Looking to ace that math test next week? Girl, I’m here for you. I know that with everything else going on in your life, doing well in school can seem super tough – but I’ve got a super easy tip that will help you get good grades.
A new study shows that mindfulness training can help improve your test scores. Mindfulness training is basically meditating, so what researchers are saying is that meditation can help make your test grades better. So, basically, thinking about absolutely nothing is the way to get a 4.0. Sounds kind of odd, right?
Yeah, but apparently, it works. Researchers found that this training, “which teaches how to center one’s thoughts on the present moment,” improved GRE scores and memory. They studied a group of college students. One group spent 45 minutes, four days a week for two weeks learning about a specific subject, while the other group spent the same amount of time learning how to clear distracting thoughts out of their head.
All of the students studied took two tests before and after the research period. The researchers found that the mindfulness training “significantly improved” their GRE scores and their working memory test scores.
Basically, researchers discovered that when students were better able to control their minds and not have their thoughts wander all over the place, they were able to get better grades. The mindfulness training helped them learn how to clear their heads and focus on the test in front of them, rather than their plans for the next weekend or something like that. So what it comes down to is less distraction equals good grades – which is kind of a no-brainer.
So how can you apply this to your life? While I definitely wouldn’t cross studying off the list entirely (you obviously need to know the materials before you take the test, this isn’t a miracle or anything), I would say that you should also try incorporating meditating into your study time. Or maybe set aside 30 minutes a day to work on meditation. Researchers in this study has students sit with their legs crossed and gaze lowered and had them focus their attention on one sensory experience, like breathing or tasting something or hearing something. You then allow your mind to rest for that time instead of trying to control what you’re thinking about.
Granted, this is easier said than done – it can be hard to sit silently without any interruptions, especially in the days of Facebook and Twitter and constant text messages. But maybe this could be good for you. And if it can get you better grades, I’d say it’s worth it, right?
Plus, mindfulness training can help you with other stuff also. It’s been shown to help with depression, anxiety during sex and even ADHD. It can be sort of relaxing, so that also may help you with stress. Positives all around!
Do you think you’ll try meditating to get better grades? What are your tips for getting good grades? Does this sound stupid to you? Tell me in the comments.