From distractions such as texting your friends to binge-watching the latest ‘must-watch’ Netflix box set, or even just painting your nails, we know how hard it can be to stay focused during a study session. If you’ve got exams or coursework looming, we’ve got 8 top tips to help you stay on top of your studying game.
1. The Right Environment
Setting yourself up in a good environment for studying is essential. The environment should be quiet and with few distractions. Make sure you’re using sitting on a comfortable chair and if you’re using a computer, that the screen is at the right height for you. Some helpful information about how to sit correctly at your desk can be found here. Use this setup every time you study so you have a dedicated space that will help you get into the right frame of mind.
2. Avoid Distractions
Put your phone away so that you won’t be distracted by group chats with friends or your Instagram notifications. You can check your messages when you’re taking a perfectly well-deserved break from your coursework or revision.
3. Instrumental Music
If you like to listen to music whilst studying, try listening to instrumental music. As this type of music doesn’t have words, you won’t be tempted to sing along and get distracted. Why not try listening to your favourite film soundtrack?
4. Quiz Yourself
A great way of testing your knowledge is by turning your notes or revision into study cards. Write a question on one side and right the correct answer on the other. You can test yourself or you could ask a friend or parent to ask you the questions. You could even use the study cards to create a group quiz with your friends as you learn by asking the question and they learn by answering.
5. Ask for Help
If you’re struggling with your coursework or an exam topic, always ask your teacher for help or advice. It is better to be proactive and get the issue resolved quickly so you can move onto the next part of your coursework or revision.
6. Take Breaks
It might feel like a good idea to study continuously for hours on end but this can actually be counterproductive. Make sure you take regular breaks and let yourself relax. Why not try using the Pomodoro Technique? This is where you work solidly for 25 minutes with no distractions and then take a short 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle four times and then take a longer 30-minute break.
7. Beautiful Stationery
Here are Busy B, we are most definitely biased but we do find that having beautiful stationery on our desks does motivate us. Nothing beats the excitement that comes with writing in a brand new notebook with a lovely pen!
8. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water during your study sessions as this will help your brain to work at its best. If you’re allowed, drink water during your exam to help you stay focused.
Hopefully, these study tips will help you ace your coursework and exams. Good luck!