Educational institutions all over the world switched to distance learning with the outbreak of epidemics. At first, online classes seemed fun – after all, students got a chance to sleep a little longer and save time for travel.Â
At the same time, remote learning is quite challenging. Some students find it hard to concentrate when there are so many distractions around them. If you have the same problem – then this article is for you!Â
6 Tips to Be a More Productive Student in 2021
Educational institutions all over the world switched to distance learning with the outbreak of epidemics. At first, online classes seemed fun – after all, students got a chance to sleep a little longer and save time for travel.Â
At the same time, remote learning is quite challenging. Some students find it hard to concentrate when there are so many distractions around them. If you have the same problem – then this article is for you!Â
Make a Plan
College students usually have lots of tasks to deal with, so it’s almost impossible to keep every tiny detail accounted for. The best solution is to write a list of upcoming assignments or use some digital planners.Â
Start your day dealing with the most important and difficult things on your to-do list. All time management gurus agree on this simple truth: the faster you complete the most difficult task, the more you can get done in a day. However, even well-organized students can’t manage it all sometimes.
It seems like the number of assignments grows with each semester and they simply can’t stop worrying about the upcoming deadlines. Fortunately, you can always turn to a custom dissertation writing service to free up time for some other things.Â
Organize Your Workspace
No doubt, a proper learning environment can set us in the right mood. Here is an obvious yet often neglected tip for you: it is best to study in a quiet, well-lit area with fresh air.
Of course, it is hard to stay disciplined when your room is a complete mess. So, make sure there aren’t piles of dishes or clothes around you. Add a 5-minute cleaning to your to-do list – it will help you tune in to work. Make sure everything you need is at hand – a notebook, a pen, textbooks, a laptop, a cup of coffee, or a couple of sandwiches.
Some students are productive when there are no background sounds. However, if music helps you to stay focused – turn on some Lo-Fi beats.Â
Avoid Distractions at All Costs
Some professors record their lectures, that is why you may decide to postpone checking those out. In the meantime, you can be scrolling Instagram or watch funny videos instead of actually learning new material. Well, if this is something you face often there is definitely a need to download a blocking app.Â
Self Control app blocks access to distracting sites, mail, and other Internet services. The program is easy to use. You just need to set the blocking period, add particular sites to the blacklist, and click «Start». You won’t be able to access these web pages until the time runs out.
Those who don’t want to block their social networks can use a different approach. StayFocusd is a Google Chrome extension that doesn’t prohibit opening the news feed and chatting with friends. However, it limits the time you can spend on a particular site. You can set the rate for a day – no more than 60 minutes for all social media networks, for example.Â
Have Some Rest
Have you ever noticed that it’s harder to study after 20-30 minutes of productive work? Don’t get anxious, this is normal. People indeed are able to keep attention on one particular subject for a limited amount of time.Â
According to the Pomodoro technique, you should break your work into 25-minute sessions separated by five-minute breaks. Shift the focus after each study session: drink some water, warm up, exercise, or take a walk. Even a small change of scenery will help your brain reboot.
Take Care of Your Health
No doubt, you need to have lots of energy to keep your productivity at the highest level. To do this, it is recommended to sleep 8-9 hours a day. Don’t forget to make your bed as soon as you wake up – it will help you to be more organized.
Some students prefer to get up early so that they have more time to finish their papers and tasks. However, not all of us are morning larks. If you are a night owl, it will be effective for you to study in the evening. Just find your own pace and try to stick to it.
Another key factor that has a huge impact on your brain and memory function is your diet. Here are some products that are extremely useful for your effectiveness:Â
- It’s better to combine protein, carbs, and healthy fats for breakfast;
- Choose nuts, blueberries, blackberries, fish, and spinach as snacks study sessions;
- If you are tired, but still have a lot to learn – have a slice of dark chocolate, carbohydrates will stimulate your nervous system.
As for exercising, numerous studies prove that even 20 minutes of activity a day can significantly improve your sleep, brain function, and overall well-being.Â
In case you don’t have an opportunity to join a gym, try out some yoga exercises. You can do them without leaving the comfort of your own home. Just turn on a YouTube video and repeat after the instructor.Â
Choose Methods That Suit You Best
Each student has one’s own ways to remember the information better. Pay attention to your predispositions. A working learning style can greatly depend on your memory type.Â
Thus, you may enjoy making hand-written notes if you are a visual learner. Diagrams, flashcards, and charts will be extremely handy too. If you are audial, try reading the material out loud to remember it faster.
