{"id":1263,"date":"2022-07-18T16:55:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-18T16:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=1263"},"modified":"2025-10-06T14:07:41","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T22:07:41","slug":"setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors","title":{"rendered":"Setting Yourself Up for Success: Study Strategies, Healthy Habits, and Meeting Mentors"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#What_is_your_study_style_and_how_do_you_identify_it\" >What is your study style and how do you identify it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#What_are_learning_personas\" >What are learning personas?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#What_are_the_different_learning_strategies_that_exist\" >What are the different learning strategies that exist?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#The_Study_Cycle\" >The Study Cycle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#Spaced_Repetition\" >Spaced Repetition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#Distributed_Learning\" >Distributed Learning<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#Interleaving\" >Interleaving<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#Test-enhanced_Learning\" >Test-enhanced Learning<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#How_do_you_make_your_study_schedule\" >How do you make your study schedule?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#What_are_the_foundational_areas_of_success_in_school\" >What are the foundational areas of success in school?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#Sleep\" >Sleep<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#Activity\" >Activity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#Nutrition\" >Nutrition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#Social_Support_and_Mentorship\" >Social Support and Mentorship<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#Summary\" >Summary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>As a <strong>medical student<\/strong>, there&#8217;s nothing more important than <strong>setting yourself up for success.<\/strong> The best way to go about this is by knowing <strong>what to do and when to do it<\/strong>! To ensure you make it up there, <strong>Laura Turner, a health professional<\/strong> sheds some light on the three most important student components: <strong>study strategies, healthy habits, <\/strong>and <strong>mentors.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;ve been wondering how you can work these three things in your favor, this information will be impactful to you. For easy reading and understanding, we transformed the webinar into an easy-to-read <strong>FAQ-style article<\/strong>. Enjoy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_your_study_style_and_how_do_you_identify_it\"><\/span>What is your study style and how do you identify it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Medical learning<\/strong> involves a large volume of fast-paced information. Everything builds on each other and demands a high level of <strong>recall<\/strong>. Therefore, having a distinct <strong>strategy<\/strong> that will help you tackle your <strong>coursework<\/strong> is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Learning<\/strong> is the key component to being successful as a <strong>medical student<\/strong>. By <strong>synthesizing and retaining knowledge<\/strong> for the long term, you&#8217;ll know what to do in your studies and out in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The good news is that <strong>medicine<\/strong> and <strong>science<\/strong> are two <strong>evidence-based subjects<\/strong>. Having a <strong>learning strategy<\/strong> will allow you to go through the most crucial parts of learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reality is that <strong>no two learners are the same<\/strong>. There&#8217;s one who prefers to learn <strong>visually<\/strong> and the other <strong>orally<\/strong>. The <strong>visual learner<\/strong> will have a better understanding when they see <strong>e-concepts<\/strong>, while the <strong>oral learner<\/strong> will understand best when they hear these concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some <strong>verbal learners<\/strong> thrive when they <strong>read and write<\/strong> about concepts. <strong>Social learners<\/strong> thrive as part of <strong>group discussions<\/strong> and then move on to <strong>independent studying<\/strong>. Finally, some prefer <strong>learning alone<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No matter the category that you fall into, the most important thing to note is that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/the-osmosis-ultimate-guide-to-studying-styles\">your <\/a><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/the-osmosis-ultimate-guide-to-studying-styles\">learning style changes with circumstances<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For instance, you may be good in\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/library\/md\/foundational-sciences\/pathology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pathology<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and can study all by yourself and ace the test but may not be as good in <strong>anatomy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of <strong>anatomy<\/strong>, you may opt for a <strong>group discussion<\/strong>. There&#8217;s nothing wrong with this. We all have distinct styles and methods of going about the learning process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_learning_personas\"><\/span>What are learning personas?