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How can I be better my work area for productivity?
#studying-tips #work
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9 answers
Updated
Manadra’s Answer
Hello,
I remember the days of cramming to study for a test and ultimately leaving the exam feeling disappointed.
One of the things I did to change my habits of cramming everything in before an exam where to:
1. take excellent notes during every class and then I reviewed my notes and read chapters the same day. For example if I I had the same classes on MWF I practiced reviewing my notes for those classes on the same day and did the same for Tues/Thur classes.
2. I then had a huge calendar that allowed me to see in real time when projects were due and when tests days were scheduled. If I relied on my phone I would miss it. Somehow having the calendar helped.
3. It also doesn’t hurt to reach out to your teacher and or professor to see if they can offer any feedback. Getting feedback from leader figures is an ongoing process even as you enter into your career! This is good practice.
Thanks.
I remember the days of cramming to study for a test and ultimately leaving the exam feeling disappointed.
One of the things I did to change my habits of cramming everything in before an exam where to:
1. take excellent notes during every class and then I reviewed my notes and read chapters the same day. For example if I I had the same classes on MWF I practiced reviewing my notes for those classes on the same day and did the same for Tues/Thur classes.
2. I then had a huge calendar that allowed me to see in real time when projects were due and when tests days were scheduled. If I relied on my phone I would miss it. Somehow having the calendar helped.
3. It also doesn’t hurt to reach out to your teacher and or professor to see if they can offer any feedback. Getting feedback from leader figures is an ongoing process even as you enter into your career! This is good practice.
Thanks.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Wow! You've gotten three great answers already!
I would add:
Lighting is important. Have the supplies/tools you use most often within easy reach. The ones you use less often should be further away, to force you to get up every now and then. And Stretch!! Study at a time of day your brain is "awake."
Furniture: I see young people using laptops with little concern for neck, back, carpal tunnel etc. It sometimes creates tension in the neck and shoulders. So a proper desk and chair might work best. Back when we had books, I'd study on my bed. Find what works for you, and don't let other people tell you what you should or shouldn't do to create the ideal work environment for you! (music, etc).
I also like to tackle the hardest subjects first. They are the primary cause of procrastination, so, get them out of the way!
Good luck to you!
I would add:
Lighting is important. Have the supplies/tools you use most often within easy reach. The ones you use less often should be further away, to force you to get up every now and then. And Stretch!! Study at a time of day your brain is "awake."
Furniture: I see young people using laptops with little concern for neck, back, carpal tunnel etc. It sometimes creates tension in the neck and shoulders. So a proper desk and chair might work best. Back when we had books, I'd study on my bed. Find what works for you, and don't let other people tell you what you should or shouldn't do to create the ideal work environment for you! (music, etc).
I also like to tackle the hardest subjects first. They are the primary cause of procrastination, so, get them out of the way!
Good luck to you!
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Blanca one of the most impactful learning strategies is the DISTRIBUTION METHOD — spacing out your studying over several short periods of time over several days and weeks is the most effective practice to work a short time on each of your classes every day. The total amount of time spent studying will be the same (or less) than one or two marathon library sessions, but you'll learn the information more deeply and retain much more in the the long term. The important thing is how you use your study time, not how long you study. Long study sessions lead to a lack of concentration and thus a lack of learning and retention.
In order to spread out studying over short periods of time across several days and weeks, you need control over your schedule. Keeping a list of tasks to complete on a daily basis will help you to include regular active studying sessions for each class. Try to do something for each class each day. Be specific and realistic regarding how long you plan to spend on each task—you should not have more tasks on your list than you can reasonably complete during the day. For example, you may do a few problems per day in math rather than all of them the hour before class. In history, you can spend 15-20 minutes each day actively studying your class notes. Thus, your studying time may still be the same length, but rather than only preparing for one class, you will be preparing for all of your classes in short stretches. This will help focus, stay on top of your work, and retain information.
