Looking at the clock with five minutes until class, an activity, or meeting a friend leads to many possibilities on how to pass the remaining moments. Too many of these opportunities, however, are squandered because of the capabilities of technology today and their ability to distract and take precious time away from us. Attachment to social media, online games and constant contact with friends through texting can direct attention away from better using those last seconds of freedom. Eyes glued to phones or blank forward facing stares are all parts of an all too common scene before a lecture.
This is not to say that playing Angry Birds and having a small phone conversation with a friend are all negative. These methods are quick time killers and can take our heads elsewhere for a few minutes. But in the busy and fast times of college, work, and study these pockets of free time can be either wasted or used to a student’s advantage; personal drive has the power to make those moments the most productive and effective in the long run. Before jumping on to Temple Run or popping in the ear buds, consider these tips to help improve the mind academically and personally.
Academic:
1. Review notes from prior classes – Remember what happened in the last lecture of psychology? Prepare by rereading the last class’s notes, which will help refresh the brain’s memory and reinforce concepts learned. This will also prevent cramming before big exams on lessons nearly forgotten.
2. Organize notes and loose papers – Eliminate clutter and disorganization in a binder, folder, notebook, or bag to create a clear and clean space for taking notes and storing school material. Arranging important papers more effectively can help in the later on when retrieving and reviewing certain lecture notes for midterms and finals.
3. Read ahead – Increase the chances of fully understanding an upcoming lecture by reading into textbooks chapters and posted PowerPoint’s ahead of time. Taking in the knowledge beforehand can prevent feeling lost in the professor’s explanations and call personal attention to seemingly difficult parts of the presentation.
On Your Phone:
1. Catch up on current events – Open a news app like ABC News or CNN to get the latest headlines and read articles on topics ranging from the economy to health. Becoming immersed in issues and topics beyond the campus bubble will help ready us for the world outside of college.
2. Check your email – Professors, clubs, and others may be trying to reach us during the day, so staying on top of the inbox may provide crucial information on classes and happenings around campus.
3. Use Note Taking Apps – Set goals and a to-do list using built-in programs in a phone or through fun and creative apps. Create a list concerning anything that comes to mind and needs to be accomplished later, from grocery shopping to homework readings to finish.
Personal:
1. Consider your schedule for the rest of the day or tomorrow – Know what is coming up next by reexamining the day’s schedule and tomorrow’s. Mentally running through or looking at a calendar of planned events will serve as a helpful reminder and fight forgetfulness of important items.
2. Chat with a friend – Sitting next to a friend or acquaintance? Have a pleasant face-to-face conversation with that person instead of staring at a phone or tolerating awkward silence.
3. Relax – Take a breath before having to work on the next activity. This will help calm the mind and start fresh for the next hour or so of interaction and relieve any tiredness from walking to class and intensely focusing on a recent event.