The start of a new school year has just begun, which means its the perfect time to refresh your mind and be ready to learn! Follow these few tips in order to increase your productivity and focus throughout the school year.
Creating a Schedule
The first step in order to organize your work and test dates is to make a well-structured schedule. Assigning specific days and time slots throughout the week for what you want accomplish will provide balance and reassurance when making sure all the material you need to learn are thoroughly covered. This will also give time to make sure the information all sinks in before a major test day, instead of cramming everything the night before!
The biggest factor that plays in creating a beneficial schedule is spacing out work and study days that fit best for your future goals and test dates. Creating a schedule that best fits you and your capabilities is the first major step! Don't know where to start to make one? You can use apps like Notion, Google Spreadsheet, Google Calendar, or doing it simply on paper! Here is an example of how you can structure your schedule for the week...
Monday: Complete English work, study for Math test on Wednesday
Tuesday: Study for Math test on Wednesday
Wednesday: Rest!
Thursday: Complete Science assignments, Read chapters 2-5, Work on History Project
Friday: Work on History Project
Saturday: Work on History project
Sunday: Rest!
2. Eliminating Distractions
When it's time to sit down and get into the bundle of papers you have right in front of you, it's important to get rid of any possible distractions around you. Distractions can hinder work productivity and increase procrastination, so it's important to make sure you have taken precautions beforehand! Here are some ideas to keep in mind when deciding what and how to take care of different distractions before you start studying.
Putting your phone on DND (shutting it down completely if needed!)
Turning off any loud TV's, speakers, radio, etc
Using headphones to block out any noise
Clearing your desk with unnecessary items that could distract you
Making sure you are in a area where family/friends cannot distract you
3. Finding a Perfect Study Environment
Picking a designated study spot might not seem as important, but it can heavily decide the outcome of your work productivity. Each person is different regarding where they consider to be perfect for them to get their thinking gears going. Experimenting with this during the school year is highly recommended in order to find the best spot for you! Check out the list for possible spaces...
In your own room
A local cafe
The library
Common spaces
Book store
A classroom
4. Prioritizing Your Goals
Some students get mixed up and stumble on what tasks they should do, or what test they need to study for first. This is why prioritizing your goals is important! First, think of what you want to accomplish in the time period given. Second, focus on one task at a time. This will allow you to focus and complete one goal at a time instead of trying to get several different things done, which causes stress and delayment in productivity.
For example, lets say you have a Math test coming up in 2 days, a project due in a week, and an assignment for English due tonight. It is important to stop and think, what needs my attention the most right now? Since the English paper is due the same day, it is important to get that done as quick and efficient as you can. Then, it is most reasonable to study for the Math test and work on the project after that. Doing this will not only guide you in prioritizing your goals and achieving efficiency, but also helps you gain skills that you can use in the future when making important decisions.
5. Taking Breaks
Taking breaks might seem like it will hinder your productivity and the progress you've made so far, however it's one of the most important steps in order to reset your mind and have a fresh start. Studying 5 hours every day of the week is not healthy, and will not help you to get things done! This is why taking breaks, whether it is once every 30 minutes, or giving yourself a whole day to rest, will help clear your mind and let you be ready to tackle the next problem with a strong mindset. Here are some ideas on how you can utilize your breaks...
Go on on your phone for a short amount of time
Watch some TV
Read a book
Listen to music to relax
Take a walk.
Meditate
Stretch
Take a nap
Eat a snack/drink water
Make sure to follow these simple 5 tips from now on, as it can greatly increase your work productivity and make sure you set yourself up for success in the future! Good luck!
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