Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there is now full home-based learning for everyone. However, there are still assignments and projects to be done. This may prove to be a challenge for those without self-discipline. Here are some ways for you to maximise productivity while studying.
1) Create a schedule
Do you have trouble organising and planning your time well? Creating a schedule can help you with that! This includes creating checklists and noting down important details on calendars. You can try making use of the calendar on your phone to plan your time better. When planning your study schedule, do spread your work evenly throughout the week instead of trying to cram an excessive amount of content in one day.
2) Limit phone usage
If you think that your phone is a distraction for you, you can start by turning on your phone’s in-built airplane mode. There are also many mobile applications that can help you maximise productivity and keep on task. For example, the Forest app lets you set a timer to dedicate a fixed amount of time to your studying. If you were to exit the app, there would be a penalty. This would definitely motivate you to stay focused on the task at hand! A free alternative would be the Plantie app.
Here are the links for the applications stated above:
- Forest: https://www.forestapp.cc/
- Plantie: https://plantie.app/
3) Study in a conducive environment
A “conducive environment” differs for each individual. You can take some time to explore what works best for you. If you happen to be a messy person, try to make time to organise your study area by utilising furniture such as shelves to store your materials. According to David Allen, an expert in productivity, a cluttered and messy study table may lead to a lack of focus. You could start by clearing out space on your desk which will allow your materials to be easily accessible while studying.
If you like listening to music while studying, try listening to relaxing and calm music that can keep you concentrated while you study. If you need some recommendations on good music that can keep you focused, here are some playlists that you might enjoy!
These playlists can be found on Spotify:
- Chill Vibes – Relaxing vocals with a laid-back vibe
- Lo-Fi Beats – Instrumental beats to boost focus and help you relax
- Piano music – Soothing and calming piano pieces
4) Have proper nutrition
Are you always feeling lethargic while studying? This may be a result of your eating habits. Here are some tips that can help boost your energy:
- Drink lots of water, ideally at least eight glasses a day.
- If you feel hungry, try eating fruits which can help keep you alert instead of salty snacks as those will make you feel sleepy.
- Have some dark chocolate while studying. According to Healthline, dark chocolate is proven to keep you focused for short periods of time.
5) Effective study method
Have you found your preferred studying method yet? A common method of effective studying is note-taking! One example can be implementing mind-maps. Mind-maps can help you to categorise and sort out your information, while at the same time allow you to visualise your ideas.
Using flashcards is another great way to memorize and retain information. You may also find them more convenient as they are easier to carry around. Furthermore, they are very affordable and can easily be found in bookstores.
We hope that with these tips, you would now be better equipped to deal with some of the challenges you may face while studying at home. Remember to always give it your best shot, because your attitude determines your altitude! Happy studying!
By Shane Elliot Dawson, Dylan Tan & Nicole Ang Yu Ke
