Stop Rereading Your Notes: The Active Recall Method That Actually Works

If you've ever spent hours rereading your notes only to forget everything the next day, you're not alone. Passive rereading feels productive, but it's one of the least effective study methods. The good news? There's a powerful alternative that combines movement with active recall to create memories that stick.

Welcome to the walk-and-recall method—a simple technique that transforms how your brain stores and retrieves information. By closing your book and actively recalling key ideas whilst walking, you're engaging multiple memory systems at once. Let's explore why this approach works and how to make it part of your study routine.

Why Rereading Your Notes Doesn't Work

Sitting at your desk, eyes scanning the same paragraphs repeatedly, might look like studying—but your brain knows better. Rereading creates a false sense of familiarity. You recognise the words on the page, and your mind tricks you into thinking you've learnt them. But recognition isn't the same as recall.

When exam day arrives and you need to pull that information from memory without any prompts, the connection simply isn't there. You've trained your brain to recognise information when it sees it, not to retrieve it independently. That's why rereading feels easy but fails when it matters most.

The Walk-and-Recall Method: Active Memory in Motion

Here's the alternative: close your book, step outside, and actively recall the main ideas whilst you walk. This method works because it forces your brain to do the hard work of retrieval. When you recall information from memory without looking at your notes, you strengthen the neural pathways that store that knowledge.

Movement adds an extra layer of benefit. Physical activity increases blood flow to your brain, supporting cognitive function and memory consolidation. Plus, the act of walking provides a rhythm that many people find helps them think more clearly and organise their thoughts.

How to Start Your Walk-and-Recall Practice

Begin with a single section or concept. Close your notes completely and start walking—around your neighbourhood, through a park, or even just around your room if weather doesn't cooperate. As you walk, explain the main ideas out loud as though you're teaching them to a friend who isn't there.

Don't worry if you get stuck. When you can't remember something, pause your walk, peek at your notes for a few seconds, then close them again and continue. The key is to spend most of your time actively retrieving information from memory, not passively reading. This struggle to remember is actually what strengthens the memory—it's not a sign you're doing it wrong.

Change Your Route to Strengthen Memory

Here's a powerful tip: vary your location each time you practise. Walk a different route, or if you're indoors, move to a different room or area. Your brain naturally links memories to the environment where you learnt them. By practising recall in multiple locations, you're teaching your brain that this information isn't tied to one specific place.

This matters enormously on exam day. When you've only ever studied at your desk, your brain expects to retrieve that information in that exact setting. But when you've recalled the material whilst walking through the park, sitting in a café, and pacing your kitchen, you can access it anywhere—including an unfamiliar exam hall.

Make It Your Post-Study Routine

Use walk-and-recall as a quick finisher after each study session. Spend just 10-15 minutes walking and actively recalling what you've just studied. This serves multiple purposes: it clears your head after focused work, fights the urge to check your phone or get distracted, and most importantly, transforms fresh learning into durable memories you can actually use.

The beauty of this method is its simplicity. You don't need special equipment, apps, or a study partner. Just your brain, your feet, and the commitment to actively retrieve information instead of passively consuming it.

Ready to upgrade your study routine with scientifically proven support? At Brainzyme, we specialise in plant-powered focus supplements designed to help you maintain concentration during study sessions and recall information when it matters most. Discover how our natural formulas can complement your active learning strategies. Visit www.brainzyme.com to explore our range and find the perfect supplement for your cognitive needs.