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Even though I’d love to spend all my time crafting and cooking, sometimes I need to study or at the minimum, concentrate better. To begin the new year as a more efficient and productive person, I’ve assembled my favourite study tips.
When I was younger and had to get really serious about studying, I had trouble figuring out the best method for me. You see, Meinhilde and I attended a very competitive and studious high school where we suffered but survived the infamous IB program. To keep up with my annoyingly brilliant classmates, I constantly asked anyone I could how they studied and which methods worked best for them.
Now I’m working full time and also back in school so it became necessary to perfect my study methods once again. Here’s what I learned:
1. Make a plan. Map out which tasks you need to complete and the time remaining to complete them. Assign each task to a particular time limit, for example one chapter per day. When I get overwhelmed, knowing what I need to do and on when I need to complete relieves some of the pressure. This only works though when you give yourself an achievable schedule, so be realistic about your plans.
2. Go to the library, even for just a couple of hours. Yes, it sounds boring and maybe a waste of time. Once you’re there though, the quiet environment will suppress your urge to procrastinate and make you so productive that the journey will be worth it. If there’s no library nearby or you study so late that it’s closed, find a quiet peaceful space at your place that can be your study zone. Remove as many distractions as possible. Put your iPad and mobile on the other side of the room.
3.Use earplugs. Again, this doesn’t sound very appealing and at first it seems like there’s too much silence. After you get used to it, the quiet really helps. It just puts you in your own world, so your brain can think about only one thing – the work you need to complete. I also recently discovered that playing music (classical or instrumental only) on top of your earplugs drowns out any other background sounds so completely and perfectly.
4. Break down the hour. Study for 50 minutes straight and then take a 10 minute break. Not only does it give you motivation to keep focused (“only 15 more minutes and I can check my mobile”) but the short break also clears your brain and lets you study more hours in the day. If 50 minutes is too long, try 25 minutes on with 5 minutes off.
5. Have snacks and water nearby. You are just on a roll with your studying when you get so hungry you can’t start another 50 minute session. To pack up from the library and go home for food is just an excuse to waste time and get out of more studying. Bring enough food for as long as your scheduled study session should last.
I have a large pencil case that holds all my necessities. This is everything I might need during a study session:
– pens and pencils
– hand sanitizer
– mini lotion bottle
– earplugs (2 sets)
– a ruler
– lip balm
– Tylenol (for sudden headaches)
– snacks
6. Wear a reminder. Our wise younger brother always uses his “study goggles.” They are World War 2 pilot’s goggles, a little bit bulky but just heavy enough. He straps them on his head before he starts his study session. Every time his mind wanders, he begins to think, “Why are these goggles on my head?” which instantly reminds that he should be studying and get back to work. I’ve kidnapped these goggles and use them all the time. They really work. If you don’t have goggles, try a large hat, a bulky scarf, or maybe some sunglasses.
