We’re living in unprecedented times. Suddenly, we are finding ourselves stuck at home for months at a time, forcing us to do some things differently. As a student, you need to find efficient ways to study from home.
Online courses and tutoring have become convenient options and are typically more affordable than regular on-campus options. The problem is that it’s easy to lose focus when you’re in your own home. So how can you create a stable study environment in this “new normal”? Below are some key tips you need to know.
Tip #1: Create your own study space.
One way to stay focused on your studies is to create a boundary between your learning space and your relaxation area. Having a space that you can dedicate solely to studying can help you get into a productive mood easier.
It can be tempting, but a couch or a bed never makes for an effective study space. In fact, they can be counterproductive. Consider setting up a desk and a comfy chair, in a spot where there’s perfect lighting and temperature. Personalizing your study area can also help boost your mood. Add plants, display your favorite figurines or posters, and post motivational quotes to help keep you going.
Tip #2: Remove distractions.
If you want to study efficiently while at home, you need to filter all the unnecessary noise. Keep a safe distance from things that distract you. For example, you can leave your smartphone in another room or place it behind your laptop or PC where you can’t see it, so you won’t be tempted to check on your social media feeds. Like they say, “out of sight, out of mind”.
If complete silence doesn’t cut it, why not put your headphones on and listen to your favorite study playlist? Instrumentals like classics, jazz, and lo-fi hip-hop are excellent background music that cancel out unwanted noise yet keep you motivated to study. Try experimenting with various genres and see what works best for you.
Tip #3: Find the perfect routine.
While you’re still enjoying breakfast, try to schedule the day’s main tasks and study goals. You can use your favourite time management app or prepare some sticky notes to lay out your study schedule, breaks, and how you’ll reward yourself for each completed goal.
As much as possible, make your “new normal” routine as similar as possible to your pre-quarantine schedule. Drop those fluffy PJs and dress up as though you’re heading out to school. If you’re taking online classes or tutoring, appearance still matters since you’re going to have to turn on your camera and meet other people.
Try not to bombard yourself with too much workload. It’s okay to be able to finish two major tasks out of the 5 goals you’ve set for the day. Test the waters and find the right rhythm that works for you.
Exam preparations and homework taking too much of your time? Consider getting online homework help to ease your load. Getting academic help from an expert means that you’ll only want model papers or extra learning materials to aid with your assignments or tests.
Still struggling to find the perfect routine? Try the two-day rule. Let’s say you want to study for 3 hours a day. With the two-day rule, you can skip studying for a day, and then get back to it the following day. You can even skip two or three days a week. The goal here is to avoid burning yourself out for two straight days of studying, but to maintain a successful streak. It’s a pretty simple approach that helps create healthy study habits.
Tip #4: Stay active and connected.
Just like setting a routine for your home studying, it’s equally important to set break times between study sessions. Get up, move about, and use your free time to do things that improve your mood and make you smile. This can be anything from preparing meals, playing video games, exercising… you name it. Get your brain and body working!
Likewise, it’s important to set some time to connect and socialize. Determine which time of the day you’re less productive, and then reach out to friends and family who can help you stay motivated. It’s easier to get in touch with them these days. You can connect via phone calls or video chat, whichever is convenient.
Tip #5: Reward yourself.
Studying at home while the world is facing a pandemic can be difficult (not to mention mundane). But if you’ve managed to reach your daily goals and focused on your studies, make sure to reward yourself for a job well done.
Treat yourself to an extra hour of Netflix binge-watching, order some well-deserved desserts, play games, or just take a nap. Doing so reinforces healthy habits and keep you motivated to study.
Final Words
As you can see, home studying doesn’t have to be boring and complicated. Follow our tips and inject a bit of your own to create a study habit that will make you even more productive than you were pre-quarantine. Make it an excellent time to develop your skills and discover new learning styles.
And don’t forget: eat well, get plenty of sleep, and stay healthy!