Finding A Suitable Environment
One of the essential parts of any studying session is finding the place that works best since everyone is different. Being a quiet library or the light bustle of a coffee shop, the background noise is going to play an important part in the studying spot.
The choice of furniture is key. From comfortable seating to making sure to have enough space to comfortably hold all your materials, there are some elements to consider when opting for a comfortable desk chair with back support, an exercise ball or a standing desk.
Creating A Study Ritual
Creating a routine can help you find your flow and focus. Having a pre-study routine is a good place to start. For example, clearing your desk, gathering all the materials and closing the door are good habits to physically set up the mood to study.
This routine will train the brain to transition into a state of focus more effortlessly. Regardless of the activity, it is key to do the routine every time before studying so the brain can more easily transition into focus mode.
Blocking Distracting Websites And Apps
The death of any productive, focused studying session is usually checking a phone, tablet or computer. Sometimes a notification or an interesting headline can even prevent the study session from starting.
Small distractions start to add up, and minutes turn into hours. Studies show that it takes 23 minutes to refocus on work once interrupted. Luckily, using site blockers can make all the difference. Ranging from apps to websites, any device can be turned into a distraction-free zone.
Spacing Out Study Sessions
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when facing the sheer amount of information to learn for an exam. Poor planning and time management can lead to stressful cramming sessions the night before.
Studies show that dividing the study time into multiple spaced-out sessions can greatly improve retention over time.
Using The Pomodoro Technique
This technique usually breaks the study session into 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks. The key is to split study sessions into manageable chunks of time.
To prevent burnout and stay motivated, just select a task to work on and set a timer. The idea is to work until it rings and then take a break. After completing the cycle three times or more, you can take a 25-30 minute break.
Scheduling Exercise And Downtime
Scheduling some downtime into study sessions is important since mental energy and self-control are finite resources. Having a small reward to look forward to can also help to stay motivated.
Regular exercise can benefit not only your body but also your brain. It can improve focus in the short term and also improve mood and sleep while reducing stress and anxiety. Research has shown that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind!