5 Tips to StudySTRONG During the Holiday Season

Key takeaways:

1. Looking for a way to mix up your holiday study routine? Stay motivated and join our 14-Day Study Challenge! 
2. Remember that Winter Break and time off from work present a precious opportunity to bond with family and to prevent burnout in your medical career. Here's your reminder not to overdo it. 
3. Involve loved ones in your study process to provide motivation and make learning more interactive.
4. Opt for shorter, daily study periods rather than long, infrequent sessions. This approach is more manageable and effective amidst the busy holiday season.
5. Leverage travel time for studying and change your study environment, like visiting a coffee shop.

It's that time of the year—overflowing with patient visits, charting, holiday shopping, family plans, and holiday parties! Amidst the hustle and bustle, maintaining focus on your studies might seem like a daunting task. However, with strategic planning, the holiday season can be a productive time for advancing your medical knowledge. Below are 5 quick tips to help you stay on top of your study goals this season! 

Note! Before diving into the details, remember that Winter Break and time off from work present a precious opportunity to bond with family and unwind from the demanding pace of a medical career. While it's beneficial to carve out study time during the holidays to stay on track, it's equally important to prioritize quality moments with loved ones and indulge in your favorite activities. Balance is key when planning your time during this season!

1. Stay motivated with a study challenge!

Don't miss out on our 14-Day Study Challenge! This challenge is designed specifically for medical students and physicians who want to focus some time and energy to studying over the next 14 days. By joining, you'll receive daily emails, each packed with powerful strategies to kickstart your productivity, present a fresh challenge to conquer, and keep you inspired.

Dive into evidence-based learning techniques, expertly crafted to enhance your study routine. Plus, you'll gain access to a treasure trove of tips for sustaining motivation and steering clear of study slumps. This challenge isn't just about studying harder; it's about studying smarter. 

2. Keep your loved ones in the loop 

Spending time with friends and family over the next couple of months? Be sure to communicate your study plans. This way, they'll be aware of the times you have blocked off to study. They might even help keep you accountable and motivated!

Don't forget that you can get them involved too! While visiting, ask them to help out by quizzing you on flashcards or Qbank+ questions. Explain a concept to a loved one, when we explain things to others, we remember them better! And, adding stories to your study material helps you remember it—any interesting family stories you can tie in? 

3. Opt for shorter, focused study sessions

The holidays are jam-packed with fun gatherings and events, so focusing for a little time each day instead of planning multiple full-day study sessions may be more productive. Plus, it can be hard to study with people around. So try waking up early to get in some study time before everyone is up, or stay up a little late and study when everyone else is winding down for the night.

4. Prioritize your time 

While developing your study plan, be sure to set aside time for family, holiday events, and relaxing. It is your holiday after all, and you don’t want to burn yourself out by studying all day. Remember: Try not to even think about studying while you're away from your books—this will help you avoid burnout. 

5. Study while you travel

If your holiday plans involve travel, use the days before or after departure for more extended study sessions. Traveling presents an opportunity for multitasking—study flashcards, review books, or watch video board reviews during flights, train rides, or car journeys.

Utilize audio learning tools 

Make the most of your travel time by listening to Audio Pearls for Internal Medicine or Pediatrics. This is especially useful during activities where your eyes are occupied, like driving or navigating through an airport. Audio pearls are a great way to absorb information passively.

Use mobile apps on-the-go

Take advantage of the MedStudy app for your Qbank+ products. It's great for answering Q&As on-the-go from your phone or tablet. This approach allows for flexible and convenient study sessions, whether you're waiting for a flight, riding on a train, or relaxing in your hotel room. The MedStudy app is designed to make learning engaging and accessible, no matter where your travels take you. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play. 

Mix up your study environment

If staying with family, consider studying in different locations, such as a local library or nearby coffee shop. Changing study environments contributes to the formation of unique retrieval cues, enhancing memory recall during exams.

Use your phone's timer

Set a timer to structure your study time, alternating between challenging and easier topics to keep your mind engaged.

You can also use your timer while you exercise during the day. Even just going for a walk around the block or taking some time to stretch will boost your concentration. 

Don't forget to treat yourself after each successful study session!