It’s difficult to juggle a job, family life, and school. That’s why it’s extremely important to maximize your study time.
Here are 7 keys to help you improve your study time and avoid distractions:
1. Choose Your Best Study Time
Most people study when they can find time, but it might not be the best study time. Do you study better in the morning, afternoon, or evening? Whenever possible, study when you feel you’re at your best. Time studying during those periods will maximize your study time. And it’s a lot better than studying when you’re overly tired.
2. Choose the Best Location
Most people study at home because it’s the most convenient, but it’s also the place with the most distractions. If possible, find a location you think you can study best in. If you study better with background noise, consider studying in a local coffee shop or bookstore. And if you need total silence, consider a city library or college library.
3. Use Note Cards
Note cards allow you to study whenever you have a free moment. Leave the note cards in your pocket or purse and pull them out whenever you have a free moment. You’ll be amazed how much studying you can get done just by referring to note cards throughout the day.
4. Don’t Procrastinate
Most students procrastinate on huge projects or tests because it seems like it will take a long time to finish.
To avoid procrastination, don’t think of your assignment as something monstrous; instead break the project up into small, manageable projects. For example, if you have to write a 10 page paper; spend one day doing research; spend another day writing an outline for the paper; spend two days writing the paper; spend another day editing and revising; etc. If you break up the project into manageable tasks, you should hopefully put an end to procrastination.
5. Reward Yourself
Another key to studying well is to think positively about your study time. Plan on rewarding yourself after spending time studying.
6. Study Groups
Time spent in a study group can really help make studying more enjoyable and more effective. It might not always be practical to meet with a study group, but even a brief meeting with other students can help you focus on key areas to study. They can also clue you in on something you might have missed in class.
7. Take Breaks
Take breaks regularly to relax your mind. It’s refreshing to take a break, and it gives your whole body time to rejuvenate. It’s recommended that you spend your break walking around and stretching a little bit. You’ll feel better, and it will probably make your mind more focused when you return.
