How To Stay Sharp Over Summer

By Timothy Hayes on April 27, 2015

This summer, most of us are going to be as far away from school as humanly possible. Some of us are even leaving the continent to leave these bad memories, but unless you’re graduating, you’ll be coming back to more of the same.

Over summer, you’ll probably not be doing much in the way of schooling unless you’re doing summer semester. Going back to school is always difficult, but if summer has consisted of cat videos and internet memes, then it’s going to be especially hard to start school up again.

Scientists have shown that the less our brains engage with information, the less we remember. Over the summer, engaging memory about topics relevant to your coursework can help you retain information for the coming semester. Memory’s “half-life” is described as a downward curve. Imagine that extrapolated over summer.

Over summer, instead of just vegetating, I encourage all of you to learn something new. Go out and read. Find new stuff. Keep your head moving. One of my favorite ways to keep my mind active is to listen to podcasts.

For anyone unfamiliar, a podcast is like a pre-recorded radio show that you can usually find online. Some of them are radio shows that the host station will record live and post for listening later. Others are just a couple of guys with a microphone and an hour to kill.

These podcasts cover a variety of topics, from science to the internet to politics. They can be a great way to keep up to date with news and scientific discoveries.

If you don’t want to listen to some people talk and would rather watch people or animations, I’d recommend YouTube. There are millions of channels in dozens of languages on thousands of topics. The list of possible internet “rabbit holes” is amazing.

Lastly, I’d encourage all of you to read a book. Books, both physical and digital are a great way to absorb information and ideas. Make sure to pick up one from a local library or book store.

Below you’ll find some of my favorite video channels along with a book and podcast recommendation.

(image courtesy of www.squarespace.com

1.)   Hello Internet. Self-described as conversations between CGP Grey and Brady Haran, this podcast is available for free on iTunes. Topics on the show range from flags of the international community to the building of the largest space observatory in the world to life hacks.

This dynamic duo are content creators for several of the internet’s most interesting channels, like www.youtube.com/CGPGreywww.youtube.com/periodicvideos, www.youtube.com/numberphile, www.youtube.com/computerphile, www.youtube.com/sixtysymbols, and over a dozen more.

These two gentlemen are incredibly intelligent and love to discuss all kinds of topics. Be sure to give them a listen.

2.)   How to Read Literature like a Professor. This book is absolutely the most valuable book I’ve ever read. It is simply the best book for getting through a literature class. The advice Professor Thomas C Foster gives when analyzing the material is perfect.

If you’ve struggled with literature courses, this book is for you. Otherwise, it’s just a quick easy read that’s fun and informative. Pick one up at a bookstore or borrow one from a library.

3.)   SciShow and Crash CourseThese two channels are hosted and at least partially written by the Vlog Brothers of internet fame, Hank and John Green.

These brothers have hosted, written, directed, shot, and edited dozens of shows in the past and their latest endeavors have led them to teaching history and psychology as well as discussions about science misconceptions and economics.

These two shows both have sub-shows and specials too. They’re perfect for science, economics, and history majors.

A surefire way to get those neurons firing, Schishow is the number one stop on the internet for all things science. (image thanks to www.youtube.com/SciShow)

4.)   TestTube. This YouTube channel is perfect for keeping up on world events. The stories presented here are usually posted just after major media outlets report on it.

However, because of the delay in the stories, they usually present a well-rounded, well-presented story about all the facets of an issue. They’ve covered topics like the government shut down, the Greek debt crisis, and the Ukrainian Civil War. Check them out at www.youtube.com/TestTube.

5.)   Ted Talks. These talks are a phenomenal way to get information on any kind of topic. From sexuality to mental health to how to rework the American school system, these talks cover a plethora of topics.

Available in text, audio, and video form, Ted Talks are “ideas worth spreading.” They are enormously successful and can help your brain stay fit this summer. Check them out at www.ted.com.

This summer’s approaching faster and faster. Get ready for some fun times away from school. Remember you are a student, however. Make sure to keep your wits about you and prep for the next school year.

It’s going to show up faster than any of us are expecting. Be sure to check out these and other resources when you’re trying to keep your head in the game. Have a great summer, be safe, and be smart.

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