10 Study Tips to Improve Your Learning in 2015

The new calendar year is your opportunity to review study methods that work for you and where you can make improvements for 2015. There’s still time to make your new year’s resolutions and these study tips can help you improve your strategy to achieve your study goals and ambitions.

Keep reading for our list of the biggest study tips to start the new year on track. Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments at the end.

1. Set Study Goals

You may have set study goals at the beginning of the academic year so January is the ideal time to step back and review your progress. Ask yourself some key questions; did you set realistic goals? Do you need to work harder now to achieve your goals? Ensure that your study plan is based on your study goals as the two are so closely linked.

2. Build a Study Plan

Break the cycle of cramming for tests before it starts by creating an effective study plan. Cramming is a last resort for students who have left themselves with no other option. Don’t be that student! It’s not a sustainable way to learn. Take the time at this point to prioritise your study plan which will motivate you to the end of the school year.

3. Take Regular Study Breaks

You’re not a superhero, there’s no way you can do it all without giving yourself time to recover from the work you are putting in. Along with your study goals, integrating personal time and study breaks into your study routine is important for numerous reasons.

A study conducted in the United States proved that going for a walk 20 minutes before an exam boosts your brain power. This idea can be applied to regular studying also.

4. Embrace New Technologies

Do you think studying = pen + paper + textbook? The education community has progressed to a new level where technology is a staple in almost every classroom. Just take a look at the recent #HourofCode project that over 90 million people have tried (so far!) to see how advanced our nations have become. If you want to try a new learning technology, get started with ExamTime’s free tools here.

5. Ask for Help

University students have access to a number of invaluable services including library courses, study skills workshops and IT services. These facilities are in most cases free so you have no reason not to use them. Investigate the services that are available in your school or university and keep a mental note of what you may find useful in the future so you can save time and money.

6. Find a Healthy Balance

Take this opportunity to evaluate yourself both physically and mentally. Is your engine running on low? Stop saying “I never get enough sleep” or “I’m eating too much convenience food” and do something about it!Make the change and see how it positively affects your study routine, this should motivate you to maintain a healthy balance going forward.

7. Be Positive

Your attitude has a big impact on the level of study that you get done and the effectiveness of your learning process. If you keep saying that you can’t do it and won’t commit to the idea of learning, attempting to study will become even harder for you. Keep your chin up and be positive, you are the one who controls your future. If you’re having a moment of weakness, take a look at these motivational quotes for some inspiration.

8. Collaborate with Study Partners

At this stage of the school year, you should know your classmates pretty well. This is a good point in time to select a couple of study partners who you know you work well with and are motivated to achieve good grades also. Don’t worry if you can’t meet up too often, you can use online tools like the new ExamTime Groups tool to communicate and share study notes with each other.

9. Make Studying Fun!

Many students don’t like to study because they associate it with doing work. Clever educators have recognised this and used teaching strategies such as “Gamification” and the “Flipped Classroom” to engage their students in theory they find challenging. Even if your teacher isn’t using these methods, you can integrate some fun into your study by playing a game with timed flashcards and sharing quizzes with your friends.

10. Establish a Good Study Routine

Your study routine is comprised of more than planning what to learn and when. One of the main concerns is your study environment.

Find a place to study which is quiet and has a low level of distractions. Alternatively, you could also try switching it up by sitting in a different place in your school library every day and see how this works for you.

These study tips will encourage you to embrace this opportunity as a fresh start. Build your new year’s resolutions based on these pointers to ensure you are focused for the remainder of the school year.

10 Commandments for healthy hair

10 Commandments for healthy hair (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

Every woman dreams of thick, silky, lustrous hair. So, if you want to be the envy of all your friends follow our Ten Commandments, for beautiful healthy hair. 

Protect your hair

Yes, protection is one of the best way to keep all your hair troubles at bay. Try to protect your hair from extreme temperature, sun, dirt and pollution. These can be responsible for causing infection on your scalp, which will lead to hair fall, dandruff and other hair problems.

