Getting your work done
Studying can be hard. Here are ten top tips that can work for you.
1 Create a study space that you want to be in
Add colours, plants, supplies, cushions or blankets. Have a dedicated music playlist that you play when studying. All of these help remind you what you’re supposed to be doing when you’re there.
2 Challenge yourself and set a goal you want to achieve
These should be SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound), such as solving 15 Math problems in less than two hours, or reading one chapter from your text book in the next hour. Estimate how long it would normally take based on the assignment and how fast you usually work and just slightly increase the pressure.
3 Create some accountability
It's easier to stay on track when somebody will notice if you don't. Find a supportive friend who can cheer you on when you succeed.
4 Break it into smaller pieces
Just like you wouldn't grab a whole pizza and start eating it from one side, it's probably not a good idea to tackle a whole project all at once. Before you start, divide it into smaller doable pieces. This will help you get a better idea of how long it will take for you to finish it and allow you to set many deadlines for each piece.
Pomodoro technique
Using the Pomodoro technique helps you to break your time into smaller chunks to work. With this technique, you choose one of the smaller pieces of work, set a timer for 25 minutes, and focus only on that one task. When the timer goes off, walk away and take a 5 minute break before repeating the process again. Here's a quick 40 second video explaining how to pomodoro:
5 Add some movement
Our brains often work best when we’re allowed to move. You can use a fidget or even pace around the room while reading. Take a short dance break between assignments. This releases neurotransmitters in your brain that can actually help you focus.
6 Find a study buddy
Studying with someone else adds accountability even if your study buddy needs to study something else. Just having someone in the room or silently working with you on an online call may help you focus.
7 Reward yourself for your effort
Sometimes it feels like nothing in the world would make studying easier or more fun. Think of ways to reward yourself after you're done. Make it something that you really like so you'll actually want to earn it. It’s important not to have your reward accessible at all times. For example, if you like gaming, put your gaming console in one place, and the power and connector cords in another place.
8 Create an assignment plan of attack
Breaking assignments down can help you see how much there really is so you can figure out how to get it all done. Once it's down on paper, you don't have to hold it all in your head to keep track of it all. Pick a planner you really like so you're more likely to use it. Some people like notebooks some people like apps, use whatever works for you.
9 Mix it up
Stick to one subject may be hard. Try switching back and forth between two or three. Make sure the subjects are significantly different. For example, you can combine Math and English but combining New Zealand history and New Zealand politics might get a bit confusing. If you only need to work on one subject, mix it up with 10 minute breaks where you do something else. Breaks are important.
10 Respect your downtime
When you have a lot of studying to do you can fall into the trap of feeling bad when you're resting because there's always something you should be doing. But taking breaks is part of the process. It helps your brain remember what you've learned. It's important to respect your rest time as much as you respect your study time.