Regardless of what degree you pursuing, studying is always part of the equation, no matter how grueling it can be and the last thing you want to do after a long day of classes. However, some people will attest that studying can be easier said than done. While some may be able to study without an issue, others can find it near impossible. But by taking the appropriate measures, studying will become a part of your instinct going forward. Here’s how you can improve your study skills and boost your productivity levels.
Turn a Room into a Place of Study
Do you know why some people often go to the library to study? It’s because libraries are quiet and tranquil places in general. With no noise to distract you, a library seems like the perfect place to study. However, there’s no need to waste time going to and from when you can easily create the same space in your home. All you need to do is simply choose a room you’re most comfortable in and turn it into a study room. It can be your bedroom, your spare room, or even your garage. It really doesn’t matter where you choose just as long as you’re able to get the peace and quiet that’s needed to study. This is especially important if you’re someone who has issues concentrating. Turning an area of your house into a place with no distractions can help you immensely.
Take Advantage of Your Commute Time
Speaking of going to and from places, if you have somewhere to go, but it’ll take a while to get there, then you have a great opportunity. Obviously, if you’re driving, then studying isn’t something you should do. But if you prefer taking the bus or subway, use the time it takes to get to your destination to brush up on your studying. Even if 10 to 15 minutes doesn’t seem like much, you’re still learning and broadening your knowledge, especially if it’s last-minute cramming before a test.
Eliminate Stress Factors
You’d be surprised how many things can impact the way a person studies. Stress is one of these factors, but it’s a primary one at that. Having some stress is normal and pushes you to be your best. But there’s a difference between being pushed a little bit and feeling completely overwhelmed. If it’s the latter for you, then you need to do everything you can to eliminate it. Being too stressed can negatively impact your concentration and the way you process information. You don’t want to temporarily absorb the information and forget it after a while. That’s one of the most inefficient ways to learn. Some great ways to relieve stress include exercising, indulging your favorite hobby, taking a short nap, and practicing deep breathing.
One thing that can stress anyone out is the responsibility of getting a student loan and paying it back. People often dread this because of the absurd interest rates attached to their loans. However, there is a way to partially avoid this. If you take out a student loan through a private lender, paying it back becomes much less of a burden. Because private lenders usually offer clients lower interest rates, the worry of repaying your loan is significantly less. Without that responsibility looming over your head, it can help you avoid stressful payments in college.
Get Rid of Distractions
Distractions are just as impactful as being too stressed, if not more. They can be almost anything, ranging from seeing a notification on your phone to having your dog stir up trouble because it wants your attention. Being distracted disrupts your workflow and makes it harder to regain focus. So, it’s up to you to eliminate as many distractions as possible. Turn off your phone and put it somewhere out of sight, so you won’t be tempted to use it. If you’re a parent and really need a quiet place, you can leave your child with another family member during your study sessions. Despite how wonderful children are, they’re a parent’s worst distraction when studying.
Take Breaks
Some may feel this is a bit counterproductive, but taking breaks is also a fantastic way to make studying easier. Even if you’re in a quiet area with no distractions, you can’t study for hours without pause. You need to give your mind a rest every now and then. Get up and walk around for a few minutes, grab a snack and use the time to check any notifications you may have missed.
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