Srimant Kumar Jena

Dear Kajal, studying smartly is one thing and the extra activities which a student must do, apart from studies, is another thing. And, you may believe it or not the later part is as crucial as the former part. The latter part is a bit tougher to follow than the former.
First, I would highlight a few tasks, apart from studies, to be done for the ideal study routine.
Plan: One must prepare a study schedule for the coming week or month. The program must include sufficient time for each subject. One must devote extra time for the subject he/she is the week in.
Workout: You must devote half an hour or maximum one hour each morning and evening shifts to this section if you are a senior school student or aiming to crack a big exam. In this time, one may do yoga, brisk walking or may even play a sport.
Sleep: After a tiring day, your brain needs rest, and it must be given a standard 7 hours of sleep during the preparation of any exam or on a typical day. This time duration may vary from one person to others, but it must at least 6 hours.
Say "NO" to Social Media: Scrolling down Facebook feeds or just giggling on the trending memes on Instagram is a 100% waste of time. One must replace all social media apps with Quora and must use it only for educational purpose.
Make discomfort your new friend: When you are in your comfort zone, you quickly get distracted even to the slightest disturbance. Get out of the comfort zone; don't complain about the noises and build a habit to study in trouble. When you can learn effectively out of your comfort zone, you may do wonders when you are in your comfort zone.
Meditation: It is the most obvious thing, and everyone knows about it, but no one does it! Just see an interview with a successful student who has slightly cracked a big exam. He may not mention in his interview about meditation because it's a common thing, and everyone does it, but that's not the reality. Many students do not practice meditation as they think that those few minutes can be used for studying instead of sitting ideal and focusing on a single thought. Students do not understand that meditation is the only weapon that will bring calmness, which will give a more focused brain. One must meditate daily for at least concerted 15 minutes. A concentrated mind is the only key which one needs to unlock the doors of success. Meditation helps in implementation of hard work.

Music: It is that weapon which may trigger your mind to think out of the box. For some of the students, this may not be fruitful, but for some, it will surely help. Music can also help in meditating. There are many ways to meditate; check them out, and start meditating. The earlier you start, the better results you get.
Self-introspection: This is one of the most necessary steps for a student. After each test's end, you must see your mistakes and make sure that you won't repeat it. It is again one of the most obvious things, but no one does it. Spend enough time with the question paper and imbibe in yourself the correct methods and concepts. Many students spend significantly less time on this small step and overlook many of their silly mistakes.
Reward yourself: Whenever you achieve your planned goal, give yourself some time to enjoy and must take a short break. The break should not be too long such that you get deviated from your upcoming more significant aims. The feeling of success is one of the best feelings in the world; you will realise it by yourself once you unlock its doors. It is also said that "One learns better when he is appreciated for good work rather than when he is scolded for wrong work", which indeed certifies this step to be a mandatory one!

The above curve clearly shows that the more frequently you revise it, the longer it is retained by the brain.
So, these were a few study hacks that will surely make you land on the royal road to success if practised with full determination, perseverance, and hard work in the right direction. Remember there is no short cut to win, just put your heart, mind and soul into even your smallest acts, which is the only secret of success.
DREAM BIGGER AND NEVER EVER GIVE UP!
ALL THE BEST!