Not all studying is equal. You will accomplish more if you study intensively. Intensive study sessions are short and will allow you to get work done with minimal wasted effort. Shorter, intensive study times are more effective than drawn out studying. In fact, one of the most impactful study strategies is studying over multiple sessions. Intensive study sessions can last 30 or 45-minute sessions and include active studying strategies. For example, self-testing is an active study strategy that improves the intensity of studying and efficiency of learning. However, planning to spend hours on end self-testing is likely to cause you to become distracted and lose your attention. On the other hand, if you plan to quiz yourself on the course material for 45 minutes and then take a break, you are much more likely to maintain your attention and retain the information. Furthermore, the shorter, more intense sessions will likely put the pressure on that is needed to prevent procrastination.
Hope this is helpful Blanca
In order to spread out studying over short periods of time across several days and weeks, you need control over your schedule. Keeping a list of tasks to complete on a daily basis will help you to include regular active studying sessions for each class. Try to do something for each class each day. Be specific and realistic regarding how long you plan to spend on each task—you should not have more tasks on your list than you can reasonably complete during the day. For example, you may do a few problems per day in math rather than all of them the hour before class. In history, you can spend 15-20 minutes each day actively studying your class notes. Thus, your studying time may still be the same length, but rather than only preparing for one class, you will be preparing for all of your classes in short stretches. This will help focus, stay on top of your work, and retain information.
Not all studying is equal. You will accomplish more if you study intensively. Intensive study sessions are short and will allow you to get work done with minimal wasted effort. Shorter, intensive study times are more effective than drawn out studying. In fact, one of the most impactful study strategies is studying over multiple sessions. Intensive study sessions can last 30 or 45-minute sessions and include active studying strategies. For example, self-testing is an active study strategy that improves the intensity of studying and efficiency of learning. However, planning to spend hours on end self-testing is likely to cause you to become distracted and lose your attention. On the other hand, if you plan to quiz yourself on the course material for 45 minutes and then take a break, you are much more likely to maintain your attention and retain the information. Furthermore, the shorter, more intense sessions will likely put the pressure on that is needed to prevent procrastination.
Hope this is helpful Blanca
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
Hi Blanca, it sounds like you're wondering about how to make a good study area for yourself.
A few things I do:
1) clear the table
2) make a list of what I need to do
3) only bring to the study table what needs to be done next
Some things to get myself in the right mindset.
1) avoid TV before studying. It can actually make your eyes tired due to prolonged screen exposure. This will make you more tired when you need to read for your classes. You can watch TV after once everything is done.
2)I try to dress up for studying. Nothing fancy. But if I'm in pajamas and I'm feeling too tired to study then I take a quick shower, change into jeans and a nicer shirt. This puts you in a new mindset.
3) Proper eating. It's normal to just want to eat random snacks from the kitchen if you have a lot to study. Try to avoid this and make actual meals. The better the meal, the less study headaches you'll have. Stay hydrated too! :)
A few things I do:
1) clear the table
2) make a list of what I need to do
3) only bring to the study table what needs to be done next
Some things to get myself in the right mindset.
1) avoid TV before studying. It can actually make your eyes tired due to prolonged screen exposure. This will make you more tired when you need to read for your classes. You can watch TV after once everything is done.
2)I try to dress up for studying. Nothing fancy. But if I'm in pajamas and I'm feeling too tired to study then I take a quick shower, change into jeans and a nicer shirt. This puts you in a new mindset.
3) Proper eating. It's normal to just want to eat random snacks from the kitchen if you have a lot to study. Try to avoid this and make actual meals. The better the meal, the less study headaches you'll have. Stay hydrated too! :)
Updated
Alexi’s Answer
Hi Blanca,
Your work space is super important and something people overlook often that can hinder studying/working— so the fact that you are seeking out a solution to this is already a great step to success! With work from home situations, and work habitats quickly changing the past year, everyone's work areas can look a little differently.
Find what works for you by trying out different ways:
1. Do you work best with music, background noise (IE: Coffee shop, TV), or complete silence?
2. Break down what needs to be done that day and only focus on the task at hand to avoid getting overwhelmed - sometimes the best part of studying is creating your schedule and checking them off as you go! :)
3. If you tend to get off topic and reach for your phone while working- put your phone out of sight so it is not in your view to grab.
