Any one who has ever studied hard knows how tiring it can be. Many consider studying to bea rather boring but “necessary evil”. However, boredom don’t have to come with the territory. As the old adage goes “variety is the spice of life”. This definitely applies to study life. Furthermore, reducing the boredom can also reduce the mental fatigue.
We take in information through out five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell), but mainly through sight, hearing and touch. If we think of each of these senses as having separate energy sources to run them, it helps to explain why we suffer mental fatigue (see: Tools and Techniques for Positive Lasting Change). These energy sources are rechargeable but we can drain them faster if we over use one of them. So boredom, is really a warning signal that we need to do something different. The best way to avoid mental fatigue is to switch activities regularly so that the focus is not on just one sense for long periods of time. So read through your notes, condense notes, use mind maps or spider diagrams, asking and answering questions and so on. See links below for more suggestions on how to improve study skills.
The same principle applies to the business world and everyday life. Creating variety in tasks and making sure you involve more of your senses will help prevent mental fatigue. Finally, never underestimate the power of a glass of water. Keeping rehydrated can help maintain optimal cognitive functioning.
Suggestions: Please add comments for suggestions for future study skills posts.
Links:
- A Letter To Students – How to Study (for Success)
- Study Skills Top Tips
- Music to Study By
- Elite Performance Book: Don’t Wait For Your Ship To Come In. . . Swim Out to Meet It!
- Coaching with Gary Wood
- Student Enquiries