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Learning personas<\/strong> are fictional profiles that showcase the characteristics of a target audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2021\/08\/30\/the-osmosis-ultimate-guide-to-studying-styles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Osmosis <\/strong>developed a <strong>quiz<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0that categorizes learners into four learning personas, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The cherry picker<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The completionist<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The coursework crusher<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The wheel spinner<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To identify your learning persona, you will examine your <strong>study needs<\/strong> as well as the <strong>challenges<\/strong> that you face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2021\/08\/30\/the-osmosis-ultimate-guide-to-studying-styles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Osmosis quiz<\/strong><\/a> will allow you to go through all important factors and components that go into your <strong>study time<\/strong> to determine your <strong>study persona<\/strong>. Once this is done, the <strong>quiz builder<\/strong> will construct an <strong>action study plan<\/strong> for your specific persona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just like with <strong>learning styles<\/strong>, your <strong>learning persona<\/strong> can change depending on your circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As such, finding out your <strong>study persona<\/strong> is not a one-and-done deal. It&#8217;s something that you&#8217;ll want to <strong>revisit throughout your educational journey<\/strong>. Identifying your <strong>learning style<\/strong> and <strong>study persona<\/strong> will make learning more effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_different_learning_strategies_that_exist\"><\/span>What are the different learning strategies that exist?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There&#8217;s an array of <strong>learning strategies<\/strong> that exist. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Study_Cycle\"><\/span>The Study Cycle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is <strong>previewing material<\/strong> before attending your classes, then <strong>reviewing and studying<\/strong> it afterward. The final component is to <strong>assess the effectiveness<\/strong> of that study strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a significant part of the <strong>learning process<\/strong> as you&#8217;ll be able to <strong>break up or segment your learning<\/strong> into chunks or pieces. And that way you&#8217;ll end up <strong>learning more effectively<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spaced_Repetition\"><\/span>Spaced Repetition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the concept of <strong>reviewing and revisiting information at increasing intervals<\/strong>. By doing this, you&#8217;ll not forget what you study as easily as you would with a single revision session. In other words, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/learning-how-to-use-spaced-repetition-in-medical-school\">spaced repetition<\/a> improves retention<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First described in 1885 by <strong>Hermann Ebbinghaus<\/strong>, a <strong>German psychologist<\/strong>, this study strategy works by keeping what you learn in your <strong>working memory&#8217;s storage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don&#8217;t review it, then you are bound to forget the information. Then there will be a decrease in information retention. But if you continuously review information in spaced intervals, you&#8217;ll <strong>flatten the forgetting curve<\/strong>. Ultimately, this leads to <strong>better retention in the long term<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Spaced repetition<\/strong> is all about <strong>timing<\/strong>. The best time to review your material is just when you are starting to forget it. This will remind you and help you work towards retention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, it&#8217;s important to note that <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Spaced_repetition\">spaced repetition<\/a><\/strong> is not just about reading the same information over and over again. It&#8217;s best to <strong>mix up your learning activity<\/strong> to make the most of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For instance, if you were reading on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/library\/md\/foundational-sciences\/pathology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>pathology<\/strong><\/a>, a couple of days later, <strong>test your knowledge<\/strong> on the subject matter by the use of <strong>quizzes and\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2019\/10\/16\/medical-terminology-flashcards-on-osmosis-what-you-need-to-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>flashcards<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prioritize the repetition of any questions that you get wrong. This will help <strong>perfect your knowledge<\/strong> of those questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also helps in <strong>reducing your study time<\/strong> as you&#8217;ll not spend your time on irrelevant information, and you will focus on other things that matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/02\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png?w=700\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/02\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/02\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Distributed_Learning\"><\/span>Distributed Learning<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is <strong>spacing out your learning<\/strong> into several short segments over days or weeks. While the <strong>working memory<\/strong> is different from person to person, it carries an average capacity of <strong>three to five things at once<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/unlocking-the-secrets-of-osmosis-org-an-in-depth-look\">breaking your big exam boards into smaller pieces<\/a><\/strong> that you will cover in two to three days will serve you better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This way, you&#8217;ll enjoy <strong>better learning<\/strong> and <strong>retain more information<\/strong>. As <strong>medical