The Bottom Line
With remote learning gaining momentum, it seems like we all lack access to libraries, laboratories, and daily meetings with our lecturers and peers. That is why lots of students decide to work together in groups using chats and online conferences.Â
Learning in a team, you can answer each other’s questions. Besides, you will definitely memorize the material better by explaining it to others.Â
Make a Plan
College students usually have lots of tasks to deal with, so it’s almost impossible to keep every tiny detail accounted for. The best solution is to write a list of upcoming assignments or use some digital planners.Â
Start your day dealing with the most important and difficult things on your to-do list. All time management gurus agree on this simple truth: the faster you complete the most difficult task, the more you can get done in a day. However, even well-organized students can’t manage it all sometimes.
It seems like the number of assignments grows with each semester and they simply can’t stop worrying about the upcoming deadlines. Fortunately, you can always turn to a custom dissertation writing service to free up time for some other things.Â
Organize Your Workspace
No doubt, a proper learning environment can set us in the right mood. Here is an obvious yet often neglected tip for you: it is best to study in a quiet, well-lit area with fresh air.
Of course, it is hard to stay disciplined when your room is a complete mess. So, make sure there aren’t piles of dishes or clothes around you. Add a 5-minute cleaning to your to-do list – it will help you tune in to work. Make sure everything you need is at hand – a notebook, a pen, textbooks, a laptop, a cup of coffee, or a couple of sandwiches.
Some students are productive when there are no background sounds. However, if music helps you to stay focused – turn on some Lo-Fi beats.Â
Avoid Distractions at All Costs
Some professors record their lectures, that is why you may decide to postpone checking those out. In the meantime, you can be scrolling Instagram or watch funny videos instead of actually learning new material. Well, if this is something you face often there is definitely a need to download a blocking app.Â
Self Control app blocks access to distracting sites, mail, and other Internet services. The program is easy to use. You just need to set the blocking period, add particular sites to the blacklist, and click «Start». You won’t be able to access these web pages until the time runs out.
Those who don’t want to block their social networks can use a different approach. StayFocusd is a Google Chrome extension that doesn’t prohibit opening the news feed and chatting with friends. However, it limits the time you can spend on a particular site. You can set the rate for a day – no more than 60 minutes for all social media networks, for example.Â
Have Some Rest
Have you ever noticed that it’s harder to study after 20-30 minutes of productive work? Don’t get anxious, this is normal. People indeed are able to keep attention on one particular subject for a limited amount of time.Â
According to the Pomodoro technique, you should break your work into 25-minute sessions separated by five-minute breaks. Shift the focus after each study session: drink some water, warm up, exercise, or take a walk. Even a small change of scenery will help your brain reboot.
Take Care of Your Health
No doubt, you need to have lots of energy to keep your productivity at the highest level. To do this, it is recommended to sleep 8-9 hours a day. Don’t forget to make your bed as soon as you wake up – it will help you to be more organized.
Some students prefer to get up early so that they have more time to finish their papers and tasks. However, not all of us are morning larks. If you are a night owl, it will be effective for you to study in the evening. Just find your own pace and try to stick to it.
Another key factor that has a huge impact on your brain and memory function is your diet. Here are some products that are extremely useful for your effectiveness:Â
- It’s better to combine protein, carbs, and healthy fats for breakfast;
- Choose nuts, blueberries, blackberries, fish, and spinach as snacks study sessions;
- If you are tired, but still have a lot to learn – have a slice of dark chocolate, carbohydrates will stimulate your nervous system.
As for exercising, numerous studies prove that even 20 minutes of activity a day can significantly improve your sleep, brain function, and overall well-being.Â
In case you don’t have an opportunity to join a gym, try out some yoga exercises. You can do them without leaving the comfort of your own home. Just turn on a YouTube video and repeat after the instructor.Â
Choose Methods That Suit You Best
Each student has one’s own ways to remember the information better. Pay attention to your predispositions. A working learning style can greatly depend on your memory type.Â
Thus, you may enjoy making hand-written notes if you are a visual learner. Diagrams, flashcards, and charts will be extremely handy too. If you are audial, try reading the material out loud to remember it faster.
The Bottom Line
With remote learning gaining momentum, it seems like we all lack access to libraries, laboratories, and daily meetings with our lecturers and peers. That is why lots of students decide to work together in groups using chats and online conferences.Â
Learning in a team, you can answer each other’s questions. Besides, you will definitely memorize the material better by explaining it to others.Â
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