Organise your environment.

Start by organising your environment. Recycle all the surplus papers cluttering up your space. Clear your computer's desktop. Prepare to make your study zone work for you. If you're a born minimalist just make sure you file the essentials before you clear out the excess! If you're the creative sort who likes an 'eclectic' environment make space now for all those mind maps, you know you'll produce lots! For practical suggestions on how to put paper in it's place have a peek at Julie Morgenstern's "Organising From the Inside Out".

Review your resources and systems.

Purchase, in advance, all the pencils, notepads, sticky-notes, and folders you'll need. Back-up your computer and defragment the hard drive now. File core text and computer documents into logical sequences before you start that thesis. Then schedule regular time into your study timetable in which to review and update those systems.

Plan your scedule.

Identify your optimum learning time and schedule the most important learning tasks into that time period. If you are going to bed before midnight and getting at least seven hours sleep the chances are your optimum learning time will be 8am till 11am. For most people the mid-afternoon 'slump' (anywhere from 1pm to 4pm) is a definite no-no for effective learning. Don't even attempt to learn new material then, consolidation of the morning's learning is about the best you can hope for.

Select sounds for success.

Did you know that relaxing background music optimises learning ability? Largo movements from string concertos by Baroque composers are ideal accompaniments to study. They reduce anxiety, enhance focus and increase information retention. The sixty beats a minute tempo evokes your 'alpha' state. This is a mental state that enables you to be fully present to the task at hand. Look up 'music for accelerated learning' on the net for specific 'alpha' pace music suggestions. Or check out John M. Ortiz's lists of appropriate classical and contemporary music in "The Tao of Music".

Take regular breaks.

Regular breaks for fresh air and exercise are essential to effective study. Make time every couple of hours to reconnect with your physical self and relax any muscle tension in the process. If you're really reluctant to 'turn off' from studying for a short walk then create a self-study audio tape or crib sheet and learn as you go.

Optimise your diet.

Pay attention to your diet. Stay off the caffeine and ban the booze. Even a little intoxication disturbs your mental alertness. If parts of your system are off chasing down stimulants then there is less of you learning. Eat small regular meals for stable energy levels. Base your meals on complex carbohydrates, quality sources of protein, controlled amounts of healthy fats and plenty of vegetables. Keep your level of refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats as low as you can bear. Remember: if your blood sugar level stays steady then you're less likely to get intellectual seasickness (aka that "Is this gonna stay in me or not?" feeling).

Maintain balance in your life.

Allow yourself some quality 'downtime' when your brain starts feeling fuddled. Meditating for twenty minutes, taking a short nap or stretching along to a yoga video can all help you regain your centre. Once you're more relaxed then review your schedule and get honest with yourself about the pace of your timetable. Remember, there's only 168 hours in your week, around 16 hours in your waking day and only sixty minutes in an hour. Most importantly, there's only ONE of you! You must be selective about your learning goals. Let the less important ones go. Balance is naturally achieved when you focus on what really matters to you.

About the Author:

Elizabeth Gallagher is a Human Development Facilitator, Hypnotherapist and Coach. To find out how she can help you optimise your personal and professional growth, visit www.wisecaterpillar.com.

Wise Caterpillar Wisdom

"Learning is the greatest game in life and the most fun. All children are born believing this and will continue to believe this until we convince them that learning is very hard work and unpleasant. Some kids never really learn this lesson and go through life believing that learning is fun and the only game worth playing. We have a name for such people. We call them geniuses."

Glenn Doman