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Sometimes, having a good study session is about more than simply opening a book and reading. Often, you need to be in the right frame of mind to open your mind to learning. Here are some tips for things that you can do to have an effective study session.

Use the Right Music

Sometimes the brain needs more than just straight intellectual activity. Some people find that the right music in the background can help prime the brain for studying. Left to its own devices, the brain may disengage after a certain amount of time, and music can act as a motivator. Pastest explains that  you must make sure that you find the right type of music for your studying. Otherwise, listening to music will be counterproductive, and it will keep you from being able to fully focus on the task at hand. Make sure to try several types of music to find out what works best for you.

Use Essential Oils

Certain essential oils can invigorate and energize you. doTERRA points out that peppermint oil is a great way to stay alert on long drives or late-night study sessions since you can inhale it for a non-stimulating, invigorating pick-me-up. These are more natural alternatives to those products that can either work too much or can cause you to crash after a short period of heightened awareness. Not only are essential oils invigorating, they can also promote clearer thinking and can help you relax. These oils can take away some of the anxiousness that comes when faced with a difficult task.

Exercise Beforehand

There have been many studies that have demonstrated that exercise can help boost your cognitive function as well as your memory. Both of those are necessary ingredients for an effective study session. Exercise works by pumping extra blood to your brain. The impacts of the workout are felt for some time even after the exercise is done. The hormones produced during exercise mix with something called brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the combination helps to stimulate brain function. People who exercise are 23 percent more productive than on days when they did not exercise. Therefore, a workout in close proximity to your study session can boost your academic performance. American University of Antigua suggests that many incorporate studying into their workout routine with great results.

There are things that you do before or during your study session that will help enhance your productivity. Try to find what works best for you for the best results. Adding these things to your routine can also help you to gain some confidence in your academic performance and further increase your success.

Here are a couple articles we think you’ll find helpful!

• How to Become a Confident Test-taker

• 4 Helpful Habits for Writing Stronger Essays

Some people absolutely love writing essays, while others find it to be tedious and painful. If you’re in the latter group, it might be because you have trouble bringing your essays together. They might lack a focus or proper structure. When you figure out the mechanics of an essay, they can be better and much more enjoyable to write. Here are four helpful habits for writing stronger essays.

Have Strong Sources

Great writing starts with great research. You need to select sources that are credible and relevant. They should back up the arguments that you make in your thesis statement (which should close your opening paragraph). Look for ones that can be properly verified, and don’t use Wikipedia as a named source. You also need to learn how to cite properly. Without correct citations, you could seriously compromise your grade.

Source: Elite Editing | Where to Find Credible Sources for Your Research Paper

Know What Kind of Essay to Write

Essays tend to generally fall into four categories: persuasive, narrative, expository, and descriptive. Be clear on what the difference between each type is and how to ensure your essay flows properly. A persuasive essay shouldn’t suddenly become a narrative, and a narrative essay shouldn’t suddenly become persuasive. Take the time to read examples of essays of each type to get a better understanding. You want anyone who reads your essay to be clear on what your intentions are and what the focus is meant to be.

Source: Word Counter | The 4 Different Types of Essays

Quote Correctly

Once you have your sources, you need to figure out how to quote them properly. Don’t just throw in quotes in order to pad out your word count. Instead, use the quotation sandwich method. This means introducing an expert, delivering their quote, and then elaborating on the significance of their statement as it relates to your essay. Quotes are intended to strengthen your essay.

Source: College of Western Idaho | The Quote Sandwich

Recognize Counter-Arguments

One of the main purposes of an essay is to make an argument and back it up. Your thesis statement serves as your argument. To show the power of your arguments, you need to acknowledge the opposing side. Bring up counter-arguments, and then use other evidence to further assert your points.

Writing essays should be embraced, as it’s your opportunity to express yourself. While you still need to have supporting documents and other evidence, you can still showcase your unique voice. Remember to start on all your essays early and to revise them as much as necessary.

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