Study Habits to Boost Productivity
With being almost halfway through the school year, I wanted to share some study habits I use and some I am going to start using this year. Online school can be very challenging, especially with chronic pain; I have trouble focusing for the whole class and my headache increases when I look at a screen for too long. It is also very difficult to sit for hours and just stare at a computer. Over the past few months, I have learned some new skills to focus during school and increase productivity while studying and want to share some helpful tips! Here are 10 Study Habits to Boost Productivity.
1. Create a weekly schedule so you know what to focus on at a specific time.
Every Sunday, I create an outline schedule for the week so I know when I have classes and when I can take breaks. I also add times I will study and what I will focus on. This significantly increases my productivity!
2. Minimize distractions by placing your phone and other electronics on silent and in another room.
3. Set a timer for 30- 45 minutes and take 10 minute breaks in between so you can pace yourself.
If you want more information about study timing techniques, I made a blog post about them! link to study habits (timing and pain management)
4. Play some background music if that helps you focus.
I listen to the lofi beats playlist and classical music for studying on spotify.
5. Find a good studying spot with minimal distractions and switch up your studying spot every few months.
6.Figure out your learning style and how you retain information the best.
For subjects like biology and history that require significant memorization, I find using flashcards where I can explain the topic outloud is most productive for me. The flashcard app I use is Anki and I highly recommend it.
7. Consider joining a study group or study with a friend if you want more perspectives and a change of pace.
8. Write down your goals for the class and make a plan of how you are going to achieve those goals.
I did this with AP Biology last year. I wrote down my goals for the class and put together a study and review schedule that will help me reach my goals.
9. Study early and do not wait for the last minute before tests.
A week or two before a test, I make a study schedule and write down what I will focus on each day so I can be prepared.
10. Make sure you take breaks and use pain management techniques while you are studying.
Concentrating has been a big challenge for me as my headaches get worse when I focus for a long period of time. When I have study sessions or am in class, I make sure to take frequent breaks, drink a lot of water, and listen to my body if I need to take a break or continue.
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