Online learning can be an exciting journey that’s full of growth, discovery, and opportunities to transform your future from the comfort of home, but let’s be honest: It can also feel overwhelming at times! It’s normal to wonder if you’re really “doing it right,” regardless of whether you’re just starting out, or you’re well into your studies.
This guide was developed to help you study smarter, stay motivated, and build unstoppable momentum through your time with us. Bookmark it, save it, and return to it anytime you need a little boost.
The most important thing to remember though, is this: you are capable of SO much more than you think.
Step 1: Mindset first! Let’s reconsider what “studying” means
Before we dive into strategies, it’s important to start with a mindset shift.
It’s not a memory test, it’s a skills test: Your exams are open-book and designed to measure your ability to find and understand information, not to memorize every single detail. You don’t need to know it all, but you do need to understand where to look, and how to apply the concepts you’ve learned.
Progress > Perfection: Learning nutrition is like building a muscle! Strength grows little by little, and definitely not overnight. Even one paragraph a day is progress in the right direction. One paragraph can quickly become a page, then a chapter, and before you know it, you’ve finished an entire course – But it all starts with simply choosing to begin.
This journey is uniquely yours: Some students study while raising kids. Others balance a full-time job or navigate ADHD or other learning challenges. Many have graduated, built thriving practices, and gone on to change countless lives. The way you study doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s; it simply has to work for YOU.
Step 2: Strategies that work
Now, let’s talk about a few of our favourite practical tools and study habits that can help you succeed.
Chunk It Down (The “One Paragraph Rule”): Instead of thinking, “I have 300 pages to read,” commit to just one paragraph a day.
- Focus on one sentence at a time until you understand it.
- Highlight key ideas or definitions to reference later.
- Consider anything beyond that “one paragraph” as a bonus.
This method reduces overwhelm and keeps you moving forward, one small step at a time!
Build a Quick-Reference System: Since exams are open-book, organization is key. You might choose to:
- Create a table of contents or sticky tab system to find the information you need with ease.
- Write a mini “cheat sheet” of key definitions, formulas, or reminders that you can reference quickly.
- Use digital notes or flashcards for quick searching (pro tip: CTRL+F can be your best friend if you’re taking notes digitally!).
Use Active Recall: One of the best ways to retain information is to test your brain before checking your notes:
- Write down what you remember first, then fill in the gaps.
- Teach the material to a friend, family member, or even your pet.
- Draw diagrams or concept maps to visualize connections.
Study in Sprints, Not Marathons: Your brain absorbs information best in shorter bursts. Give the famous Pomodoro Technique a try! Here’s how it works:
- 25-30 minutes of focused study.
- 5-10 minute break (stretch, hydrate, move).
- Repeat 3-4 times.
This approach is especially helpful for anyone with ADHD or trouble focusing. You may be shocked at how much more you’re able to retain with this method!
Create Exam Simulations: Practice navigating your textbooks with a timer. Give yourself a mock question and 10 minutes to find the answer. This can be great for building confidence and reducing stress on exam day.
Step 3: Extra Tips for Consistency + Confidence
Here are some additional study hacks that can make a big difference. Give this list a read, apply what you feel would work best for you, and leave the rest.
- Talk it out: Read notes aloud or explain them as if you’re teaching.
- Move with it: Study while pacing, walking, or standing.
- Make it visual: Use colours, sketches, or mind maps.
- Have a dedicated environment: You’d be surprised at how much of a difference you feel when you have a special space in your home for studying! Make it a spot that you’re excited to spend time in. Tidy up your papers, light a candle, keep a cozy blanket nearby, and enjoy a cup of tea with each study session to help you anchor in.
- Micro-commit: Promise yourself just 5 minutes, or one paragraph per day. Once you start, momentum often carries you further. Keep your initial commitment short, and continue only when you feel ready
- Anchor it to your “why”: Connect study time to your deeper purpose. Are you here to help clients, to transform your own health story, or to create a positive change in your local community?
- Match your study flow to your energy: Tackle tough material at your sharpest time of day, and save lighter tasks for lower-energy times. This alone can be an absolute game-changer for productivity!
- Celebrate small wins: Finished a chapter? Opened your textbook even when you didn’t feel like it? Every step is moving you in the direction of your dreams, and every seemingly small accomplishment is compounding on the rest, ultimately getting you to the finish line of your program!
- Share milestones: Share your big milestones with family, friends, an accountability partner, or if you’re a NutraPhoria student, share your progress in our private Student & Alumni Facebook community. This can help you stay accountable to your goals, while inspiring those around you who are on a similar path!
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s this: every late-night study session, every highlighted note, and every exam you face is laying the foundation for the holistic nutrition professional you’re meant to become.
Keep going! Your future clients are waiting for you.
Ready to Start Studying with Us?
Every practitioner begins with a single step, and yours begins here. Download the NutraPhoria brochure to learn more about our programs and how we can help you build a career in holistic nutrition that changes lives.
