It’s that time of year again: deadlines are looming, you’re trying to revise and you want to ace your exams!
You’re going to tackle that tricky maths equation in a minute, as soon as you’ve replied to Ben’s WhatsApp. Actually, you should probably update your Facebook status to let everyone know how hard you’re working, and you need to find out who’s going to the party on Saturday.
Come to think of it, you have so many notifications on your phone, maybe you should put off revision until later...
Does that sound familiar? If so, check out these top facts on why taking a digital detox by having a break from your digital devices during revision week can help you get the grades you deserve! Share these tips with your friends and let them know how much of a difference it made to your studies. Here are the benefits of doing a digital detox for revising...
Benefits of a digital detox for revising
1. It will increase your confidence
By taking a break from surfing the net and checking social media accounts, you will focus on your own life instead of other people’s lives. The more time you can spend on improving yourself, the happier and healthier your life will be.
2. It will increase your focus and concentration
If you’re trying to solve problems and understand new or complex information, you need your brain to focus on one thing at a time. If you can hear the alerts arriving on your phone then you will be distracted, even if you don’t read them! Let your brain do its job, focus on the important things and don’t get side-tracked.
3. Your memory will improve
The last thing you want while you’re revising, or even worse, during the exam is to struggle to remember those important facts. When you spend too much time flicking through video clips and selfies you aren’t exercising your memory. Switch off now and work those brain cells!
4. You’ll sleep better
You need to sleep well to learn well. Spending too much time looking at screens exposes you to artificial blue light, which makes you feel more alert. Your body needs time to wind down before you go to bed. If you’re still looking at your phone after you get into bed for the night you need to break the habit!
In one study over a third of teenagers interviewed admitted to falling asleep while using their phone in bed. If you find it difficult to drift off, try reading a book, listening to a podcast or just counting sheep.
5. You’ll feel happier
There is a lot of research which supports the idea that too much internet use can make you feel sad or depressed. While you’re preparing for exams you want to feel as happy as possible. Who wants to feel sad or blue while they’re revising? You need to stay positive and relaxed!
6. You’ll feel less anxious and stressed
If you’re busy replying to every message that arrives and checking out all those status updates on Facebook then you aren’t spending time revising, and that won’t make you feel less stressed about your exams. If you get through your revision you will feel in control and you can tick off each subject as you finish it. Lots of people feel a little nervous about exams so find ways to remove other causes of stress and anxiety.
7. You’ll find it easier to answer questions and understand new topics
Over-use of your devices makes it harder for your brain to analyse information and think critically. If you’re struggling to understand something that you need to know for your Chemistry exam then you need to make sure that you can think clearly and understand what’s being asked of you.
8. You’ll have time for more healthy activity
You need to look after yourself while you’re studying! Taking regular breaks to move around, get some fresh air, have a drink and a healthy snack will keep you productive and stop you burning out. It’s important not to drain yourself too much, so look after your body and mind.
9. You’ll have more time to spend with people in real life, not just on your phone
Spending time with people face-to-face helps you to build support networks, lets people see how you are and allows them to identify ways in which they can help you during stressful times. If you usually interact with people online or over the phone they can’t read your body language and facial expression. Let people see how you’re really feeling. It’s also much nicer celebrating your successes if you’re in a room with all your friends and family instead of using a group chat!
10. It will decrease your need for instant gratification
Studying is a long-term project: you are putting in the effort now to get rewards later on. This is such an important life skill and it’s much easier to learn now than later in life! Build good habits early on and you will thank yourself later. Using your devices encourages your brain to expect instant rewards and, sadly, that isn’t how life usually works. Learn to be patient and it will pay off.
At Educo London our tutors go that one step further to help you gain confidence while studying. If you would like more information on our classes please don't hesitate to get in touch: info@educolondon.com