We’re on the other side of the quarter now, and it feels like nothing has slowed down since Week Two. With clubs, classes and a social life that all need attending to, it can feel impossible to get everything done well and on time. However, there are ways we can improve our productivity. Here are a few tips that’ll help you push through the quarter and finish strong.
- Change up your environment
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If you’re finding it hard to stay motivated or concentrated, try studying somewhere else. Instead of staying cooped up at home, study on campus or at a local coffee shop. This is an easy way to add variety to a monotonous routine.
- use the pomodoro method
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The Pomodoro Technique is a great way to get a lot done in a sustained amount of time. The method consists of using a timer to break work into intervals, usually for 25 minutes, separated by short breaks. The Pomodoro Technique ensures you keep breaks to a minimum, and you’ll feel motivated to get a lot more done during these small bursts of productivity.
- study with friends (if you can handle it)
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Studying with friends, especially if you’re in the same class, is an easy way to get motivated. Hit up Starbucks or Meet Fresh, and get some work done while having fun with your friends. But make sure you’re not distracting the group or that the group is distracting you. Otherwise, studying with friends could become counterproductive.
- stop multitasking
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You might think multitasking is productive and efficient, but it’s actually hindering your performance. Because your attention is divided and your brain is toggling back and forth between different activities. Multitasking reduces the quality of your performance in each task you’re trying to juggle. You’re more likely to make mistakes, especially with complex tasks.
- use a planner
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Use a planner to keep track of important assignments and dates. With so much going on, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. With a planner, you’ll have everything in order in front of you, and you’ll free up your brain from having to remember every deadline. Plus, crossing out what you’ve accomplished is euphoric.
It’s hard to stay motivated, and it’s easy to get distracted but with these tips, you’re sure to have more efficient study sessions and work periods. Before you know it, the quarter will be over, and you’ll be able to look back and see how your effort has paid off.