Studying can be a challenge at the best of times, and even more so during the coronavirus pandemic. Many of the channels students of all ages rely on have been taken away, such as study groups, quiet library space to work and one-to-one time with a teacher or lecturer.
If you are feeling overwhelmed in your studies, then you are not alone. Read on for some top tips on staying productive and getting the most out of your education during the pandemic.
Start with your study space
No matter what level you’re studying at, from primary school to further education, a clear, uncluttered study space is essential. If you haven’t already, set aside an area that will be solely dedicated to studying.
Ideally, this will be a desk set up where you can lay out all of the materials and stationery you might need. If you don’t have a desk, then you could consider using the dining table or a kitchen counter set aside for that purpose. Ensure that your study space is clear of any clutter and anything that may pose a distraction, such as books or items related to hobbies.
Invest in houseplants
Having a couple of houseplants dotted around your workstation can do a lot to help improve productivity and ease stress. Houseplants will give you something attractive and soothing to look at while studying without posing a distraction.
Houseplants can also be particularly beneficial if you live in a built-up area. Plants can help make your air quality better and your surroundings a happier, more productive place to be. You could start with a low maintenance plant such as a succulent or evergreen. These plants don’t require specialist skills to care for, and you can water some succulents as infrequently as once a fortnight.
Set a schedule
One of the biggest challenges posed by the pandemic is the total disruption to our regular routines. Many people have had to study and work from home over the past 12 months, so carving out a study schedule and sticking to it is crucial to stay ahead in your studies.
You might consider starting at a set time every day to get yourself into the habit of waking up and getting to work. Ensure the rest of the people in your home know when you’ll be studying so that you won’t face any disruptions, and ask noise to be kept to a minimum where possible.
Incorporate exercise into your routine
It has been harder for many of us to stay active over the pandemic. Thanks to lockdowns, stay-at-home orders and restrictions on travel, many of us have found ourselves living a sedentary life. A healthy body is as important as a healthy mind when it comes to studying. Exercise helps to boost your mood and keep you energised throughout the day.
You could consider incorporating small chunks of exercise into your routine by starting each day with a ten-minute workout or quick yoga practice. When it’s time to take a break, you could go for a walk or do another mini-workout.
Make use of the technology available
There is a lot of great tech available to help us achieve our best in 2021. The technology out there has allowed students to keep learning from home and connect with their classmates and teachers. You should consider researching the tech available and see how you can incorporate it into your studies.
Assistive technology for universities has gained massive popularity among students and is ideal for anyone who struggles with remote learning. Caption.Ed is an industry leader in providing automatic transcription of live and pre-recorded learning materials, which will allow you to get the most out of lessons and lectures and keep the transcript for your future studies.
Connect with your fellow students
It is essential to stay connected with the world around you during these trying times. While in-person study groups may not be possible for some time yet, you could consider organising virtual study groups through a virtual meeting platform. This will allow you to talk with your peers, give advice and air concerns.
You could also consider organising a regular social event to help you all unwind after a long week of studying. With unessential shops and pubs reopening over the spring, you could plan some in-person activities to look forward to as well.
Give yourself a break
Incorporating breaks into your study routine is essential. You could consider rewarding yourself for an hour’s work, such as a healthy snack or reading a book for pleasure. This will also help to break your study time up into manageable chunks and prevent fatigue.
It is essential to take breaks away from screens regularly to prevent eye strain, so you might consider getting outdoors whenever you can. Connecting with nature is also a great way to de-stress and energise you for the studying ahead.
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post