Studying can be difficult to get a good routine for, as we can easily find reasons to procrastinate or become distracted by people or events, especially currently. Whether you are studying for your higher education exams or using free time to upskill for work, we have some top tips for staying focused and being productive.
Have Your Resources Ready
Step one of any research begins with finding the right resources. You’ll save a lot of time by planning out the sections of what you need to learn and sourcing some background materials to begin with. Whether traditional books or online resources, delve thoroughly into your subject matter and decide which ones will best suit your needs. Make a list of where to get your research and ensure it is all obtainable before beginning, you want to be able to continuously learn as you go to suit your schedule (more on that below).
Plan Your Sessions
Having a mountain of revision or coursework to undertake is daunting for anyone, so splitting your studies into smaller sessions can make it more manageable and also give you reassurance it can be completed before your deadline. We know how easily life can get in the way of plans, so allocating your study sessions will prove more effective in getting through the work there is to complete. It can also be helpful for your mental health to know there is an end goal in sight, something to work towards. This can ensure you don’t feel overwhelmed and can manage your own expectations much better.
Find the Perfect Playlist
You don’t want to be distracted by constantly looking for song inspiration, so sorting your study playlist first will allow you to stay focused on your work. A recent study by Nido Student proved songs with lower bpm and a negative sentiment were best suited for concentrating when studying, meaning moody music should be on the cards for your next session. Consider a mix of old and new, with both Billie Eilish and Johann Sebastian Bach making the list of ‘Best Study Songs’ from Nido Student.If you just want current chart hits to consider, this study also includes Spotify data on the songs most commonly used in revision playlists for inspiration.
Choose the Right Environment
A designated space with minimal distractions is your best bet for keeping on the task at hand. Try to avoid working from your bed, as it can blur the lines between rest and work and have detrimental effects on your mental health. If you can, find a comfortable chair that gives good back support, if you don’t have one you can easily source office-type back rests from Amazon or eBay for cheap. Working at a desk is also preferable for your posture and allows you to space out work in front of you. Try keep your work space private so you can shut out any unwanted noises or distractions.
