Maximising Revision Efficiency with the 8 8 8 Formula

Revising and exams can be so stressful, but efficient revision can greatly help to reduce a lot of the stress we may experience. I wanted to share a productivity hack that has really transformed the way I approach revision: the 8 8 8 day division formula.

It's a simple yet powerful method for organising your study or revision time to maximize efficiency and retention.

Divide Your Time into Three 8-Hour Blocks:

One day is made up of 24 hours, so if we divide our day equally, it will allow focused periods of work, allowing you to dedicate yourself fully to specific tasks without burning out, but also allows you to get time for yourself, and enough sleep. So, divide your day into:

- 8 hours: Sleep

- 8 hours: Revision/study

- 8 hours: Time to yourself

Allocate Each Block to Different Activities:

Within your 8-hour studying block, assign specific activities or subjects to focus on. For example, you might dedicate 1 hour to maths, the next hour to science, the next to History, etc. This segmentation helps prevent cognitive overload and keeps your mind fresh throughout the day.

Within your 8-hours to yourself, you can do anything you want! You could dedicate 1 hour to the gym, 2 hours to hang out with friends, etc. You can do whatever you'd like in this time.

Within the 8-hour sleep period, of course, that's your time to sleep!

This way, you ensure that you have been efficient on that day, preventing burnout, and getting the right amount of sleep!

Incorporate Breaks and Variety:

Within each hour that you study,, incorporate short breaks to rest and recharge. You could follow the Pomodoro technique, for instance, with 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. Additionally, you could mix up your blocks, so you could do 2 hours study, 1 hour time to yourself, etc.

By implementing the 8 8 8 day division formula, I've found that I can cover a wide range of topics effectively while avoiding the pitfalls of procrastination and burnout. It's a structured approach that provides a good balance between productivity and self-care.

Tips for Success:

1. Stay Focused: During each phase, concentrate solely on the tasks at hand. Avoid distractions and maintain a laser focus on improving your work.

2. Take Breaks: Don't underestimate the importance of breaks, especially if you are the 8-hour study time without mixing it up. Schedule regular intervals to rest your mind and prevent fatigue.

3. Seek Feedback: Consider sharing your work with trusted peers or with your teachers and seek advice or help from friends and teachers. 

Of course, this formula may not work for everyone, and it's important to tailor it to your own preferences and habits. Experiment with different schedules and routines until you find what works best for you!

Has anyone else tried the 8 8 8 day division formula or a similar approach? I'd love to hear about your experiences and any other productivity tips you have to share!