Handle with care

After a shower, make sure you don't brush your hair immediately, as this can cause hair damage. Wet hair is weak and fragile. So, wait until your hair dries up and then gently comb your hair.

Condition your hair

To avoid frizzy hair, make sure you moisturise your hair with a good conditioner. After conditioning your hair, wash it off thoroughly and then allow it to air-dry.

Don't make hair styling a habit

Most hair styling products generate lots of heat, which can damage hair, if you them on a regular basis. Never overuse, your hair styling products, and always use a good hair serum, to minimise damage.

Avoid tying your hair tight

The more you twist and turn your hairband, the more you will be damaging your hair. Instead, of tying your hair all the time, leave it loose or use a headband or a clip.

Cleanse your hair thoroughly

The most important reason for hair fall is dandruff and an itchy scalp. Therefore, maintain optimum cleanliness, if you want to flaunt your hair in public.

Prepare your hair mask

Once a week, treat your hair to a good hair mask, this will give your hair some essential nutrients. Hair masks are easy to prepare. Simply mash a banana, add some egg, mix it and apply it on your hair. Wash it off after 30 minutes.

Eat right food

Besides, treating your hair to a good hair mask and conditioner, you also need to give essential nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat a balanced diet, this will help your hair grow quickly and add lustre and shine.

Oil your hair

Make sure you oil your hair at least once a week. Oiling your hair once a week is very important, as it boosts blood flow to the scalp. You can either use coconut oil or almond oil to get shiny, thick hair.

Brush your hair regularly

Brush your hair, to spread the naturally present oil across the scalp. This will help to add lustre and shine to your hair
.

Holidaying at home? Here is how to save money!

Holidaying at home? Here is how to save money! (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images)

With summer comes heavy expenditure on shopping for cool fabrics and travelling to coolest locations, but if you are planning to be home and save money, try out simple and easy tips. 

Andrew Stone, energy technology expert and operations development manager with energy saving experts Zenith Home, offers simple tips on how to save money by being more energy efficient this summer, reports femalefirst.co.uk. 

Dine al fresco: With the first sign of summer comes every man's innate desire to get out the Barbeque (BBQ). Scrap the oven and microwave, the BBQ is a great way to make delicious food and soak up the British summer sun, whilst saving money on your energy bills. 

Exit the fan club: Keep the heat from soaking into your house by closing all blinds and windows. When the sun goes down, open your windows to let the cool breeze circulate through your home. These tips will keep your rooms cool and will mean there's no need for a fan in the evening. 

Turn down the heat: As much as we love long hot showers on a cold winter's day, in the summer months it's a cooling shower we all crave. Turning the temperature down is not only refreshing and better for your hair and skin, it also speeds up your shower time, saving you money. 

Switch off and unplug: Many household appliances such as TVs and computers kick out a lot of heat so take this opportunity to switch off and enjoy the lighter evenings with family and friends. Not only will this save on your bills but it will also help in keeping your rooms cooler. 

Air dry don't hair dry: Not only does your hair dry much quicker in the summer sun, it's also far better for your hair than using your hairdryer as well as a more energy efficient option that will save you a few pennies.

How caffeine affects boys, girls after puberty

How caffeine affects boys, girls after puberty (Thinkstock Photos/ Getty Images)

After puberty, boys and girls experience different heart rate and blood pressure changes after consuming caffeinated sodas and energy drinks, new research says.

Girls also experience some differences in caffeine effect during their menstrual cycles, it added.

Previous studies have shown that caffeine increases blood pressure and decreases heart rate in children, teens and adults - including pre-adolescent boys and girls.

"We found an interaction between gender and caffeine dose, with boys having a greater response to caffeine than girls," said Jennifer Temple, an associate professor at University at Buffalo's School of Public Health and Health Professions.

