my top 8 productivity tips:
✶ visualize everything —write (ideally by hand, but typing is fine too) down your to-do list so you have a clear understanding of what you need to get done. Plus, you also get to cross things off, which is super satisfying.
✶ break down your tasks — instead of “doing my coursework”, say “read chapters 2.1 to 2.4″ and “finish my notes on this class”. Don’t make it too big for yourself because it’ll get overwhelming really fast.
✶ think of it as a few tasks rather than a big task — imagine yourself being productive: what does that mean? what is the very first step? add it to your to-do list if needed: step one, getting some tea.
✶ reserve a space for yourself —don’t do your work in bed. Sit at your desk or a dining table and clean it up a bit. Get yourself a drink, light a candle, shut the door, open a window.
✶ make sure you’re comfortable — get warm and cozy, wear something that makes you feel comfortable! It’s 100% worth it to take time getting into something you feel good in.
✶ find a study/work method that fits you — I personally use the pomodoro study method because for me it’s important to have something to look forward to (like a break), but there are a lot of them out there. Find a ‘study with me’ YouTube video if necessary, lots of youtubers implement methods like that. And, if someone else tells me I can take a break while I’m in the middle of something, I often prefer to finish the task first (which I think helped my productivity/motivation too).
✶ create a productivity playlist — preferably something without lyrics so you don’t get distracted. I have one with classical piano music, another with modern piano music, and another with lo-fi beats. They’re perfect for setting a relaxing mood.
✶ reward yourself — if there’s something you feel good about, reward yourself with a walk or a pet-cuddle or a phone call with your friend. It’s so important to recognize what you’re achieving as you go because it’ll motivate you in the future, too.
(Take it from me: if you see studying/being productive as something uncomfortable and bad, chances are you’ve been doing it wrong. It’s not supposed to be uncomfortable, even if it’s hard.)
