These days the Internet is rife with hacks for everything you can think of. There’s everything from litanies of technology hacks teaching you how to quickly tap into different features your iPhone, laptop or tablet have, to household hacks like microwaving a lemon for 30 seconds before you juice it (gets you exponentially more juice than if you don’t zap it!). I’m a self-professed “hack” devotee. I love reading different ways I can make my life easier.
So, I thought, what type of hacks would make an LSAT prep student’s life easier?
Well, I know when I was studying for the LSAT, I was a big ball of agitation and stress. Sometimes, I’d be so anxious that my nerves would actually affect my studying by making me less efficient and more distracted. I thought today, to help you battle any similar issues you’re going through due to your LSAT prep, we could delve into some “mind hacks” I’ve compiled that will make your emotional state and sense of calm.
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Listen to music that pumps you up
Now, obviously, you shouldn’t study with loud, boisterous music. But, during your breaks and/or morning ”wake-up” routine, blast some tunes! Playing music that pumps you up actually triggers a process in your mind known as anchoring. Anchors are stimuli that bring forth thoughts and emotions. One of the strongest emotional anchors is music. Play music that you associate with happy times. Make this playlist a part of your everyday life. You’ll see how quickly you’ll feel more upbeat and excited about the day. -
Smile
Smiling is one of the most powerful and simple ways you can bounce back from stress. Studies have shown that the mere act of smiling can help people feel healthier, more rejuvenated, and happier. Feeling happier will bring about a deeper sense of calm and well-being in your life—emotions you can’t get enough of while you prepare for the LSAT! -
Exercise
You should know by now that exercising is an essential part of any stress-relieving routine. Not only will consistent exercise boost your focus and energy, but it will also improve your mood and outlook as you study. I know how busy you are. You don’t need to add large bouts of exercise into your day, if you don’t have the time. Even a mere 15 minutes a day can bring you huge changes in your state of mind. -
Be present
What do I mean by this? As you have seen by now, your studying will have ups and down. Along this LSAT prep journey, you will hit a few bumps in the road. That’s completely normal. Don’t let a bad day of studying, whether it was a low practice LSAT score or confusion on a question type, bring you down. Everyday is a new LSAT study day. Focus your attention on your goals and your improvement for each day, as opposed to missteps you took in the past.
These are just a few quick study hacks that will help you improve your focus and mood. Preparing for the LSAT is not a simple task. Why not practice some different “mind hacks” that will only serve to ease your way towards your goal LSAT score? Try a couple out!
Happy Studying!