Studying doesn’t always feel natural. I can’t count how many nights I’ve stared at the same page, reread the same paragraph three times, and still had no clue what I’d just read.
That’s when it really hit me—studying isn’t just about how smart you are. It’s about how you study. The right approach can make the difference between hours of frustration and finally making progress.
If you’ve been struggling to focus or motivate yourself, I’ve put together some study tricks I’ve personally used (and discovered along the way) that make things so much easier. And the best part?
These aren’t your usual “highlight your notes” or “make flashcards” tips—you’ve probably never tried most of these before.
How to Make Studying Easier
1. Study in Reverse
Instead of starting at page one and slogging through in order, try flipping things around. Begin with the summary at the end of the chapter or jump straight into the practice questions.
Doing this shows you exactly what the important takeaways are, so when you go back to the main material, your brain already knows what it’s aiming for.
For example, if the end-of-chapter review asks about three major historical events, you’ll know to lock in on those as you read. Think of it like seeing the finish line before you start the race—it makes the whole run easier.
Related: How To Make Studying Aesthetic
2. Change the Format, Not Just the Place
Most advice says “change your environment” when you’re stuck, but I’ve found it’s even more powerful to change the format of what you’re studying.
If your notes are all text, sketch them into a mind map. If you’ve been memorizing lists, turn them into a silly story. If you’re tired of staring at the page, record yourself explaining the topic and listen back like a podcast.
By reformatting, you’re forcing your brain to reprocess the information in a new way, which makes it stick. It’s almost like tricking yourself into thinking you’re learning something fresh, even though it’s the same material.
Related: How Many Hours Should You Study a Day?
3. Pretend You’re Debating Someone
Here’s a fun one: instead of just memorizing, argue against the very thing you’re studying. Say you’re learning why photosynthesis is essential—try arguing the opposite: “Life could survive without photosynthesis.”
To make that argument, you’ll need a really deep grasp of the real facts. You’ll quickly see where your understanding is weak, and when you switch back to the correct side, you’ll know the material from more than one angle. It’s like giving your brain a full workout instead of just lifting light weights.
Related: How To Study One Night Before The Exam
4. Use the 3–1 Rule
Most people read endlessly before testing themselves, but that’s a trap for passive learning. I like using the 3–1 rule: for every three minutes of reading, I stop for one minute to write down everything I remember without looking back.
Say you’ve just read a few paragraphs about cell biology—close the book and jot the main ideas in your own words.
Then check what you missed. These mini self-quizzes keep you engaged and make sure you’re actually learning, not just moving your eyes across the page.
5. Anchor Knowledge to Everyday Actions
One of the easiest ways to study without even realizing it is to tie knowledge to small daily habits. For example, I review new vocabulary words while brushing my teeth, recall historical dates while waiting for coffee to brew, or mentally rehearse a formula while tying my shoes.
Over time, these little routines act like “anchors” that trigger your memory. It doesn’t feel like studying because you’re folding it into things you already do. And the bonus? You’ll remember material faster because your brain links it with familiar actions.
Related: 8 Essential Study Skills for High School Success
6. Build a “Mistake Journal”
Regular notes are great, but a mistake journal? That’s where the real magic happens. This is a separate notebook where you only write down things you got wrong—questions you missed, formulas you messed up, or concepts that keep tripping you.
Our brains pay extra attention to errors, so when you review this journal, you’re laser-focusing on your weak spots instead of wasting time on what you already know. It’s incredibly satisfying to flip back later and see fewer and fewer mistakes as you improve.
Related: 8 Effective Ways to Study When You Are Sick
7. Add Friction to Easy Stuff, Remove Friction from Hard Stuff
This one’s all about balance. If something feels way too easy, make it harder—explain it backwards, race against a timer, or push yourself with a tougher version of the problem. This keeps your brain engaged and prevents boredom.
But if something feels overwhelming, ease up the friction. Break it into smaller steps, color-code it, or tie it to a real-life example. For instance, instead of trying to power through a 20-page chapter, just summarize one page at a time. Adjusting the challenge level this way keeps you moving without burning out.
8. Study Right Before Sleep (But Not in Bed)
We all know sleep helps memory, but here’s a twist: study right before bed. When you review a tricky concept just before sleeping, your brain keeps working on it as you rest, making it stick better. The catch?
Don’t study in bed. Keep your bed as a sleep-only space so your brain doesn’t start associating it with stress. Do your last review at a desk, then move to bed afterward. That way, you wake up with a stronger grasp of the material—without the misery of an all-nighter.
Related: 9 Effective Ways to Study Without Feeling Sleepy
9. Gamify Your Distractions
Let’s be real—phones and social media aren’t going away. So instead of trying (and failing) to block them completely, turn them into study tools.
Make a deal with yourself: every time you unlock your phone, you have to recall one fact, definition, or formula before opening anything else. Want to check Instagram? First list the causes of World War I. Scrolling TikTok? Define osmosis. Suddenly, your distractions aren’t derailing you—they’re sneaky review sessions.
Related: How to Study Like a Harvard Student
10. Create a “Why It Matters” Page
Sometimes the hardest part of studying isn’t the material—it’s feeling like it doesn’t matter. To fix this, make a page in your notebook titled “Why It Matters.” For every subject, write down why it’s useful, how it shows up in real life, or how it connects to your goals.
For example, physics explains how planes fly, how cars move, and how energy works all around us. Once your brain sees the bigger picture, studying stops feeling like pointless busywork and starts feeling like a way of understanding the world.
Final Thoughts
Making studying easier isn’t about finding shortcuts—it’s about studying in a way that works with your brain instead of against it.
Whether it’s rethinking your approach, using mistakes as stepping stones, or tying information to your everyday life, these strategies can completely change how studying feels.
Try just one or two of these next time you sit down with your books. Once you figure out which ones click for you, you’ll realize studying doesn’t have to drain you. It can actually feel manageable—and dare I say—enjoyable.
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