Productive Studying Tips in 2023
In a world full of tangible and intangible distractions and stressors, it is inevitable for students to come across these distractions while preparing for a mid-term, preparing for a presentation or simply completing their homework assignments.
Here, I will offer four key tips on maintaining focus and improving the quality of your work in all endeavors you pursue.
Tip #1: Breaking Down the Task
Procrastination is often the result of feeling overwhelmed or too anxious in completing a task.
However, the best way to combat anxiety that is restricting you from starting a task is by breaking down the task into smaller, more manageable chunks. This will allow you to tackle the smaller tasks of the larger task.
For example, if you are writing an essay for your American Studies class, here are some steps you may take to break down the task into smaller ones:
Understand the prompt or the question you are trying to answer
Brain dump! — Write out a list of potential ideas to carry out
Put together an essay plan using your brainstormed ideas
Write a first draft
Write a second draft
Edit and proofread — Peer evaluations are great to receive an alternate perspective!
These steps are an example of what you could carry out in any task thrown at you! The best way to complete your task is to allocate multiple days to do so and BREAK IT DOWN!
Tip #2: Stay Organized
If you want to be mentally organized in your thoughts, it is important to implement and maintain a physical system of organization.
How can you do this?
Put together a calendar — digital or paper-based, entailing all academic due dates, personal events, and extracurricular activities
Organize your school work in folders for each by subject, topic, or semester
Make lists of things needed to be completed
Reduce the amount of physical clutter in your work space
Tip #3: Create a Suitable Workspace
Your workspace is key to success in your work. If your workplace is cluttered or filled with distractors, then it is difficult to think properly.
Each workspace is different for each person, but consider this list for ideas to implement:
Sound level — The library is a great option if you prefer a very silent work environment.
Clean, clear desk — Although it is difficult to maintain consistent cleanliness throughout your busy weeks, make it a point to do a 5 to 10 minute clean before you begin your study sessions
Moderate temperature — Make sure it is not too warm or cold
Make sure to have a comfortable chair! — Maintaining proper posture is very important
Tip #4: Take Healthy Breaks
Social media has become a major source of relaxation, communication, and leisure time. Many times we turn to social media after a long period of work time for a break. However, this may potentially strain your eyes and distract your focus.
Here are some beneficial breaks you can take instead of looking at your screen:
Take a short walk
Do a breathing exercise or meditate
Stand up and stretch
Brew a herbal tea
Take a power nap
Read a book
Consider a few of these beneficial breaks and implement them into your daily work sessions! These energy-preserving breaks will allow you to rest your mind for a brief period of time before continuing with your work.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
