5 Ways To Learn Effectively

Introduction

Learning is a process every human being goes through. From the moment we’re born, we’re constantly absorbing information, building patterns, and developing skills. But as we grow older and the subjects get more complex - especially in tech - the way we learn matters just as much as what we learn.

If you’ve ever spent hours reading documentation only to forget everything the next day, or sat through a tutorial feeling like you understood it but couldn’t apply it, you know that passive learning has its limits.

The good news is that science has given us plenty of insights into how our brains actually learn. In this article, I’ll share 5 practical techniques that can make your learning sessions more effective, whether you’re picking up a new programming language, studying for a certification, or exploring a new framework.

1. Listen to Music

This might seem surprising, but music can significantly improve your focus and learning efficiency. Studies have shown that certain types of music can enhance cognitive performance and help you enter a flow state.

The key is choosing the right kind of music:

• Lo-fi hip hop - The steady, repetitive beats create a calming background that helps maintain focus
• Classical music - The “Mozart Effect” has been debated, but many developers swear by baroque music for coding
• Video game soundtracks - These are literally designed to keep you focused and engaged for long periods
• Ambient/nature sounds - Rain, ocean waves, or forest sounds can reduce stress and improve concentration
• White/brown noise - Blocks distracting sounds and creates a consistent audio environment

Here are some great playlists and channels to try:

• Lofi Girl - The iconic 24/7 lo-fi hip hop radio stream
• musicForProgramming(); - Curated mixes specifically for coding
• Brain.fm - AI-generated music designed to improve focus
• Noisli - Customizable background noise generator

Avoid music with lyrics in a language you understand - your brain will try to process the words and compete for cognitive resources.

2. Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a visual technique for organizing information. Instead of linear notes, you create a diagram that radiates from a central concept, with branches representing related ideas.

This technique works because our brains don’t think linearly - they think in associations and connections. Mind mapping mirrors this natural thinking pattern.

Here’s how to create a mind map for learning:

1. Start with the main topic in the center (e.g., “React Hooks”)
2. Draw branches for major subtopics (e.g., “useState”, “useEffect”, “useContext”, “Custom Hooks”)
3. Add smaller branches for details (e.g., under “useState” - “initial state”, “updater function”, “lazy initialization”)
4. Use colors, icons, and images to make it memorable
5. Draw connections between related concepts across branches

Tools for digital mind mapping:

• Miro - Collaborative whiteboard with mind map templates
• MindMeister - Dedicated mind mapping tool
• Excalidraw - Simple, hand-drawn style diagrams
• Pen and paper - Sometimes the simplest tools work best

Mind mapping is especially useful when learning a new framework or library - it helps you see how all the pieces fit together.

3. Stay Hydrated

This one sounds too simple to be effective, but dehydration has a surprisingly large impact on cognitive function. Even mild dehydration (1-2% body water loss) can impair:

• Concentration and focus
• Short-term memory and recall
• Alertness and energy levels
• Problem-solving ability

Tips for staying hydrated during study sessions:

• Keep a water bottle at your desk and refill it regularly
• Drink water before you feel thirsty - thirst is already a sign of dehydration
• Aim for 8-10 glasses (about 2 liters) per day
• Set a timer to remind yourself to drink every 30 minutes
• Eat water-rich foods (fruits, vegetables) during breaks

Coffee and tea are fine in moderation, but they’re diuretics and shouldn’t be your only source of fluids. For every cup of coffee, try to drink an extra glass of water.

4. Take a Break

The Pomodoro Technique is one of the most popular productivity methods, and for good reason. It’s based on the science of how our brains handle sustained focus:

1. Focus for 25 minutes on a single task
2. Break for 5 minutes - step away from the screen
3. Repeat 4 times
4. Take a longer break of 15-30 minutes

During breaks, do something that doesn’t involve screens:

• Take a short walk
• Stretch or do a few exercises
• Look out a window (helps with eye strain)
• Chat with someone
• Make a snack or drink

The science behind this is clear: our brains consolidate information during rest periods. The break is when the actual learning happens - your brain processes and connects what you just studied.

Other break-based techniques:

• 52-17 rule - 52 minutes of work, 17 minutes of break (based on the habits of the most productive workers)
• 90-minute cycles - Align with your brain’s natural ultradian rhythms
• Timeboxing - Set a specific time for learning and commit to taking a break when it ends

The worst thing you can do is push through for hours without breaks. You’ll retain less and burn out faster.

5. Imagine You Already Know It

This technique is rooted in the concept of active learning and the Feynman Technique. Instead of passively reading or watching, you approach the material as if you’re going to teach it to someone else.

Here’s how it works:

1. Choose a concept you want to learn (e.g., “JavaScript closures”)
2. Study the material - read docs, watch tutorials, look at examples
3. Explain it in your own words as if teaching a beginner. Write it down or say it out loud
4. Identify gaps - Where did you struggle to explain? What parts felt fuzzy?
5. Go back and study those specific gaps
6. Repeat until you can explain it simply and completely

This works because:

• Teaching forces you to organize your knowledge
• Explaining in simple terms reveals gaps in understanding
• It shifts you from passive consumption to active processing
• Writing or speaking engages different parts of your brain

You can practice this by writing blog posts, creating tutorials, or simply explaining concepts to a rubber duck on your desk (yes, rubber duck debugging works for learning too).

Resources

Here are some additional resources on learning effectively:

• Learning How to Learn - A free Coursera course on the science of learning by Dr. Barbara Oakley
• Ultralearning by Scott Young - A book about self-directed, intense learning strategies
• Make It Stick - Research-based strategies for effective learning
• A Mind for Numbers by Barbara Oakley - Especially helpful for learning technical subjects
• The Feynman Technique - A detailed guide to Richard Feynman’s learning method

Closing Notes

Effective learning isn’t about spending more hours studying - it’s about making those hours count. By incorporating these 5 techniques into your routine, you can learn faster, retain more, and actually enjoy the process.

To summarize:

• Listen to music - Use instrumental music to create a focused environment
• Mind mapping - Visualize concepts and their connections
• Stay hydrated - Keep your brain functioning at its best
• Take breaks - Let your brain consolidate what you’ve learned
• Teach what you learn - The best way to solidify knowledge is to explain it

Start with one technique this week and gradually add more. Find what works best for your brain and learning style. Everyone is different, and the best learning strategy is the one you’ll actually use consistently.