How to Make Studying Enjoyable: Tricks to Trick Your Brain

Do you often find yourself dreading studying? Do you feel like it's a chore rather than an enjoyable activity? Well, you're not alone. Many of us have been there, struggling to muster up the motivation to crack open the books. But what if I told you that studying doesn't have to be boring? In fact, with the right approach, it can actually be quite enjoyable.

In a recent blog poll, we discovered that a majority of students find studying to be a dull and tiresome task. However, after spending over a decade honing my learning skills and teaching them in a program called Study Quest, I've come to realize that studying can actually be kind of fun. Today, I want to share with you three valuable lessons from my personal journey that have transformed studying from a chore into a rewarding experience.

Lesson 1: Find the Learning Sweet Spot

Have you ever heard of the concept of desired difficulties? It's the idea that there's an optimal level of effort required for effective learning. If studying feels too easy, you'll quickly become bored. On the other hand, if it's too challenging, you'll likely feel frustrated and overwhelmed. The key is to find that sweet spot where the level of difficulty is just outside your comfort zone.

Think of it like playing a video game. If you're only playing against beginners, it'll quickly lose its appeal. But if you're constantly getting crushed by elite players, it becomes equally disheartening. Our brains crave challenge, but not futility. By hitting that sweet spot, you engage your brain in a way that's both addictive and conducive to learning.

However, it's essential to note that desired difficulties aren't just about making things harder. It's about engaging in the right type of effort. For example, simply increasing the number of repetitions or making tasks more physically challenging won't necessarily enhance your learning experience. Instead, focus on challenging yourself to think about the material in new and meaningful ways.

Lesson 2: Make it Relevant

One of the biggest reasons why studying can feel dull is because it often seems disconnected from real life. Ever find yourself wondering, "Why am I learning this? How is it relevant to me?" If so, you're not alone. The key is to make the material matter to you personally.

For instance, I used to dread studying certain subjects in medical school, like biochemistry and obstetrics. However, I found allergy medicine fascinating because I suffer from severe allergies myself. Understanding how allergies work felt like solving a puzzle related to my own health, making the material infinitely more engaging.

Similarly, finding real-world applications for the concepts you're studying can make them come alive. Whether it's watching documentaries, reading case studies, or exploring how your favorite creators or influencers utilize the information, making connections to the world around you can breathe new life into otherwise dull topics.

Lesson 3: Shift Your Mindset

Finally, studying often feels like a chore because we approach it with a mindset of obligation rather than opportunity. But what if we reframed our perspective and viewed studying as a choice rather than a burden?

Research has shown that our perception of control plays a significant role in our motivation levels. By shifting our mindset from "I have to study" to "I choose to study," we regain a sense of autonomy and agency. Suddenly, studying becomes less of a chore and more of a conscious decision to invest in our own growth and learning.

Just like baking a cake for a friend's birthday, studying can be approached with a sense of purpose and fulfillment rather than begrudging obligation. By embracing this mindset, we can find joy in the learning process itself.

In conclusion, enjoying studying isn't about the tools or techniques we use; it's about how we train our brains to engage with the material. By finding the learning sweet spot, making the material relevant to our lives, and shifting our mindset from obligation to opportunity, we can transform studying from a chore into a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Remember, studying doesn't have to be boring. With the right approach, you can trick your brain into enjoying the process and unlocking your full learning potential.