As students, we are constantly bombarded with steady streams of schoolwork, homework, and assessments. It can feel challenging at times to keep up with the workflow, but with the right study techniques and environments, we can immensely improve our productivity. This is why I’ve come up with four simple tips for students to study more effectively and productively.
1. Find a Good Light Source
While it may seem insignificant, having a good light source by your study space can actually be quite a game-changer, as we need good lighting to keep ourselves awake and focused. Did you know that there is different ideal lighting for different types of work? For example, lightbulbs between 60 and 80 watts are good for increasing your attentiveness on your work, especially if it requires focus on details. Fluorescents take the opposite effect because they are relatively harsh and can make you feel drained. Blue light, the kind of light that our electronic devices emit, can be beneficial to boosting focus—just be careful not to stare at it for too long, or it will damage your eyes over time. Every once in a while, if you can, you should also look at the trees and shrubbery outside or just at something green. This is a good way to relax your eyes.
2. Emulate a School Environment
Many students say that it is easier to concentrate and stay productive when they are at school than when they are at home. One of the biggest reasons for this is that when we are at home, we are in an environment where we relax and sleep, so our brains are accustomed to falling into total relaxation mode. If you’re studying remotely right now, or even if you are simply just coming home from school for the day, the best way to keep yourself “in the zone” is to build a workspace for yourself that resembles the kind you have at school. Keep all the materials you need in one location and make that your “home base.” It is also important to avoid studying in your bedroom or any other space that you usually find yourself relaxing in. That way, you can train yourself to enter “the zone” whenever you step foot into your workspace, and relaxing spaces can stay relaxing!
3. Write It Down
When there are so many things for you to keep track of, and few people around to give you reminders for important upcoming events and locations, writing things down goes a long way. Whether you put it on a sticky note, scribble it down in a notebook, or record it in a digital app, physically writing down a reminder by yourself will help cement it in your mind. Thanks to the newfangled ways of technology, many online platforms and applications are designed to provide regular reminders (such as Reminders, Google Calendar, Todoist, and more), so that you don’t have to. For additional details, tips on helpful study apps, and more, feel free to hop over to the “Must-Get Apps for Remote Students” blog post from a while back.
4. Time Yourself
Last but not least, a very important and easy implementable study tip is to time yourself. Everyone is different, but on average, the most effective studying time block is 1 hour increments with 50 minutes of studying followed by 10 minutes of rest. This is why many schools structure their class periods to be 45 minutes with 15 minute breaks in between. Though it may feel instinctual to keep forging ahead in your work if you find that you are in the rhythm, or in order to get all your work done, it’s actually most beneficial for you emotionally, mentally, and physically to take regular breaks. This will help you refresh and increase your productivity in the long run. For more details and suggestions for apps and platforms to manage productivity, check out our previous blog posts on productivity apps!
Whether you’re a student or any other working individual, getting work done is a major part of all of our lives. To avoid burnout, it’s important to figure out what the most effective way to study is for yourself. With these four simple tips, you can be fast on your way to experiencing more productive studying!
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