learning<\/strong> is about <strong>long-term retention<\/strong>, practicing this kind of learning will help you get there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you choose <strong>distributed learning<\/strong>, remember to <strong>make a schedule<\/strong> and be <strong>specific and realistic<\/strong>. Include a <strong>break<\/strong> here and there, and you&#8217;ll <strong>increase your focus<\/strong>. Remember, your brain needs these breaks to <strong>process the information<\/strong> that you&#8217;re taking in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Interleaving\"><\/span>Interleaving<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Interleaved_practice\"><strong>Interleaving<\/strong><\/a> is all about <strong>mixing up the order of the topics<\/strong> that you are studying. According to <strong>scientific research<\/strong>, this <strong>learning strategy<\/strong> is proven to <strong>improve retention<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For instance, when you are studying, you are not thinking about how concepts are related to each other. Due to this, the information you gather will end up in your <strong>working memory<\/strong> and you&#8217;ll easily forget it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But when you <strong>interleave<\/strong>, your brain will have to find ways and figure out how concepts are related. Therefore, it will <strong>retrieve information from your long-term memory<\/strong> as you&#8217;ll continuously make <strong>comparisons, links, and connections<\/strong> of the prior information you came across. This way, you&#8217;ll have a <strong>deeper understanding<\/strong> of the information that you study, and you&#8217;ll <strong>retain more of it in the long run<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apart from remembering things for a longer period, <strong>interleaving increases your ability to apply knowledge<\/strong> quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While interleaving sounds challenging and requires a high level of organization, it is a <strong>rewarding learning strategy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Test-enhanced_Learning\"><\/span>Test-enhanced Learning<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This refers to <strong>answering questions as you study<\/strong>. It&#8217;s all about <strong>testing your knowledge<\/strong> of the subject matter. It is a great way to <strong>improve retention<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An incredible amount of <strong>research<\/strong> proves that <strong>testing your knowledge enhances learning<\/strong>. Because it&#8217;s an <strong>active learning strategy<\/strong>, it&#8217;s effective when compared to <strong>reading notes passively<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1024\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/man-using-computer.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Osmosis illustration of a student studying on a computer.\" class=\"wp-image-1266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/man-using-computer.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/man-using-computer.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/man-using-computer.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/man-using-computer.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/man-using-computer.jpg?resize=1024,1024 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When using <strong>test-enhanced learning<\/strong>, you&#8217;ll have to <strong>search through your memory<\/strong> every time you answer a question. So, the more you practice, the more you&#8217;ll recall during an exam. The more time you spend testing yourself, the easier the information will come to you in <strong>crucial moments<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The good news is that you can collect <strong>practice questions<\/strong> from the teacher or gather them <strong>online<\/strong>. Either way, <strong>review your answers<\/strong> and get a better understanding using the <strong>feedback<\/strong> that you receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doing this will also help you <strong>cultivate a better mindset toward examinations<\/strong> in general. You&#8217;ll know that exams are not just meant to assess your learning; they also provide a <strong>learning opportunity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Study strategies<\/strong> are all about figuring out <strong>how and what works best for you<\/strong> in each of your courses. It&#8217;s an opportunity to better your understanding and implement the strategies that will make you more comfortable in your <strong>learning environment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even better is the fact that the strategies lead to <strong>long-term outcomes<\/strong> that will come in handy throughout your <strong>medical career<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_make_your_study_schedule\"><\/span>How do you make your study schedule?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing how to <strong>make your study schedule<\/strong> is one of the most important parts of <strong>studying effectively<\/strong>.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-the-new-osmosis-study-schedule-tool\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Having a study schedule<\/a>\u00a0that is in tune with your <strong>study persona<\/strong> will make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Know your <strong>least and most productive times<\/strong> during the day (or night) as it will guide you on when to sit down and have a <strong>serious study session<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may be a <strong>morning reader<\/strong> who does well with a lot of <strong>silence<\/strong>. In this case, you&#8217;ll find waking up at dawn and taking a crack at your books will have the best effect. During this time, silence is often at a maximum because mostly everyone else is sleeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need a bit of <strong>background noise<\/strong> or <strong>soft music<\/strong> to study, that&#8217;s acceptable too. It&#8217;s best to go with what works well for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember only indulge in activities that will <strong>decrease your study time<\/strong>. For instance, if you answer texts and check your <strong>social media pages<\/strong> during your study time, you&#8217;ll be <strong>distracted<\/strong>. This will increase study time and you will most likely not remember everything that you read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Self-discipline is key.