Effective Study Sessions

As a student or as a professional, you need to study different topics. It can be an organized study (properly designed courses) or unorganized one (knowing about ad hoc topics in isolation). In both the cases, you need to focus on the effectiveness of study rather than the time spent. Following tips will help to improve the productivity of study.

1. Know your Mood

Very obvious, but very overlooked fact. Learning is definitely easier when you’re in a mood to know about the topic. You have to improve your mood and mould it when you start studying. Mediation, deep breathing, better ambience will help in this regard. Further if you have choice, you can choose studying different topics/subjects as per the mood. But don’t let your moodiness overpower you to disturb the schedule.

2. Plan properly

Figure out what you’ll study in advance. Identify a goal for the 4-hour block. Prepare all the resources you need and set them up in advance. Keep the plan flexible to some extent to accommodate unforeseen delays.

3. Hide your Distractions

It can be your phone, some book or another person. Hide them or stay hidden from them. 2-3 hours session of undistracted study is way better than a whole day spent without focus.

4. Optimize the Environment

Whenever possible, try to keep the surroundings clean and tidy. Keep the resources you need handy and arrange them systematically. Ensure that you don’t need to get distracted for minor things.

5. Manage your Energy

Lack of nutrition destroys willpower, mood, and clear thinking. Have a good, healthy diet in the times when you have to study intensively. Stay hydrated as water intake improves concentration.

6. Plan for Contingencies

Things may not always go as per the plan. Keep some time as buffer in your schedule. If at all something needs to be skipped, try to move on quickly. Keep backup options ready.

7. Create Incentives

Plan a reward for yourself after your studying. A favourite show? A cup of tea with a friend? You’ll be more motivated to focus now, so you can enjoy your time later. Intermittent rewards make study sessions enjoyable.

Sourced from a thread by Ben Meer Twitter @SystemSunday