Study Smarter: The Secret Methods Your Brain Loves

Hello friends,

All around the world, many people—young men, children, girls, and even the elderly—spend time studying. But most of them don’t actually know how to study effectively. They are unaware of proper study methods, and they often struggle to understand how to learn something quickly and easily—or how to make what they study stay in their memory for a long time.

Many students requested that I write something on this topic. So, after doing a lot of research, I gathered some helpful information. I hope it will support you in improving your study habits and make your learning journey easier and more effective.

There’s one important point I want to mention—something many students are unaware of and often complain about. They say, “Whenever we memorize something, we forget it after a few days.”

To those students, I say: Be grateful that your brain is healthy!

Because this is exactly how a normal brain works.

Let me give you a simple example:

Imagine you're walking through a market. You see all kinds of things—cars, buildings, parks, people, toys—and you hear many different sounds.

Now, if your brain tried to remember everything you saw and heard in the market, it would overload and eventually break down. You would literally go crazy!

That’s why the brain filters information. It only stores what it finds important or repeated often. This isn’t a weakness—it’s a built-in system that protects you.

So, naturally, the brain does not store information it doesn’t find important—it simply ignores it.

Now you might be wondering: How can I tell my brain that certain information is important?

Let’s understand this step by step:

When you first see or learn something, it goes into your short-term memory.

If you want that information to stay in your mind for the long run, you must repeat it again and again. Through repetition, your brain receives a signal: “This must be important!”

Only then does the information transfer into your long-term memory—where it can remain for years, sometimes even for life.

Let me give you a simple example:

If someone asks you, “What comes after 100?” or “What letter comes after A?” — you answer instantly, without thinking.

Why? Because you’ve repeated counting and the alphabet so many times in your life that they’ve become deeply embedded in your long-term memory.

Repetition is the key.

One Powerful Technique Used Worldwide: The 3R Method

The 3R Technique (also known as the SQ3R Method when expanded) is a classic, highly recommended study strategy — especially useful when reading textbooks or difficult subjects.

What makes it special? It helps you actively engage with the material instead of just reading and forgetting.

The 3 R’s Stand For:

1. Read

Start by getting the big picture, then focus deeply.

Skim through headings, bolded words, summaries, and diagrams.

Then, read slowly and carefully, section by section.

Don’t highlight everything — just key points!

2. Recite

Explain what you just learned — in your own words.

After each small section, pause, look away from the page, and ask:

“What did I just learn?”

Say it out loud, teach it to an imaginary friend, or write a few bullet points.

Do this before moving to the next part!

3. Review

Test yourself and connect the ideas.

When you finish the chapter:

Close the book and try to summarize the topic.

Answer questions from memory.

Make a mind map or list the key concepts.

Then, review again after 24 hours — this is called Spaced Repetition, and it helps your brain remember longer!

Why Students and Teachers Love It:

Prevents "zombie reading" (your eyes move but your brain doesn’t absorb).

Forces you to actively recall the material, which builds strong memory.

Helps you instantly notice what you don’t understand.

Builds real understanding step-by-step, so you don’t have to cram later.

Bonus Tip: Try the Full SQ3R Version

If you want an even deeper learning experience, use the full SQ3R method:

S = Survey the whole chapter first

Q = Question — turn headings into questions

3R = Read, Recite, Review

This method is used by top students and recommended by learning experts around the world.

Final Message to All Students

I sincerely request all students to study—and study in the right direction. Manage your time wisely.

Wake up early in the morning and begin your learning, because when you rise early, your mind is fresh, and you have more peaceful hours available for focused study.

Also, try your best to study from books. Books are usually written by experts in their field—experienced professionals who have spent years mastering their subject.

On the other hand, when you study from online sources, you often don’t know who wrote the material or how accurate it really is.

And here’s one of the most important messages:

Study not just for yourself, but for your society and your country.

If you don’t build yourself through knowledge, then sadly, like many people from Afghanistan, you may be forced to live as a migrant—moving from country to country, without peace in your homeland.

May Allah guide and bless your journey.

Stay focused. Stay strong. And never stop learning.

Written by Akhtar Sahil

Author Bio:

Akhtar Sahil is a passionate learner and writer who believes in the power of education to transform lives. He writes motivational and practical content to help students unlock their potential, study smarter, and build a better future for themselves and their communities.