Research shows that having a regular study routine increases productivity and reduces stress. Many high school and college students have the desire to succeed but a great percentage procrastinate, cram, or use other ineffective study methods, which can create problems with retaining the information which is needed to stay on track. Having a routine is also an efficient way to lower stress and one of the best habits to form in order to get things done. So how can you create a productive study routine?
1. Find a place that helps you study
People study in many ways and, therefore, not everyone will benefit from reviewing flashcards on their kitchen counter. When finding a place to study, you can ask yourself some questions.
Can I not concentrate when there is too much noise?
Where do I usually feel most productive?
Do I learn better by studying alone or in a group?
This may help determine if you prefer studying at home, the library, or at your friends' house (if distractions are limited).
It is better to have one place that you study instead of many because you can then associate studying, motivation, and productivity with that place.
2. Find your learning style
A learning style refers to the different ways that best help students retain information. The four learning styles are auditory, visual, reading and writing, and kinesthetic. Your learning style can help change the way you study.
If you do not know what your learning style is, there are many assessments online. I would recommend How To Study.com because it is safe and reliable. There are different methods that help people study based on their learning style.
Auditory: Read allowed from passages, come up with mnemonics, and repetition.
Visual: Flashcards, making outlines, and creating symbols and pictures
Reading and Writing: Take notes, reread passages, and make lists.
Kinesthetic: Make studying a more active activity, create games to help you learn, and approach topics creatively.
Finding your learning style can help you make the most of your studying time. Not everyone has one set learning style, and it can differ from study method to study method. If you find out how you learn best, this can be essential to your study routine.
3. Set up your time
Ask yourself when you feel most productive. Is it in the morning? At night? This can create an approach for when you need to study.
Then ask yourself how long you can study for. Some students can study for longer periods of time with limited breaks, while others are the exact opposite.
When setting up your time, you can use different techniques, such as the Pomodoro timer, the Feynman technique or a custom schedule you come up with that will best optimize your studying time. Limit distractions when studying because this may take away your focus and make it much harder to retain needed information.
4. Take Breaks!
It is very important to take breaks while studying because it clears your mind and takes away some stress from trying to get all your work done. Make your breaks significantly shorter than your study sessions so that you don't forget the immediate information you got from studying. When taking a break, try not to use screens or other distractions that may make it harder to focus when you are going back into studying. While taking your break, get something to eat, take a deep breath, or reorganize your study area.
5. Make a To-Do List
Take five minutes before diving into studying to create a to-do list of the assignment and work you need to get done and how you are going to do it. This can help you feel more prepared and more organized while studying and can help you feel more prepared and more organized while studying.
Remember when making your to-do list, putting in breaks, and other reminders needed when you are working.
6. Stay Relaxed
Take some deep breaths or a break when you need it. You do not want to lose motivation while studying because it is most likely your productivity will go down, and it will be a lot less fun to study. You can always look online for meditation, breathing, stretches, and other exercises that are known to help calm down your brain. Find out what makes you most relaxed and begin your studying routine.
Once you have found your perfect studying routine, stick to it. Once it becomes a part of your schedule, the easier it is to get things done on time, and having your work done productively will help increase your grades and your motivation to study and get better.
