This blog is not about topics and subtopics to be studied but instead how to minimize distractions when you are trying to read a mega subject. If you want a list of must do topics then you can download it from https://www.marwahmedicine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/HACKS-TO-READ-INTERNAL-MEDICINE.pdf

So, you may have recently bought a Medicine app or complete course of an app but when you scroll through the same, the number of lessons is mind boggling and you are left wondering how to finish it. Once the novelty of having recently purchased the app has reduced, the distractions take over your mind – your partner is having a chat with you; your friend has posted a vacation story on Instagram; a dog is barking outside your window; it is freezing cold or sweltering hot; umpteen reasons why you don’t feel like studying. The reasons can be manifold, but in this blog you will find super tips on how to effectively use the app to increase your productivity and daily reading hours.

1. Allocate a dedicated space: This space should be free from distractions and provide a comfortable atmosphere that encourages learning. Depending on your budget this space could be as simple as a desk and chair in a quiet corner of the house, or it could be a dedicated area that is equipped with a computer, comfortable seating, and other supplies.

2. Use separate devices: Make it a point that your mobile phone with social media and the one used for Medicine app for NExT exam should be separate. Also ensure that when you sit down to study, you keep the mobile phone away from you, and on Do Not Disturb mode for a minimum of 30 minutes. Gradually increase this duration to minimum 150 minutes per session where you will not touch your mobile phone. The temptation to get up from your chair and check your phone will be high, so place it far from you, with screen facing down so that you are not able to see the app notification light turning on. This is the most critical step since you may have a craving to check your phone, but tell your mind to first finish the topic decided and then you will check your phone

3. Cheap dopamine rush weakens the neurons: You can get a dopamine rush either by scrolling through Instagram or by working hard and getting questions and concepts right. Both will make you feel good but whichever option is easier will make your brain a slave and addicted to seeking more of the same behavior. You know how half an hour of study feels vis-à-vis half an hour of Instagram scrolling; study will make you feel sleepy and Instagram will give you a pseudo-rush. But it is better to tire out your neurons and then take a small nap rather than let those neurons get wasted with useless data.

4. Set realistic goals. Before you start, set realistic goals for yourself. Think about what you want to achieve and how long it will take you to get there. This will help you stay motivated and on track. Don’t make a broad target for e.g. you will finish all of Rheumatology in one and half day, instead make a list of subtopics to be completed. 

5. Take advantage of concise and short videos: I have deliberately kept the video sessions concise and this format limits something called cognitive load, providing just the right amount of information that can be absorbed properly. The beauty of online learning is that even if your lessons have not been created in this way, you can break them up into shorter segments, resulting in the same positive effect. 

6. Rewind, pause, forward the video: Don’t be afraid to pause and rewind if feel you’ve NOT fully grasped a concept. Alternatively, if you think you have mastered a topic, feel free to speed up a video or simply fast forward. 

7. Use You Tube sessions selectively: Use them only when your neurons are totally tired and exhausted. 

8. Take Care of Yourself: Proper diet, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and breaks are key to elevating cerebral performance.

Keep hammering guys!

#How_to_study_General_medicine #NExT_Exam