4. Set short goals and rewards- start with 20 mins of working and a 5 min break and slowly increase as you get more into the zone!
5. (Most important) It's all about mindset, be excited to learn and eager to work! Make it a positive task in your mind- instead of "I HAVE to do work later" change it our for "I GET to learn and grow through my work later"!
Best of luck and success for the future!
Your work space is super important and something people overlook often that can hinder studying/working— so the fact that you are seeking out a solution to this is already a great step to success! With work from home situations, and work habitats quickly changing the past year, everyone's work areas can look a little differently.
Find what works for you by trying out different ways:
1. Do you work best with music, background noise (IE: Coffee shop, TV), or complete silence?
2. Break down what needs to be done that day and only focus on the task at hand to avoid getting overwhelmed - sometimes the best part of studying is creating your schedule and checking them off as you go! :)
3. If you tend to get off topic and reach for your phone while working- put your phone out of sight so it is not in your view to grab.
4. Set short goals and rewards- start with 20 mins of working and a 5 min break and slowly increase as you get more into the zone!
5. (Most important) It's all about mindset, be excited to learn and eager to work! Make it a positive task in your mind- instead of "I HAVE to do work later" change it our for "I GET to learn and grow through my work later"!
Best of luck and success for the future!
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Hello! I went through a lot of ups and downs in figuring out how to study and focus. Whether you are a student or in the workforce, being able to focus is challenging but can be very rewarding in the end. What I mean is that once you figure out what works best for you, you'll feel more motivated to come back to that environment and know you'll be able to get a lot done.
I recommend giving yourself some dedicated space. I recently purchased a great folding desk on Amazon and it has been great! I now have a dedicated "office" in my guest bedroom. I keep the desk clear of junk and I prefer to work in silence. I think one of the most distracting things can be getting texts from friends/family or looking at Instagram. Try putting your phone face down or away from your direct sight and not picking it up for 1-2 hours, then give yourself a break for 10 minutes or so.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
I recommend giving yourself some dedicated space. I recently purchased a great folding desk on Amazon and it has been great! I now have a dedicated "office" in my guest bedroom. I keep the desk clear of junk and I prefer to work in silence. I think one of the most distracting things can be getting texts from friends/family or looking at Instagram. Try putting your phone face down or away from your direct sight and not picking it up for 1-2 hours, then give yourself a break for 10 minutes or so.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
Updated
dave’s Answer
personally i prefer a minimalist approach in order to decrease distractions and increase focus!
for example you will rarely find any loose papers on my desk as I try to keep everything as electronic and digital as possible
good luck!
for example you will rarely find any loose papers on my desk as I try to keep everything as electronic and digital as possible
good luck!
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Find a place where you can be comfortable and focus. As others have said that will depend on what helps you to study. Make sure you have a proper set up to accommodate the type of work you will be doing and ensure proper lighting. You want to be comfortable but still in a position that allows you to be productive. Also remember if you start feeling distracted maybe it is time to get up and take a break so you can come back and focus on the task at hand.
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hi Blanca,
I think that really depends on you! What are some things that help you study? I know for me, keeping cute things on my desk gets me motivated, so I have cute office supplies. If a tidy space helps you, do it! If you like things--like books or snacks on hand, keep them close! Really think about what helps get you motivated from the lighting, to the sounds, to the way things look around you and try to maintain it as best you can. And do not be afraid to be flexible, after all your needs may change over time. Do not let rigidity about your work space get in the way of your working! Good luck! You can also check out YouTube videos of others desks to see how they set things up to get some ideas!
I think that really depends on you! What are some things that help you study? I know for me, keeping cute things on my desk gets me motivated, so I have cute office supplies. If a tidy space helps you, do it! If you like things--like books or snacks on hand, keep them close! Really think about what helps get you motivated from the lighting, to the sounds, to the way things look around you and try to maintain it as best you can. And do not be afraid to be flexible, after all your needs may change over time. Do not let rigidity about your work space get in the way of your working! Good luck! You can also check out YouTube videos of others desks to see how they set things up to get some ideas!