work you’re doing without realizing it.^{[5]
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Reading Rockets
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- Concentrate intently on your study materials for a reasonable period of time (a half-hour, for instance), then take a step back, pull out a sheet of paper, and try to summarize what you’ve just learned in your own words. You may be amazed at how much of the material you actually recall and understand. You can also try summarizing the entire study session the day after.
6
Put the information into practice. Associate what you’re learning in theory with a more practical or tangible example. If you are studying history, for instance, try to make a story related to the subject. Or visit a museum, battlefield, etc. associated with it.
- If you’re reading about how to do a simple science experiment, try doing the actual experiment.
- Create games, songs, images, or other types of mnemonic devices to help you associate and recall the information.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Maintaining Focus

1
Don’t delay in getting started. Start studying as soon as you can after school. The minute you come in the door, get everything together that you need and begin your study session. Not only will the information be fresher in your mind right after school, you’ll also head off potential distractions before they have a chance to affect you.
2
Organize your study space. Maybe you think you can study just as well with a messy desk as you can with a neat one. In reality, though, having only the things you need right where you need them eliminates distractions and makes your study time more efficient.
- Place your pencils, notebook, folders, textbook, calculator, and any other important study materials within easy reach so you don’t lose focus while reaching or looking for them.
3
Eliminate distractions. Choose a quiet, isolated spot for your study space. Ask not to be disturbed. Play soothing music or put on noise-canceling headphones to block out distracting sounds if necessary. Keep common distractions like cell phones tucked away and/or out of reach, and silenced or shut off.
4
Relax. Before you begin studying, and during your study session, take a moment to gather yourself and reduce your stress level. Do some deep breathing exercises, meditate or pray, listen to some soothing music, or do whatever else helps you to relax. Excess stress will cause you to lose focus.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Jai Flicker
Academic Tutor
Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.}
5
Take breaks.^{[7]
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Jai Flicker
Academic Tutor
Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.} Generally speaking, do not spend more than an hour studying without having a break, because your brain gets tired and can’t give full attention to the subject. Make them quick breaks — just a couple minutes — so that you don’t lose your momentum. Just give yourself enough time to take a drink, stretch out a bit, use the bathroom, do a quick calming exercise, or something similar.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Strengthening Your Brain

1
Keep your brain active to strengthen it.^{[8]
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Jai Flicker
Academic Tutor
Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.} The human brain operates by making neural connections. When we put our brains to use regularly, new connections are made and existing ones are strengthened; when we don’t, connections become dormant or decayed. Keeping your brain actively engaged will help it function at its peak now and throughout your life.^{[9]
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Research source}
- Try new things. Create. Debate. Ruminate. Daydream. Keep your brain working and it will work better when you need it for studying.
2
Challenge your mind with puzzles, games, and activities. If you want to build muscle, you have to keep increasing the amount of weight you’re lifting. If you want to build brainpower, you have to keep challenging your mind. While some of the claims made by “brain training” apps and programs are dubious, challenging your mind with puzzles, games, new activities, and difficult subjects can help enhance mental performance.^{[10]
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- Actively acquire information instead of passively receiving it. This is the difference between taking a cooking class and watching a cooking show, or attending a political candidate forum and checking your news feed.
3
Exercise regularly for body and brain health. Your brain is part of your body, so it makes sense that the healthier you are overall, the healthier your brain will be. Regular exercise creates greater efficiency in oxygen and nutrient supplies to the brain, and can enhance your mood and immune system, among other benefits.
- Maximize the brain benefits when your exercise — when out walking, focus intently on the surrounding environment and try to mentally recreate it when you get back home.^{[11]
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4
Eat a healthy diet for brain benefits. The human brain requires an incredible amount of energy (in relation to size) in order to function, and this requires fuel.^{[12]
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HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.
Go to source} Just like regular exercise, a healthy diet is good for your brain and the rest of your body. While there are plenty of claims about specific “brain foods,” focus on eating lots of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and limit refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and processed foods.
- Don't study with either an empty stomach or a fully loaded one. Either scenario can be distracting. Have a light (and healthy) meal or snack instead.
5
Play a musical instrument. While the popular understanding is that the left side of the human brain controls logical thinking and the right side provides our creativity, the reality is far more complex.^{[13]
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PLOS ONE
Online peer-reviewed, open access scientific research journal
Go to source} However, it is true that activities that spur both creativity and logical details simultaneously will invigorate more parts of your brain at once.
- Playing a musical instrument is one of the most obvious — and enjoyable — ways to stimulate both the creative and logical aspects of your brainpower. To play effectively, you have to have precise timing and fine motor movements, but at the same time be able to improvise and think ahead.^{[14]
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  American Psychological Association
  Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists
  Go to source}
- While the science behind many supposed left- or right-brain boosting activities is limited at best, doing things like juggling, playing board games, or attempting simple activities with your non-dominant hand will certainly give you a mental workout.^{[15]
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  Association for Psychological Science
  Nonprofit organization devoted promoting trustworthy research and education in the psychological sciences
  Go to source}

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you study effectively?

Jai Flicker
Academic Tutor
Jai Flicker is an Academic Tutor and the CEO and Founder of Lifeworks Learning Center, a San Francisco Bay Area-based business focused on providing tutoring, parental support, test preparation, college essay writing help, and psychoeducational evaluations to help students transform their attitude toward learning. Jai has over 20 years of experience in the education management industry. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego.

Jai Flicker

Academic Tutor

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Start by planning out what you were studying, then focus all of your attention on your study materials. Actively engage with your text and notes rather than just reviewing the information.
Question

How can I relax my mind while studying?

Jai Flicker
Academic Tutor
Jai Flicker is an Academic Tutor and the CEO and Founder of Lifeworks Learning Center, a San Francisco Bay Area-based business focused on providing tutoring, parental support, test preparation, college essay writing help, and psychoeducational evaluations to help students transform their attitude toward learning. Jai has over 20 years of experience in the education management industry. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego.

Jai Flicker

Academic Tutor

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Try doing deep breathing exercises or listening to relaxing music while you study. Additionally, take breaks regularly.
Question

How can I improve my concentration while I study?

Jai Flicker
Academic Tutor
Jai Flicker is an Academic Tutor and the CEO and Founder of Lifeworks Learning Center, a San Francisco Bay Area-based business focused on providing tutoring, parental support, test preparation, college essay writing help, and psychoeducational evaluations to help students transform their attitude toward learning. Jai has over 20 years of experience in the education management industry. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego.

Jai Flicker

Academic Tutor

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Take breaks to stretch, go get some fresh air, move around, and think about other things. Taking study breaks can help you be more effective and productive when you are working.