Study Smarter, Not Harder: My Revision Game Plan

Jul 19, 2025

Let’s be honest—studying for hours without a strategy can feel like running on a treadmill and getting nowhere. At some point, I realised it wasn’t about how long I was studying, but how I was doing it. That’s when I ditched the all-nighters and embraced my smarter revision game plan. Here's how I approach studying without burning out.

1. I Start With a Realistic Plan (Not a Perfect One)

The key word here is realistic. I don’t make a fancy colour-coded timetable I’ll never follow. Instead, I list subjects I need to revise, break them into topics, and distribute them across my week. I leave space for breaks, flexibility, and even “do nothing” time.

Pro tip: I use the ZNotes study planner (notes, flashcards, and videos) and update it as I go. It keeps me accountable and stress-free.

2. I Focus on What Actually Matters

It’s tempting to keep rereading notes or highlighting everything in neon. But instead, I use:

  • ZNotes summaries for quick reviews
  • Past papers to figure out what topics come up often
  • Mark schemes to learn what examiners really want

This helps me avoid wasting time on things that are unlikely to show up.

3. I Use the Pomodoro Technique (with Snacks, of Course)

I study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat. After four cycles, I take a longer break. This helps my brain stay fresh and focused. I sometimes swap subjects between sessions to keep things interesting.

And yes—snacks and music are part of the deal. (Lo-fi beats = instant focus.)

4. I Teach or Test Myself (Even If I Sound Silly)

One of the smartest hacks I’ve learned: If you can teach it, you understand it. I pretend to teach a topic to a friend (or my wall). I also make flashcards or try to write answers without notes.

If I get stuck, I go back and review that bit again using… you guessed it—ZNotes.

5. I Don’t Wait Until I “Feel Like It”

Some days, motivation just doesn’t show up—and that’s okay. I’ve learned to start anyway, even if it’s just reviewing one topic. Usually, once I begin, the momentum kicks in.

6. I Make Time to Recharge

Studying smarter means knowing when not to study too. I block out time for walks, journaling, silly YouTube videos—whatever helps me recharge. My brain works best when it’s not overloaded.

Final Thought: Work Smarter, Live Better

Studying smarter isn’t a magic solution—it’s a mindset. It’s about using the right tools, managing your time, and being kind to yourself throughout the process.

So if you're reading this during a study break—great job. You’re already on the smarter path. Keep going, and good luck with your revision!

Yashvi Daftary