Across the country, many students suffer from procrastination and stress due to lack of studying or just having bad study habits and techniques. Procrastinating often leads to an increase in stress and anxiety, as well as the likelihood of making errors when rushing toward completion of a project. In worst-case scenarios, putting things off until the last minute can cause you to miss an important deadline. It’s important to have good study techniques so it’s easier to study and absorb valuable information.

One good study technique is to exercise before studying. According to mydegreeguide.com, exercise is most effective at generating new brain cells when it’s immediately followed by learning new information. There are short-term benefits to exercising before studying as well. Physical activity helps wake you up so you feel alert and ready when you sit down with your books.

Another effective technique to make studying or getting work done easier, is to start with the hardest assignment or problem. The hardest assignments should be done first so that you don’t spend the entire study session worrying about them. You might use unnecessary mental effort doing that. Additionally, finishing with your favorite assignments will make you feel better about your school work. You’ll be more inclined to go into your next study session with a better mindset.

Lastly, another important studying habit is to study small chunks at a time. Avoid trying to pack everything into one session if you want to remember it for the long term. Use a strategy known as spaced repetition instead: Divide the information into smaller chunks, then learn each new piece over the course of a few days or weeks. The brain saves information it considers significant. Therefore, by repeatedly reviewing a topic at scheduled times over time, you improve your memory of it.

All in all, using good studying techniques can help you avoid procrastination and stress, and it can over all help you understand whatever work you are trying to get done or subject you want to study.