Finding a balance between our academic and social lives can be difficult, especially if there’s a job to consider. It can become overwhelming, causing many of us to experience high levels of stress. Fortunately, most of this stress can be resolved through study tactics and methods. The methods below were created to help us better understand and complete assignments while simultaneously having time for ourselves!
1. Find a New Setting.
Distractions can make us forget our intentions to complete an assignment. When this happens, many can find themselves falling into patterns of procrastination. Putting our phones on Do Not Disturb while we are studying is one way to eliminate these types of distractions. Another way to minimize distractions is to find a new place to study. Whether it be on a bench or in a library, finding the best environment for your focus will help increase the amount of work you get done.
2. Pace Yourself.
Regardless of how much material you intend to cover, do not force it into a singular study session. The 45/15 Rule is a great way to pace yourself — you get 45 minutes of work done followed by a 15 minute break. It is hard for the human brain to focus on the same subject for a long period of time, so allowing yourself to have breaks is key to remaining focused while retaining the information.
3. Prioritize.
Evaluating which assignments are the most important allows you to create a study plan.
Importance can be based on a number of things, including the length of the assignment or how soon it’s due. Regardless of reason, making these types of assignments the first tasks of your study plan helps you progressively understand material or finish any homework with ease.
4. Make it Interactive.
Reading material or flipping through Quizlet may work for some, however, everybody has
different learning styles. These learning styles have been categorized into three groups, visual, auditory, and tactile. Visual learners tend to retain information from reading the text, and even more so if highlighting or taking notes during. Auditory learners can sit in a lecture and retrieve any information provided. Tactile learners like to get hands on with their work whether it be making flashcards or color-coordinating notes. Regardless of what type of learner you are, writing, or typing, your own notes provides a new network in your brain to be connected.
5. Rest.
If we do not make time for ourselves, the stress will only build up. So, it is important that we are making sure that we are getting the necessary amount of rest. In addition, making time for ourselves won’t only help elevate our moods, but gives us time to breathe and take a second from all that may be taking up our day
