Being a college student has so many components to it-socializing, meeting new people, a new environment, becoming independent, having fun and then the main reason you’re there-studying for your future career. Habits that you create now can go a long way in managing your time in your chosen field. So, take in these tips in for studying now, while embracing them for your future productivity.
- Study in 96 minute increments of uninterrupted time and then take a break. This means shut the door, turn off your cell phone and study with complete focus. Ninety-six minutes is 20% of an 8-hour work day. You’ll be more productive if you study with complete focus and don’t try to multitask. If you multitask, you’re more likely to make mistakes and forget things.
- Slow down. When you’re under stress, your brain can default to bad habits and you can be unproductive by working in a scattered manner. It may feel counterintuitive to slow down when you’re busy, but you’ll be more effective if you take a few deep breaths, create a plan of action and then get to work. Study with a plan and focus!
- Take a break for a few minutes several times while studying to get some fresh air, stretch and give your brain a break.
- When we use our willpower, we actually experience a drop in glucose levels. So, it’s not only important to do a body good with proper nutrition, but also our minds. When you feel tired and hungry, don’t reach for that candy bar for a quick pick-me-up, but instead refuel with foods that keep blood glucose levels on an even keel.
- Get your shut-eye. We all know how important sleep is, but it seems to be one of the easiest places to carve out some extra time. How much sleep should you get? According to the Better Sleep Council: The average person needs 7-8 hours a night, but it differs for every person. Some people may need as much as 10 hours a night and others need much less. If you sleep longer on the weekends than during the week, you probably aren’t getting the sleep you need every night. Some of the many benefits that can come with enough shut eye can be increased energy, better mood, increased productivity, improved immune system function and improved heart health. All good things!
- Get your workout in. Yet another activity that we all know is good for us but we may consider it one of the easiest tasks to cut out to save time. But, cutting out exercise may mean cutting out some valuable benefits that could greatly improve your physical and mental health. Some of the benefits that come with exercise can be weight control, improved mood, a boost in energy, promotion of sleep and it can combat disease too. Not only that, exercise can be fun if you find the right activities. Exercise and proper sleep go hand in hand. Get enough of both to boost your brain power and energy.
- Do you know someone that you can give you the giggles? It’s amazing how great you feel after laughing together! Make sure you find some time to laugh by watching a funny movie, a funny YouTube video or calling your funniest friend. Laughter will lighten the mood and give you a much-needed break.
- Celebrate your success-reward yourself for a great study session and good test scores. We worked hard to earn them!
- Get an accountability partner to study with. Keep each other honest about getting your study hours under your belt.
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed, set a timer for your study session. A timer can light a fire under you to get you started and it you’ll know you don’t have to study forever, just until the timer goes off. Once you get started, you might want to just keep going.
Use these tips to improve your study sessions and to create good habits for the career that you’re working so hard to prepare for!