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_foundational_areas_of_success_in_school\"><\/span>What are the foundational areas of success in school?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The four areas of <strong>foundational success<\/strong> include <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/why-sleep-is-so-important-during-your-healthcare-training\">sleep<\/a><\/strong>, <strong>activity<\/strong>, <strong>nutrition<\/strong>, and <strong>social support<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1024\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/four-important-areas.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Osmosis illustration showing four important areas - sleep, activity, nutrition, social support.\" class=\"wp-image-1265\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/four-important-areas.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/four-important-areas.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/four-important-areas.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/four-important-areas.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/four-important-areas.jpg?resize=1024,1024 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being a good student starts with your <strong>overall wellness<\/strong>. While you want to enjoy your study time, you don&#8217;t want to do it in a way that will cause <strong>burnout<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Needless to say, you cannot achieve much if you are not in a <strong>good state of health<\/strong> at all times. You&#8217;ll be more productive if you choose to incorporate <strong>healthy habits<\/strong> into your day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sleep\"><\/span>Sleep<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sufficient sleep is important for your <strong>academic success<\/strong> because longer <strong>sleep duration<\/strong> and <strong>high-quality sleep<\/strong> are tied to <strong>high GPA levels<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you receive less than six hours of sleep in two consecutive days, your <strong>performance<\/strong> will drastically decrease because insufficient sleep lowers your <strong>thinking and focus ability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting enough sleep is important for you to <strong>recognize how you&#8217;re doing<\/strong> and to be able to successfully get through your material and to learn well. <strong>High-quality sleep<\/strong> is about sticking to a <strong>consistent sleeping schedule<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While this may sound pretty obvious, a majority of people follow an inconsistent sleeping schedule. It&#8217;s important to <strong>go to bed and wake up<\/strong> at the <strong>same time daily.<\/strong> Enjoying a bit of relaxation time before bed is a great way to <strong>calm down<\/strong> and ease into your sleeping routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, avoid <strong>caffeine<\/strong> about six hours before bed so that you&#8217;ll not stay awake most of the night. The environment should be quiet and at a good temperature. Ideally, your <strong>sleeping area<\/strong> should be <strong>comfortable<\/strong> enough to easily lure you to sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re busy throughout the day, <strong>10 to 15-minute naps<\/strong> should help you get the relaxation that you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Activity\"><\/span>Activity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Exercise<\/strong> is always a beneficial activity in our daily routines. It&#8217;s no exception in your student life. Some of the most beneficial exercises are the kind that you are willing to do regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Taking <strong>short breaks<\/strong> is an important activity that will improve your <strong>cognitive performance<\/strong> as you study. A <strong>20-minute break<\/strong> is enough to help you recharge and focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After all, the brain requires a lot of <strong>energy<\/strong> to function. As such, <strong>overworking yourself<\/strong> without taking breaks will reduce your <strong>memory capacity<\/strong> and <strong>energy function<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nutrition\"><\/span>Nutrition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some <strong>foods and drinks<\/strong> are considered <strong>memory boosters<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fish<\/strong> is associated with <strong>better retention<\/strong> and <strong>higher performance<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Berries <\/strong>and <strong>citrus fruits<\/strong> are scientifically known to improve cognitive functions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nuts <\/strong>and <strong>walnuts <\/strong>also improve your <strong>thinking ability<\/strong> and <strong>reaction time<\/strong>, along with your ability to retrieve information quickly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Social_Support_and_Mentorship\"><\/span>Social Support and Mentorship<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2021\/04\/15\/with-a-little-help-from-my-friends-the-importance-of-social-support-for-healthy-behaviors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>support<\/strong> that you receive from the people around you<\/a> \u2014 your <strong>parents, loved ones, friends, <\/strong>and <strong>peers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When things get