There is much more pressure on the kids of today to push themselves in their academic studies, especially when it comes to job seeking time. Additionally, there is more competition than there has ever been. So, in recent times, and in an ideal situation, kids would have private tuition
with a private tutor. There are other great things that can be done to give children the best possible chance of succeeding, and this is fundamentally based around having healthy study habits, of which there are many benefits.
Healthy Eating
It is important that kids have an overall healthy diet, and it is not just important for them in their growing years in terms of physicality, but also for their mental agility. A common mistake when students snack on junk foods during school time, can be seen by many parents. Although they may get a bit of a boost, it is short lived and can lead them to feel lower in mood and vitality, than they did before.
As part of beneficial management, these listed practices should be included when possible. Additionally, meal times are also important, and any large meals should be split into two, as this allows for a more constant energy supply.
Fruit and Vegetables
These provide most of the nutrients and vitamins the body needs, as they contain natural sugars. As foods, they provide much-needed energy if consumed as a snack. Some of the best are avocados, berries, and bananas.
Peanut Butter (always check allergies first)
Although high in calories, peanut butter provides a lot of healthy protein and good fats. So, for brain food, it can keep kids going for quite a while. Nuts are great, and the unsalted versions are always best.
Fish
The top three fish that are very beneficial are: mackerel, sardines and salmon, as these provide the most protein and Omega-3 possible. Essentially, this helps the brain to continue functioning at its best. These types also contain many vitamins and complex carbohydrates necessary for long term health and maintenance, nutritionally.
Exercise
Following on from healthy eating, there is exercise, and this can also give exclusive mental benefits rather than just keeping in students in shape. it is recommended at least 30 minutes per day of medium intensity exercise should be carried out. This can be in the form of walking or riding to school instead of taking a bus. It has been shown, more physical exercise can improve brain function, not only in the short term, but for the long term. Additionally, any fast cardio exercise can flood the brain with oxygen-rich blood, which helps to nourish the brain cells and maintain the amounts of gray matter. A large number of chemicals gets released during exercise. The chemical serotonin helps create a feel-good factor which helps with mood. Another one is known as BDNF, which helps with brain cell growth, improved learning, and decision making. Long term memory can be increased, as the regions in the brain that control the functions of memory recall and thinking actually grow in size, as long as the recommended exercise levels are met.
Tiredness can be overcome by exercise, so in times of studying at home, when children are feeling tired, it is more beneficial to do 10 – 15 minutes exercise. This would be highly beneficial, rather than having a sugary snack.
While kids are studying at home, they should be encouraged to create some form of self-discipline, whilst having parental support that allows them to feel balanced. If they are having private tuition with a private tutor; they should be able to satisfy themselves with what they have accomplished from those lessons, and then organize work on their own.
Working Area
There should be an area for them to work, that is large enough for them to place all their study aids, easily. Also, there should be no external distractions from family or TV; ideally they should work in a separate room with peace and quiet. Any gadgets should be placed out of arms reach so there is no temptation to be interrupted.
Study System
Kids should have a daily planner, where they should log any homework or exams that may be upcoming and most important. Then they can visually see what times they have available for themselves as free time. Realize that kids will become disheartened if it seems as if they are just working all the time, with no free periods. Downtime is just as important as work time, especially if it includes exercise or some other fruitful activity.
Kids should also be encouraged to keep a filing system, a separated color-coded folder for different subjects which they can use at school, and then ring binders for completed works at home. Time management is another thing that should be encouraged, because working endlessly with no definite end will lead to problems. Ideally, kids should assign themselves 45 minutes as a maximum to finish a task, as this will allow them 10 -15 minutes for a break. Any task that requires more than 45 minutes should be broken down into smaller sections. Otherwise concentration can be a problem.
Sleep
It is recommended for kids to have at least 8 hours sleep per night, and if they do any exercise or activity, this should be undertaken about 3-4 hours before bedtime and they should not go to bed on a full stomach. This promotes proper rest, for the long term.
Nat Lind is a home tutor specializing in a wide range of academic areas, including general core subjects, health and natural nutrition. She is currently guest blogging for https://smiletutor.sg/ who help students with private tuition, Singapore. She hopes to give insight and recommends the successful private tutor, Singapore.