Brain Games & Study Hacks: Making Learning Less of a Drag

Schoolwork can feel like a total slog, but it doesn’t have to be. The Stone Path Project’s Intellectual Pillar is all about finding ways to make learning fun and manageable, so you can stay curious without burning out. Here are some tricks to turn studying into something you might actually enjoy—or at least not dread.

Hack 1: Use Mnemonics to Remember Stuff
Make up silly phrases to memorize tricky things. For example, to remember the planets in order (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune), try “My Very Energetic Mom Just Served Us Nachos.” It’s goofy, but it sticks!

Hack 2: Create a Study Playlist
Music can make studying feel less boring. Pick songs without lyrics—like lo-fi beats or classical tunes—to help you focus. One teen, Maya, said her chill playlist turned late-night history reviews into a vibe instead of a chore.

Hack 3: Study with Friends (But Stay on Track)
Grab a few friends and quiz each other, or explain concepts out loud to one another. It’s more fun than studying solo, and teaching someone else helps you learn better. Just set a timer to keep things focused—no getting sidetracked by group chats!

Hack 4: Break It Down with the Pomodoro Technique
Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat four times, then take a longer break. This keeps your brain fresh and makes big assignments feel less overwhelming. Ethan, a sophomore, used this to tackle a huge biology project and said it made the work feel doable.

Learning doesn’t have to be a drag—it’s all about finding what works for you. Try one of these hacks this week, whether it’s making a mnemonic for your next test or setting up a study sesh with friends. You’ll feel more in control and maybe even a little excited to learn something new.

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Written by Madison Stone.

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