Prepare for a Study Session
It’s time to buckle down and start doing some hardcore studying now that school’s started. One of my biggest hurdles (personally) when it comes to studying is actually starting. I have a sort of routine to get myself prepped for studying, and here it is! :)
Take off all my makeup - Unless I’m planning to go somewhere later, having my face clear and clean feels so much better.
Get dressed in comfy clothes - I highly recommend this. Why make studying any more uncomfortable than it already is?
Put my hair up - I have long hair, so I like to keep it out of my way with this simple and easy ballerina bun. (I usually skip the last two steps and secure the bun with a hair tie, though!)
Tidy my room or study space - I work much better in a clean study space with minimal distractions. It’s also essential to clear off my desk because I will have to spread out my binder, textbook, and usually my laptop. This step kick starts your productivity.
Look at other people studying (optional) - By this time, I am usually ready to study, but if I still don’t want to sit down and work, I scroll through some of my primary sources of motivation. (The list can be found in the latter half of this masterpost.)
Turn off technology - The urge to check Instagram while trying to learn about genomics is a little too strong for me to resist sometimes -- and that’s why I stow my phone away and turn on quiet hours. Try not to break your concentration.
Make a list of topics and/or homework you want to cover in that study session - This will help you keep on track and also keep you going. I place a lot of stock in that sense of satisfaction you get when crossing things off of your list.
Gather your study supplies for the immediate task - Sometimes I have so many supplies/books/papers for one subject that I’ve got to rest a bunch of them on the floor beside my desk chair, but try to keep them near and accessible. It breaks your concentration to have to get up and go get something you need.
Play your study music (optional) - I always play the same 7 or 8 songs when I study on repeat, and my brain now acquaints that music with studying.
Set a timer - If you don’t have an easy-to-work-with timer, here’s a Pomodoro style timer!
Good luck and happy studying!
Previous #Studying Saturdays post: Planner Organization for School
