5 TIPS TO STUDY PRODUCTIVELY

1. Write a list

I’m definitely a self confessed list writer. I do it constantly because I am really forgetful. Whether it is scribbled down or just in the notes of my phone it helps me to know what I want to get done that day. The idea of crossing off each thing is so satisfying that it spurs me on to complete the tasks I set myself so the whole list is completely crossed out. You can get some really nice ‘Things to do’ pads like the one in the photo below from Home Bargains. This is good for on the move and it keeps all your lists in one place.

2. Take lots of breaks
This isn’t just babble. It’s scientifically proven! It has been proven that taking breaks from studying can improve your focus, attention and helps you to better process the information you are revising or reading. Set a timer for a length of time, work solidly for the duration of that timer and then stop work when the timer goes off and have a break. I would do:
25 minute chunks with a 5 minute break or 50 minute chunks with a 10 minute break. Believe me taking breaks little and often will  massively increase your productivity.


3. Sit at a desk/table

NEVER, I repeat NEVER do work in your bed. It’s literally the place your brain associates with sleep or relaxing. You will not work productively in bed. I have been that girl ‘Oh I’ll just write this essay in my bed with the TV on in the background’ 5 hours later, I wake up and it’s 1am, my laptop is upside down at the end of the bed and the essay is definitely not finished. If you can try sit up right at a desk or a table, and if possible outside of your bedroom to avoid distractions, it helps so much with productivity and making the most out of your time.

4. Put your phone in another room

This isn’t something you’ve never heard. Teachers say it, Parents say it and they’re right to be fair. Give your phone to a parent, lock it away, Chuck it out the window.... sorry too far.  Just get it out of your sight. It’s an immediate distraction, not just notifications but even having it in your view just makes it so tempting to start going on it. Just wait for your study breaks to use it, the reward of 5 minutes on Instagram might even make you work that bit harder.

5. Don’t over do it

Over studying is as useful as not studying at all. Always know when to call it a day. If you find yourself reading the same section over and over again, you can’t concentrate or your making silly mistakes it’s probably time to take a long break or just stop all together. It’s easy to keep going especially if you’re revising last minute but if the information just isn’t going in it’s pointless. Come back to it at another time.