1) You review while you are creating the cards. And you are not only reveiwing, you are making choices at the same time about how to categorize and identify information and what is most important to remember.

2) You review them repeatedly (we hope) later.

3) Can be shuffled randomly or arranged in different categories, or focused on ones you have trouble with.

4) They are very portable, can be taken for a few minutes of reiew when you are stuck on a bus, waiting in the car for someone somewhere, a few minutes at the end of a class, the 5-10 minutes after hoework before dinner.

5) Used optimally, you are engaging various parts of your brain: writing them out initially, reading if possible aloud to yourself as you study them, flipping the cards with your hands.

6) Remember not to cram too much information on one card. A “flash” is “an instant.” Flashcards are supposed to help you practice quick recall of essential facts and ideas.

However, too much caffeine is definitely unhealthy.  Before you become addicted, try using these three easy tips.

1. Stay Cold – Splash cold water on your face, drink cold water, or open a window, this will jolt your senses, keeping them from going into warm, dreamy “sleep mode.”
2. Take a Stretch – When you sleep, your blood circulation slows, so a stronger blood circulation will keep you awake.  Standing up to stretch or exercise at least once every hour will keep your blood moving.
3. Chew Gum – Like taking a stretch, chewing gum is a form of exercise that will keep the blood moving towards your head.  Strong flavors work best.