Need to study? Stress less with these tips.

Nobody enjoys studying, but, like wedgies and people who walk really slowly in front of you, it's just one of those things you have to put up with in life. Studying is really important, especially around exam time; so if you struggle to stay focused, try these tips to make the process less painful:

• Have a special study area that is quiet, well-lit, uncluttered and comfortable.
• Organise your notes so that you know where everything is and don't need to go into panic mode because you can't find something!
• Ask your teacher about the exam beforehand. It helps to know what kinds of questions you'll be asked - like multiple choice, short answer or extended response. Do practice questions or past exams, if you can - it'll help you turn all that study knowledge into good answers.
• Create a timetable for yourself, scheduling in realistic amounts of study time - don't put down more than you could possibly do, because if you can't live up to it then you'll just stress more. But also don't put down less time than you need, because you'll be giving yourself an excuse not to study - and as good as that sounds, you'll just be worse off come exam time.
• Be aware of exam dates and plan ahead so you can study a little every day instead of having a major cram-sesh the night before.
• Make a to-do list of what you want to get done in each study session. Again, make it realistic - too much or too little to do won't help you.
• For every 50 minutes of study, give yourself a 10 minute break. After a few hours of doing this, have a longer break - half an hour or an hour. Doing this will refresh you and help you to focus.
• Treats are a great motivator - if you finish something you needed to do, reward yourself with some fun when you have a break or have finished studying.
• Exercise regularly, even if it's just running on the spot when you have a 10 minute break. This will energise both your mind and body and fight the stiffness that comes with study.
• Rather than just re-reading what you've done in class, try taking notes and making summaries - this will help you remember the information. If you're more of a visual person, use pictures and mind maps to jog your memory. Figure out what works best for you and use it!
• Get together with a study buddy or group to quiz each other and talk about any problems you're having.
• If you still don't understand something you have been studying, go to the teacher for help before the day of the exam. Don't feel silly about asking - they'll be happy to help!