How to Stay Motivated and Productive When Studying Online
Apr 04,2023We live in a world where the attention span only lasts roughly 10 seconds. Focusing on things for long periods has become an impossible task. This means that a college student has an even more difficult time when it comes to learning to stay motivated.
The average college student has everything working against them when it comes to their productivity. When it comes to studying online, how are students supposed to find their focus? With a world of options available for them to slack off, it can seem nearly impossible.
When it comes to studying, students must find a way that works for them when it comes to studying. If you're a struggling student, there are some tips below on how to stay in control of those difficult motivation and productivity days.
Distinguish a Study Area
Students should not find themselves studying in settings that are going to feed into distraction. For example, if you are a student who easily slips into other people's conversations, a public setting may not be the best place for you. Many individuals need a private and quiet space to get any studying completed.
All students should set aside time for setting up a specific location for studying. Organize your space to be put together and motivated Try to locate a space in your home or office that is strictly for studying.
Your study space should be a private area away from any distractions. Make sure that it is a location where others know that you are focusing and learning instead of slacking off.
Put Away Your Cell Phone
Going right along with focusing, your cell phone should not be part of your studying concentration. Put your cell phone in a drawer or even place it on do not disturb. Your full attention should be placed on your notes and other class materials.
Make some time in your day with your phone away from you. All messages can be responded to after you've put some time into studying and focusing on your work.
Your phone is one of the biggest distractions that keep you from getting any studying in or projects finished. Make sure to leave your cell phone behind for a couple of delegated hours to put your focus on your school work. Social media can wait while you catch up on your notes.
Set Aside Your Schedule
Making time for your schoolwork is a necessary situation for any scholar. You should be cleaning sometime in any busy schedule to look over your notes and to set aside time to get any take-home work completed. The only way to pass classes is to pencil it into your busy day.
Prioritize your schooling to complete your degree by blocking time in your day. Don't push your commitments to school to the last moment, instead, make sure that you leave yourself time to complete any projects that may have been set out for the week.
By setting aside time for school you give yourself a routine that can possibly come without distraction. Your brain is trained to focus on the work that you must complete instead of social media or anything else that might hinder your afternoon or evening.
Connection Is Still Vital
When you're studying online you may think that connection with other students isn't a need. That assessment would not be completely accurate. Connecting with your peers in your classes can also help you to stay focused and to get your work and studying done.
Having others who are also in class and getting the work done adds a level of reassurance to your studying. Students are able to bounce ideas and study tips off of one another for a better time with focus. Connection is still a very needed part of online classes.
Get to know others who are facing the same struggles. Build off of one another to get all homework and projects completed. Students may even find that sharing notes and thoughts gives them more confidence when it comes to their study habits.
Have a Goal in Mind
Studying and focusing can seem like an overwhelming task for many students. For those students who are easily overwhelmed, having a smaller goal is a great motivator. Break down your notes and decide on small portions to accomplish first.
Instead of overwhelming yourself with too much information to learn, break down all notes into smaller pieces. Group together the tops and information that goes together. Study in small chunks to prevent distraction coming from being too overwhelmed.
Carefully assess your notes and make plans before jumping into studying. Determine what is going to be vital for upcoming tests and papers. By reducing the amount you have to study, you allow your brain the break to take in and remember important information.
Step Away for a Moment
When you find that your brain is having trouble staying in the moment and taking in the information, a break is an asset. Move away from the subjects you're studying and get some fresh air. It is okay not to binge-study all of your information in one sitting.
When your brain becomes overpowered with information it makes it easy to lose your focus. You may find that you've been reading the same sentences over and over without taking the time to learn the information. While you want to study, doing it for hours on end can hinder you.
Make sure that you are taking time for yourself as well and not dictating all of your time to study time. It is important to also focus on other areas of your life to do the best you possibly can in school. Remember that breaks are a part of being successful.
Indulge in Small Rewards
Many find it beneficial to have something at stake when it comes to getting their focus to cooperate. If you are one of those students who do better when there is something like a gold sticker at the end of an assignment, set yourself up a rewarding process. Give yourself specific treats for those times you can sit and study.
Rewards can be something simple such as going for a walk or something larger like an ice cream cone. Your ward system is fully dependent on what you build up for yourself.
Establish a particular goals and rewards list. Increase this by how much you learn and how many hours of study you're able to put into your focus areas. Setting up that reward system may even help you to boost those grades as well as a way to study and focus without being interrupted.
Choose an Area You Enjoy
Perhaps the most important part of staying focused and achieving your study goals is to pick an area that you enjoy studying. As far as college productivity, what you get done and what you study is all hinging on what you want to do. You have the freedom to make your own decisions and choose what you want to do in college and beyond.
When you choose an area that interests you, studying becomes easier. You find that you're engaged with the work and that you want to put your focus into it, to learn more.
Choose something that will elevate your life and keep you interested. After all, college is where you find the building blocks for the focus that will guide you for the rest of your life. Pick something that pulls you and your interests in.
Maintaining a Routine
Did you know that things such as your sleeping habits can have an effect on the way you study and how your focus works? When you're a student it is very important to keep up a routine of sleeping and eating properly. These areas that may not seem to fit into your concentration actually have a big stake in your focus.
When you get the adequate amount of sleep and calories your system is able to regulate and help you to use your brain to focus instead of thinking about how hungry or tired you are. Keeping a carefully established routine is beneficial not only for your body but for your mind as well.
The next time you get a good night's sleep, think about how much better your brain reacts to situations. You may find that you have more clarity than you do on the days when you don't get enough sleep at night. Always try to establish and maintain a clear routine.
Studying Online Is a Challenge
As a student, studying online can be a difficult task. You might find that your brain wants to do anything but study on many different occasions. That is why it is vital to take the time to set yourself up keys to study and stay focused on the areas that you should be looking at most.
if you have more questions about what it takes to be a good student or even about how we can help you, let us know what we can do for you. Send us a message and we'll be happy to be of assistance.