When it comes to studying, your environment plays a huge role. In order for your brain to focus on what it needs to, it’s important to create a plan that will allow you to be as productive as possible. Luckily, there are several ways to achieve this.
Here are 5 ways to enhance your productivity while studying.
Minimize distractions
In order to concentrate, the first thing you’ll want to do is find a quiet place to work. If you can’t find a completely quiet space, earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can help block out external noise. Since electronics can be a big distraction, you’ll also want to remove these from your immediate space or make sure they are turned off. This includes your phone, TV, and music player. If you need to have your computer on for research or taking notes, make sure to disable any notifications that might pop up and distract you. As challenging as it may be, try to focus on one task at a time. While multitasking might seem efficient, it can lead to more distractions. By focusing on one thing at a time, you’ll be able to give your full attention and get it done more quickly.
Optimal conditions
Wherever you choose to study, it’s important to make sure things like lighting, comfort, and temperature are all in place so that you can focus on your studies. If the room is too dim, too cold or hot, or you don’t have a comfortable space to set up and study, you will not get very much out of your time because your mind will be distracted by these conditions. Plan ahead and choose your study space carefully so you can optimize your time.
Use technology wisely
While technology is an amazing tool, it can also be a double-edged sword. There are numerous apps and software that can serve as great sources for research and information; however, you’ll need to take caution when verifying the validity of each source. You can find resources for all subject areas, including reading, writing, and math. If you are studying language and need to learn more about the right phonological awareness, for example, you can look for a digital resource specifically on that skill. Since there is an abundance of online resources available, it’s important to pay close attention to details such as credentials, date created, and relevancy.
Don’t go it alone
Even if you normally prefer to study solo, it’s a good idea to break it up every now and then by joining a group. Here’s why: studying in groups can be helpful in several ways, including increasing accountability, providing support, breaking the monotony of studying alone, and reducing procrastination, to name a few. There are many times when having a study buddy to help challenge or test you on concepts can prove to be invaluable. If you are studying the same concepts as others, you can also engage in meaningful conversations to further develop your understanding.
Change of scenery
As you may already know, the human brain works better when it is exposed to new surroundings. This is why so many people find it difficult to study in the same room day after day. The brain becomes so used to the sights and sounds of the room that it has trouble concentrating on new information. For this reason, it is often helpful to change the scenery when studying for an exam or working on a difficult project. Just a simple change of location can be enough to jump-start the brain and help you to focus. You may try studying in a different room, taking your work outside, or even finding a spot away from home, such as the library, or coffee shop. Even the smallest changes in scenery can produce big shifts in your ability to focus and retain information.
Although many people never stop to consider the impact of their study surroundings, there are many factors that play an important role. By following some of the above tips for enhancing your next study session, you will increase your overall productivity and success.
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