tough, which they occasionally do, you can count on them for <strong>emotional support<\/strong>. This support is instrumental throughout your studies. It&#8217;s the kind that will cheer you up when you don&#8217;t get the results that you anticipated in your exams or when you are not feeling well. It&#8217;s this love and support that will be your driving force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It ties into your academic success because <strong>feeling alone<\/strong> in school will negatively impact your studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You are bound to perform better when you feel loved and supported by the important people in your life. In this case, you will concentrate on your studies knowing that all is well on the homefront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re looking to build a <strong>social support network<\/strong>, you have to pursue relationships with those around you and put effort into <strong>nurturing these relationships<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay in touch with your friends and family and express interest and appreciation. You&#8217;ll want to avoid competition as this will degrade the quality of your relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also be ready to provide the support that you are seeking. In case you need support outside of your friends and loved ones, your school provides additional support resources, such as <strong>mentors<\/strong> and <strong>counselors<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In your <strong>medical studies<\/strong>, mentors will serve a wide variety of roles, such as <strong>cheerleaders<\/strong>, <strong>advocates<\/strong>, and <strong>supporters<\/strong>. They&#8217;ll always make a vast impact on your life. They not only help you <strong>define your goals<\/strong> but also cheer you on as you achieve them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They will help you identify <strong>critical opportunities<\/strong> and show you how to find success in them. They open doors for you and point you in the right direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are a guide in your <strong>decision making<\/strong>, and most importantly, they will help you <strong>adapt to your learning environment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your mentor could be a senior <strong>medical student<\/strong>, a <strong>professor<\/strong>, or an <strong>upperclassman<\/strong>. They could even be administrators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even better is the fact that you can have more than one mentor, and they can all serve different roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To qualify as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-be-a-mentor\">mentor<\/a>, they should be interested and invested in your education, provide <strong>experience<\/strong> and <strong>resources<\/strong>, and be <strong>approachable and accessible<\/strong> to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a <strong>medical student<\/strong>, being adaptable to your journey and learning from those around you is part of the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It will take time and effort to figure this out. But with the right <strong>study habits<\/strong> and assistance from your <strong>social support network<\/strong> and <strong>mentors<\/strong>, you can get it all done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Circumstances will change from time to time throughout your student life and career. Adapting to change is all that matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Osmosis<\/strong> is happy to be part of your learning experience. We pride ourselves in helping <strong>current and future physicians learn, retain, and thrive.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Identify your learning style and adapt study methods accordingly.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use spaced repetition and active recall to improve retention.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise to maintain mental stamina.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Build and utilize a strong social support and mentorship network.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adapt study plans to changing circumstances for sustained success.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png?w=700\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Access your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/login?type=create\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free trial<\/a>&nbsp;to find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore key strategies for medical students to enhance learning, maintain wellness, and leverage mentorship for academic and professional success from SDN&#8217;s Laura Turner.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":226,"featured_media":1264,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27,22,23,28,16,47],"tags":[68,886,1742,84,308,474,245,385,510,192],"class_list":["post-1263","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-medicine","category-health-and-wellness","category-healthcare-facts","category-mental-health","category-do","category-study-tips-and-techniques","tag-active-recall","tag-exam-prep","tag-healthy-habits","tag-medical-education","tag-medical-students","tag-mentorship","tag-nursing-education","tag-spaced-repetition","tag-student-wellness","tag-study-strategies"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Setting Yourself Up for Success: Study Strategies, Healthy Habits, and Meeting Mentors - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Setting Yourself Up for Success: Study Strategies, Healthy Habits, and Meeting Mentors - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Explore key strategies for medical students to enhance learning, maintain wellness, and leverage mentorship for academic and professional success from SDN&#039;s Laura Turner.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/setting-yourself-up-for-success-study-strategies-healthy-habits-and-meeting-mentors\" 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