Bring the Calm: 12 Game-Changing Ways to Study Smarter As a Paramedic

College can feel stressful. But if you can master focus and calm, you can better master study habits. So how can bringing these skills to your back-to-school study habits help you? Here are 12 ways paramedics can study smarter: 

1. Get in the Zone

Deep, focused work begins with flow, a time of being completely absorbed in what you are doing. Balancing your skills with the challenge at hand can immerse you in flow. As such, you lose yourself in your focus on the task. You study smarter as a paramedic with routine study habits rather than final-month cramming for exams. In this way, you optimize your likelihood for flow. This also offsets your stress so you can be more present while studying.

Creating a “pre-flow ritual” invites flow. Here, you cue your brain that you are beginning focused study. Such rituals are similar to carrying a bottle of strong Vicks handy as a paramedic to put under your nose to handle strong-smelling calls. Preparing smartly beforehand primes you for getting into the zone. 

Reduce distractions by turning your phone off, turning on your classical playlist, and getting some water beforehand. Also, remember that powerful “flow triggers,” can help too. Triggers include having a ready sense of passion, purpose and curiosity. These help you master study habits by hacking flow faster. You might feel such internal triggers for being a paramedic. Apply the same zeal to studying to advance your career.   

2. Actively Learn 

You learn better by actively engaging in the learning process rather than passively listening. Study smarter as a paramedic by processing information as long-term memory in this way. For example, recalling information aloud without notes activates stronger memory retention. This gives you better returns on your study time and effort.

3. Prioritize High-Yield Topics

In medical school, “high-yield topics” are subjects that are the most commonly tested. Review essential concepts first before trying to master more complex ones. Solving and studying prior years exam questions is the best way to identify such topics. In this way, you focus on what examiners consider to be the most critical subjects. 

Knowing the most common high-yield questions better prepares you for testing success. Remember, you don’t need to know everything, just enough to score well. 

4. Apply the 10-Minute Rule

We get so stressed because we consider the full scope of studying needed for the course. Reduce the overwhelm and procrastination with the 10-minute rule. Here, you study the most stressful subjects for only 10 minutes. Apply this rule, gain confidence and master study habits. Consider it paramedic “triage” for your most acute course study stressors. 

Face daunting subjects for 10 minutes with the courage you bring to your paramedic work. Like preparing for your paramedic career, “every mistake you make in scenarios is a victory. It is a mistake that dies on the school floor before it can hurt a patient.” Be bold in your study, knowing that each effective session brings you closer to better helping others.

5. Use the 2357 Method 

The 2357 study method uses the scientifically proven power of spaced repetition to your advantage. Spaced repetition is a memory technique that involves multiple, short reviews. When done right, it can improve memory and reduce studying time. This is how the 2357 method works: 

• From your exam date, schedule a review session for the day before;
• 2 days before that, plan another one;
• 3 days before that, schedule another session;
• 5 days prior to that, plan another review session; and
• 7 days before that, schedule your first review session.

Master your course materials in as little as 18 days. Remember to use shorter intervals for more complex topics and longer intervals for basic ones.  

6. Have an Accountability Partner

Want to keep motivated and on plan? Study smarter, not harder, by getting (or being) an accountability partner. This is someone who holds you to task and on track for the goals you have set for yourself. 

Create a realistic action plan for your “stretch goals” together. Then, work with your partner to reach and adapt your objectives. Finally, check-in and make deadlines for accomplishing them. You will stay honest about your progress with real-time feedback. Plus, studies show that peer learning also leads to higher test results. Like paramedic camaraderie, accountability partnerships enjoy shared trust and responsibility.

7. Minimize Distractions

Immerse yourself in your studies by minimizing possible distractions. Study smarter as a paramedic by: 

• Silencing your phone and electronics; 
• Keeping open internet tabs limited; 
• Clearing your study table of any distracting objects; 
• Distancing yourself from social media and video games; 
• Attending as much as possible to your children or pets beforehand; and 
• Setting a timer for how long you want to stay focused. 

Remember to inform your friends and family you’re studying to avoid disturbance. If you happen to get distracted, reduce the amount of time you’re taking a break as much as possible. 

8. Create a Better Workspace

Make sure your workspace is comfortable and clutter-free. Have good lighting, a proper chair and desk, appropriate clothing, and easy airflow. Like an ambulance contains vital resources handy, keep important books and notes ready at your workspace. Because this primes you to master study habits, soon, a few hours of smart work will be equal to far more.

9. Listening to Music

Music that you enjoy can improve concentration, focus and mood. It is best to avoid loud or fast-paced music with lyrics. Ideally, 40-60 bpm baroque and classical music better puts you in a calmer mood. Remember to create a study playlist so you don’t keep shuffling. Add some favorites with this Spotify study playlist. 

10. Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated

Have a light meal before hours of study as hunger could distract you. Keep light, healthy snacks and a water bottle handy to also stay hydrated. Berries, citrus fruits, dark chocolate, and nuts are good focus brain foods. Avoid big meals that induce “food comas” to ensure your body is prime for study.  

11. Take “Tomato Breaks”

The Pomodoro Technique is also a smart time-management method. Here, you study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. This scientifically proven method boosts focus, overcomes procrastination, and minimizes perfectionism. Applied, you also reduce the chances of burnout. 

“Pomodoro” is the Italian word for tomato. Cirillo, the technique’s founder, studied with a  tomato-shaped timer, and hence the name. After a tomato is set for time, it must buzz. After 4 tomatoes, you earn a 15-30 minute break. Remember to get moving or stretch as poor posture reduces concentration. 

12. Reward Yourself

You’ve earned it. Reward yourself with self-care activities or take part in a favorite pastime. Enjoying a reward boosts your productivity and motivation. Studying rewards include shopping, Netflixing, or going out with friends. Plan how you want to reward yourself so you have something to work towards. 

Study smarter as a paramedic to uplevel your education and career. In fact, becoming an RN can nearly double your salary by offering you expanded career options. And remember, Achieve Test Prep is here to help busy healthcare professionals like you get ahead. Paramedics love Achieve Test Prep for our credit by exam test prep and nursing exam entrance and licensure prep.