Contrary to the multi-tasking lifestyle that we lead, studying demands focusing on one thing at a time. Constant devotion of time and attention to a singularly tracked study material, often gets difficult due to the existence of distracting electronics and the restlessness induced due to overuse of social media. Social media constantly distracts us by being so current and finicky. Though, the biggest boon of social media is the sheer accessibility of opportunities to succeed, to meet new people, and to stay updated, it is of utmost importance that we first learn to prioritize our time.

So, in order to help you stay focused and get the most out of your devoted study time, here are 5 fool-proof hacks:

1. Meditate your way to A+B=C

Not only is meditation a way to guarantee superhuman concentration levels, but it also calms the nervous system. It stimulates the brain to achieve better cognitive and intellectual performance. Studies have shown that meditation is responsible for changes in brain functions, increasing students’ practical intelligence and creative thinking. It is the sure shot way to sharpening your memory as well as keeping away restlessness and insomnia, which are very common symptoms of stress.

2. Eat to nourish your brain

We have been told that since walnuts look like miniature brains, they are good for the brains. Well, turns out, they really are excellent for maintaining optimum brain health. Foods containing essential fatty acids like Omega-3, copper, polyphenols are excellent for increased brain power. Wondering which foods contain these wonder components, look no further, here’s a list:

• Vegan Options – Nuts (walnuts, almonds), turmeric, blueberries, broccoli, avocado, spinach, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, coconut oil.
• Non-vegan Options – Salmon, eggs, dark chocolate.

3. Study with a partner

Studies show that humans function better in a group, or with a partner, in general. Due to our social nature, we tend to look for safety and a sense of team to be performing at our optimum level. More than that, studying with a partner ensures that we complete what we aimed to do. It encourages us to focus better, and in case we are stuck at a particular problem, our study partner can always help out. It is in fact, one of the most fruitful ways to ensure successful study sessions.

4. Exercise for a sharper memory

Exercise guarantees a healthy body, and an even healthier brain. It stimulates the production of endorphins (a chemical naturally released in the brain to reduce pain, that in large amounts can make you feel relaxed or full of energy). Endorphins lower cortisol levels (a hormone produced as response to stress), and increases energy levels. Studying gets easier as you feel motivated, confident, and happier.

5. Organization is key

Organize your study space, your time table, your exam day, and your life in general. The more ordered your timeline is, the easier it is to escape chaos and focus. The time tables that you set, should be a doable allocation of study material to the time in question. A clutter-free desk results in a clutter-free mind. You can easily find your required materials, and start studying without having to waste time searching for everything in a mess.

6. Originality is inspirational

Study in the way you find comfortable. You shouldn’t be bothered if it takes you a little while longer than your friend to study a particular topic. Set your own time table, and device your own study techniques like writing down pointers, making flashcards, or just plain highlighting the text. It is always best to trust your own gut when it comes to planning for your future.

Now, that you have a few pointers as guidelines, don’t just stick to them. Be innovative, and find ways to add your own twist to these hacks. It is after all your study sessions. And the most important of all is to always believe in yourself and the dream you want to achieve. All the best!

1.Assess your needs

The first essential step to creating a GMAT study plan is to figure out what you need from that GMAT study plan. For example, if you are already reaching your goal score in quant, it would be a waste of time to focus equally on quant and verbal. In order to assess your needs, you should start by taking a GMAT practice test. You can get two free from GMAC, when you download their GMAT prep software.

2.Learn the Core Strategies and Concepts

After you figure out where you weaknesses are and how far you are from your target score, then you can work to improve your weak spots by learning strategies and concepts. For some question types, like reading comprehension and reading comp, you will only need to learn strategy. For other question types, such as sentence correction and the quantitative section, you will need to learn many rules and formulas to do well. Thus, it is important to understand and memorize this important information through either a course or comprehensive strategy guide set. The best way to remember things is to take notes, so make sure that you do this.

3.Practice, Practice, Practice

You then need to practice this new found knowledge by doing lots of practice questions. I recommend that you save the official guides for this section. They are the best sources for practice questions since they have actual retired GMAT questions in them. This is also the time to work on your pacing, which means finding the right balance between speed and accuracy. The first step is improving your accuracy. There is no point to getting a good level of speed if you aren’t being accurate. So, start by doing practice questions without worrying about timing. After you have achieved your desired accuracy level, then work on improving your speed.

4.Build mental endurance

The GMAT is kind of like a mental marathon. People aren’t capable of running for four hours straight without any training. Likewise, people cannot fully concentrate for four hours straight without training. If you have already done a lot of practice questions then you have already begun building your mental endurance. The final step is to take at least five full-length practice tests. Try to simulate the test experience as much as possible. This means that you should take the IR and AWA sections and only allow yourself the allotted 8-minute breaks.

5.Give yourself a break

It is also important to give yourself breaks. If you are very tired and aren’t being productive with your studying, take a quick nap or meditate. It is also important to give yourself one day off from the GMAT per week, so that you don’t overdo it. And on the last day before your exam, you shouldn’t do any studying, to ensure that you show up refreshed and relaxed on test day.