How To Learn ANYTHING More Efficiently

In this world of information, there never seems to be a limit on what we can learn. Learning can be wonderfully enjoyable, yet with such treasure troves of knowledge out there, it can seem a daunting task to learn and remember it all. Some may also feel that they are disadvantaged because they are poor learners. However, the ability to learn is not a characteristic but a skill. Additionally, it is a physiologic process that can be optimised through proper actions in the body. This article will explore these tips to help anyone learn more effectively!

To start, let us explore efficient methods of learning. A typical form of learning is to sit and try to memorise something. Say you are studying for a test, and there is a list of facts you wish to remember. Some may just stare at the textbook until all the facts are memorised. It turns out that the brain learns best when failure and error correction is involved. Research has shown that when trying to learn isolated facts, it is incredibly helpful to first make errors and then receive feedback on what the correct answer actually is (Seabrooke et al.,2019). However, this study did not find that errors helped improve associated time memory. Another study found a similar benefit to making incorrect guesses and learning from them when trying to teach general-knowledge questions to participants (Kornell et al., 2009). The advantage of error correction is so decisive that it outweighs studying longer (Potts & Shanks, 2014). It appears from the research that it is ok to make mistakes. Mistakes help you learn, and when trying to learn effectively, be open and willing to make errors along the way. The optimal ratio is described in The Eighty-Five Percent Rule: the optimal error rate in learning is to make a mistake 15% of the time and correctly guess 85% of the time (Wilson et al., 2019). Even though a student may not have much control over how much they make a mistake, this is a helpful rule for educators (yoga or meditation teachers using the body-mind) who wish to foster a healthy learning environment.

Learning tactics are not the only way to improve memory. Learning is a physiologic process, after all, and can be enhanced through specific actions of the body. There seems to be a strong connection between the activation of the hippocampus, the brain area associated with memory, and the olfactory bulb of the nasal pathway (Noble & Hochman, 2019). Theta rhythm θ-Rhythms of the hippocampus oscillate in sync with our respiration (Zelano et al., 2016). Research has also shown slow nasal respiration enhances memory (Noble & Hochman, 2019). Some even have shown that memory is improved significantly during inspiration, but this is only true for nasal respiration (Zelano et al., 2016). Though it may not feel intuitive in times of learning, slow breathing through the nose will set your body up for success.

On a similar note, there is a significant association between stress and the deterioration of learning. Stress hormones impair hippocampus-dependent forms of memory (Kim et al., 2006; Lupien & McEwen, 1997). Long-term potentiation (LTP) refers to a sustained synaptic transmission that results in high-frequency neuronal stimulation (Kim et al., 2006). It is one of the leading candidates for how long-term memory exists within the brain, specifically within the hippocampus (Kim et al., 2006). Corticosterone, a stress hormone, has been shown to impair LTP (Kim et al., 2006). Additionally, the amygdala, the brain area activated during stress, also impairs LTP (Kim et al., 2006). This suggests that stress strongly impairs our ability to learn and remember. To enhance your learning, one must learn methods of decreasing stress.

Of course, all this talk of slow nasal breathing and decreasing stress is no surprise to those who practice mindfulness and yoga. These techniques highly promote slow nasal breathing to increase vagal tone, reduce stress, and improve various functions throughout the body. Learning and memory are no different. Research has also shown that yoga improves memory (Velvizhi, 2019). In conclusion, to learn more effectively, remember to make mistakes. Making errors and learning from them will be very helpful on your journey. While doing so, don’t forget to breathe slowly and calm your mind. This is the greatest gift you can give yourself when trying to learn more efficiently and effectively.