During the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic, many of us have been spending some time studying and enhancing our skillsets. Whether you have been studying for a while or using your extra time to learn something new, studying at home can be difficult.
Studying in a classroom, library, or office makes staying focused easier and productivity can dwindle when you can no longer visit these places. The home is full of many distractions and staying on track with studying isn’t always easy. We’re sharing our top 10 tips for staying productive while studying from home;
10 Productive Study Tips
1. Stick To A Schedule
One of the key things that helps improve productivity in a learning environment is that there is a set schedule. Whether you are studying full time or fitting around other commitments, planning your learning will help you stay on track. Create a studying schedule that works around your daily life and be specific with how much time you will spend on each task or subject.
Everyone has different study habits, and one of the great things about setting your schedule is that you can factor these into your day. If you feel more motivated late at night, then plan this as your studying time, or perhaps you benefit from regular breaks whereas others prefer to work straight through.
2. Have A Dedicated Study Space
The biggest productivity killers at home are the many distractions around you. Creating a dedicated space for your studying can help you eliminate these distractions and stay focused. Pick an area away from your TV, bed, and the rest of your household. Depending on your home, this might be a challenge but aim to find a study area that will work for you.
3. Get Dressed
This might sound simple, but many people who study at home fall into the trap of spending all day in their pyjamas. What you wear can impact how you feel, and staying in loungewear will leave you feeling lazy and tired.
Even if you aren’t leaving the house, have a shower and get ready for the day. Once you are dressed and prepared for studying, you will feel a sense of purpose and determination that you will never get in your PJs.
4. Prioritise Break Times
Trying to study for 8-10 hours straight isn’t realistic for even the most determined of learners. Your body and mind both need breaks in order to perform at their best. As your brain gets tired, it lacks the ability to retain and absorb new information, making your studying far less productive.
Try to take breaks periodically throughout the day; just make sure they aren’t too long to lose your momentum. Fifteen minutes away from your desk to clear your head will be enough time to recharge.
5. Do Your Chores
Studying at home means there is likely to always be something else to do around the house. Whether it’s the washing, the vacuuming or cutting the grass, try to get your chores out of the way before you start studying. The last thing you need when trying to learn is worrying about when you
will get these other responsibilities done. Spend some time getting everything sorted so that you can focus solely on your learning.
6. Enjoy Regular Exercise
We all know that exercising offers many benefits for both the mind and body. It causes the body to release endorphins and serotonin, which help you to relax and remain focused. While you might not be able to go to the gym, finding ways to exercise regularly can improve your productivity when studying at home.
Use one of your break times to get out for a run and clear your head, or make a habit of exercising before you start studying in the morning.
7. Set Yourself Goals
One of the main reasons people studying at home become unproductive is that they lose their motivation. Keep yourself on track and give yourself small wins by setting yourself a goal every day. If you are writing coursework, aim to write 500 words a day, or for revising try and memorise 50 flashcards.
Whatever goals you set yourself, make sure you reward yourself when you meet them, such as an hour to watch your favourite show.
8. Stay Sociable
Studying at home can become lonely, especially if you live alone. When you are going to work and study centres regularly, you will spend a lot of time interacting with others. If you have friends and colleagues who are studying the same courses as you, create a virtual study group. You can use video conferencing platforms to discuss your learning and bounce ideas around.
9. Avoid Your Bed
No matter how old you are, what you are studying, or how much space you have in your home, an afternoon nap is always tempting. This is even more true when you have had a productive morning studying. When you are studying at home, avoid your bed at all costs as it can completely ruin a productive study day. Make sure you get enough sleep at night, and never fall into the trap of studying in bed.
10. Study Something You Enjoy
Even the most productive people will struggle if they are studying something that they find boring and mundane. Spending time studying something you are passionate about feels less like a chore and is far more interesting. Whether you are studying to enhance your career or expand your skills, you should always pick a course that you will look forward to.
Here at TSG Training, we offer a vast range of online and virtual courses which can be studied from home. Our
BCS Essentials In Artificial Intelligence course is perfect for anyone with interest in AI and how it can impact an organisation. For those that are new to managing projects, our
Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) Foundation E-Learning course is perfect. If you are not sure if a course is the right fit for you, then our range of
free webinars can give you a better idea of the topics.
