22/02/2023
How to Study Productively: 14 Tips to Maximize Your Effort and Time
Do you want to get more studying done in less time?
Of course, you do.
But it’s the night before your exams. You’ve been seated at your study table for three long hours. But you’ve hardly made progress.
There are too many distractions: social media, text messages, snacks, and videos.
You’ve revisited the same paragraph five times and still have no idea what it’s about. No matter how hard you try, you can’t absorb anything you read.
Frustrating, isn’t it?
Being able to study efficiently is the key to better performance and a more balanced life.
If you study productively, you’ll have time to relax, hang out with friends and family, and do other things you love!
The powerful strategies in this article will help you deal with productivity killers like procrastination and burnout.
Let’s get started!
Tip #1: Record yourself on camera while studying
Using your phone’s camera to record yourself makes it seem like someone is watching you as you study.
That might sound a bit creepy, but you’ll be less likely to give in to distractions. And you’ll be more likely to stick to your study plan.
Give this tip a try during your next study session!
Tip #2: Study with an online accountability partner
Have you ever had a study session with friends?
Group study sessions work for some people, but not everyone.
A tool like Focusmate can come in handy in these situations. With Focusmate, you’ll be paired with a real-life accountability partner (who’s a stranger) online.
During each session, you’ll both work independently on your own tasks. At the same time, you’ll leave your camera and audio on so you can see and hear each other.
No hanging out or chatting is allowed while you’re both working.
Your accountability partner can report you if you’re late, don’t show up, or goof off during the session. If your compliance score falls too low, you may be booted off the system.
This is a great way to establish accountability while you study!
Other similar platforms include Study Together and Fiveable.
Tip #3: Create a study plan for each week
A study plan helps you clarify your goals for the week.
Something vague like “study chemistry” isn’t going to cut it. Instead, include enough details so you can track your progress along the way.
For example, “read chemistry notes for chapters 1 to 5 and create flashcards for all equations” is much better as a target to achieve for chemistry for the week.
Focus on the bigger picture. Plan out your week in terms of the specific work you need to complete by the end of the week.
If you have a clear and specific weekly plan, you’ll be less likely to procrastinate because you know exactly where to start.
Tip #4: Create a plan for each study session
This is an excellent method to help you focus while studying.
Before you start the study session, write down the tasks you want to work on during the session.
For example, your plan could list the following tasks:
Read chapter 1 of math textbook
Create summary notes for chapter 1
List formulas to memorize for chapter 1
Do online quiz for chapter 1
You can leave this written plan on your desk as a reminder of what you’re aiming to accomplish.
Tip #5: Create a study-friendly environment
Reducing clutter and distractions creates a conducive environment to study in.
Studies have found that a cluttered desk increases stress. It can also negatively affect productivity and reduce motivation.
So it’s a good idea to keep only the items, books, and materials you’ll need on your desk for each task.
For example, keep only a calculator, pen, pencil, eraser, and the assignment on your table while doing your math homework. If your desk is untidy, take a few minutes to organize it before you start studying.
Keeping your desk clutter-free is one piece of the puzzle. The next step is to keep it distraction-free.
In this study, researchers found that more smartphone use led to lower productivity. (No surprise there, right?)
Smartphone use may interfere with how well your brain engages with the material you’re studying. Smartphone use can also make your tasks less enjoyable and harder to complete.
So if you’re frequently distracted by your digital devices, put them away while you study. You can place them in a different room or you can turn them off completely.
Tip #6: Block out distracting sounds with headphones
Stay tuned!
