Studying doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems. In fact, there is a myriad of easy methods that can simplify the entire process. While nothing replaces good old-fashioned hard work, every little bit helps when it comes to lifting your efficiency in college. Here are five unexpected study hacks to aid improve your focus and get the most out of your study time.

1.    Smell Rosemary

Who would have thought that rosemary could help your concentration? New research from the UK shows that students who have been exposed to the scent of rosemary while doing mental tasks performed faster and with greater accuracy. Inhaling rosemary essential oil or having a potpourri in your study area can help blow the cobwebs out of your mind.

2.    Go Times New Roman

The Times New Roman font is widely considered the most comfortable font for the eyes to follow. It’s been proven that using size 12 TNR is able to improve students’ ability to read quickly, so type in Times New Roman for speed reading and better comprehension. After all, the more you see, the faster you remember.

3.    Eat More Broccoli

The brain’s diet has more to do with what you eat than with what you don’t eat. Broccoli is a rich source of vitamin K, which is known to enhance cognitive function and aid improve brain power. If you don’t fancy broccoli, there are plenty of alternative vegetables such as spinach or cabbage that are equally beneficial. Other recommended “brain foods” include fish, eggs, nuts, yogurt, fruits, and dark chocolate.

4.    Switch Up Your Study Spot

Do you hunker down in your dorm room to cram? That might be a bad idea. Where you study is important in maximizing how much information you absorb. Mixing up study spots can give you a creative boost and aid your memory, so change things up if you find yourself getting fatigued. There are a lot of different study locations that you can discover near your campus. Try to study in a library, park, local bookstore, coffee shop, or art gallery.

5.    Chew Mint Gum

Chewing gum is not just something to use before a romantic date. The simple act of chewing is able to boost the heart rate, increasing the supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain. New research also confirms that chewing mint gum before tests can improve your attention, alertness and even lift your mood during exams.