Researchers also found differences in responses to caffeine across the menstrual cycle in post-pubertal girls, with decrease in heart rate and increase in blood pressure.

"In this study, we were looking exclusively into the physical results of caffeine ingestion," Temple added.

The study, titled "Cardiovascular Responses to Caffeine by Gender and Pubertal Stage," was published in the Pediatrics journal.

Ideas to hipsterize your room

Ideas to hipsterize your room

Here's how...

Go vintage :
A record player would be the ideal choice. But if you can't get your hands on one, find a vintage camera, lamp, clock or even candlesticks.

Pick Indie :
Choose indie bedspreads and posters. Find furniture that suits the theme. The older, the better.

Poster walls :
Find motivational, vintage or movie posters. Or if you can, take a lot of polaroid photos. Make a poster/photo wall.

Go crazy :
You can never over do when hipsterizing your room. Add as many things as you want. Hang fairylights or drapes around you bed. Have lots of throw cushions on your bed.

Color 'em funky :
The best thing about being able to hispterize your room is that there is no color scheme. Get ten things in ten different colors and it'll still go well with the room.

The music :
Play some indie music in the background. Underground music and other indie bands like The Smiths, Neutral Milk Hotel, Bon Iver, Death Cab for Cutie and Arcade Fire are simply examples.

Add magic to your home decor

Add magic to your home decor (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images)

Bring in the change in your decor. 

Proper lighting: Lighting can make or break a room: Mood lighting is very essential part of decor. Invest in a nice table lamp. Even hanging lamps will add much magic to your room.

A little bit of greenery: The sure shot way to add life to your room is to have an element of greenery in the room. Having plants in a room also has a soothing effect on one's mind. You can also have fresh flowers in the vase. The fragrance of jasmine in a room really uplifts the soul. In your kitchen, add a small herb garden to your windowsill to add life to the room. Plus, they taste great!

Framed memories: Photographs are wonderful ways to add warmth and a sense of vibrancy to your home decor. Photographs that recall fond memories also can give a personal touch to your home. It brings in loads of happy memories. If you have old family photographs, then have these framed and hang them on the wall. Choose your frames carefully. A frame adds much life to photographs.

Fabric magic: Fabric is an easy and inexpensive way to combine all the elements of your room. Break in the monotony and play with your imagination. Think beyond only the ready-made fabric. Have fun by combining patterns, styles and different textures of fabric in accessories and furniture.

Best emergency braid styles to try

Try various braid styles - best emergency hairstyle (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images)

Braids can be a saviour as an emergency hairstyle when you're unable to wash your locks. From a French braid fringe to snake braid, you can experiment with different types of the hairdo.

Here's a list of braid styles, reportsfemalefirst.co.uk:

French braid fringe: Create a side parting and, taking the front section from the bigger side, make a plait. Secure it with a thin elastic band or add a flower to hide the elastic.

Front cascading braid: Create a side parting and start braiding directing the hair towards the face as if achieving a braided fringe. To make a neat braid, make sure you have three hair bundles of equal volume.

Snake braid: Create a side parting and part your hair into three sections. Braid as normal, but take more hair from the top with each twist. Control the shape of the braid by taking looser sections of the hair from the top so the braid goes down on the slight angle.

When you reach the opposite side of your head drop the braid down and turn to start braiding to create the second part of the snake. It will almost go like a soft zigzag. Once you finish plaiting, secure your braid using an elastic band or bobby pins.

Beauty products for oily skin

Beauty products for oily skin (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

Women with oily skin often have to take care when it comes to picking beauty products.

Here are a few tips to help you pick out beauty products for oily skin.

- Pick moisturisers which are non-comedogenic - these do not cause pimples.

- Use gels or lotions instead of creams as the latter will make your skin look greasier.

- Look for face washes with salicylic acid. This cuts through the excess oil and gets rid of blackheads.

- Always remember to apply sunscreen and make sure that the sunscreen is oil free.