Here are 10 ways to stay productive and motivated in college!
Sis, college is a tightrope and you’re the acrobat.
The entire college world can be feel like a circus because there’s always so much to juggle. I mean, there’s sports, clubs, lectures, events, exams, papers, deadlines, parties, and everything else in between.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the distractions. Seriously, who wants to study ALL the time?
That’s why it’s important to have balance and find healthy ways to be productive.
Let’s talk about some great ways to stay productive and focused in college.
DO NOT STUDY IN BED
Listen, I know it’s tempting but I’m telling you DON’T DO IT! Studying in bed is the opposite of being productive.
You’ll wake up in your chemistry textbook wondering what day it is.
Instead, try sitting on a hard surface. If you want a break from your desk, try creating a study area in another section of your dorm. Set up a carpet and pillows for a different study setting.
I personally loved using the area under my bed. I raised my dorm bed all the way up and set up a cute little lounge area to get work done.
CHANGE YOUR SCENERY
Constantly studying in the same space can start to feel like the same, old boring routine. That’s when the complacency starts creeping in.
I recommend rotating your study spots. Go to the library, local coffee shop, or study on a scenic patch of grass on campus.
Wherever you decide to open a textbook, avoid hitting the same spot every day.
SET ALARMS THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Having a wake up alarm is cool. But, have you ever had a few more alarms during the day? Setting multiple alarms throughout the day helps you reset and refocus.
If you’re taking a study break, set an alarm for when you need to get back to work. Also have alarms for when you’re studying so you don’t feel discouraged while reading about particularly long subject.
Hey, even set one to remind you to go to bed!
SLEEP
Sleeping is my favorite sport! But in college, it can be easier said than done. I get it.
My junior year, I stayed up for thirty-six straight hours during midterm week, and I immediately regretted every minute of it. Of course, I ended up doing bad on the exam because all I could think about was my pillow.
As smart as you are, your brain can’t survive on no sleep. You stand a better chance sleeping and winging the exam instead of pulling an all-nighter.
DO NOT DISTURB
Your smartphone has this handy little feature that most people don’t use. It’s called Do Not Disturb Mode. And it’s straightforward.
Putting your phone on DND is a sure fire way to stay focused and keep your hands off that tiny little distractor.
SNOOZE SOCIAL MEDIA
Speaking of tiny little distractions, social media is an endless world of scrolling. It is the total opposite of staying productive while in college.
It’s okay to take study breaks and check on your phone. But then somehow, an hour has gone by, and all you’ve done is laugh at a few memes. Yea…real productive.
Tik Tok has a snooze option that reminds you to take a break from scrolling, which allows you to redirect your attention back onto your studies.
There are also some apps that let you set specific times during which you’re locked out of your social media apps. It’s a more extreme option, but it works if social media is a major distraction for you.
STICK TO A ROUTINE
Creating a study routine is easy, but sticking to it is difficult. It requires discipline and accountability.
I love planners, but they really require me to commit to their daily and weekly plans. Unless you’re Type A, sticking to a planner’s routine can sound daunting.
I recommend starting off with a general goal rather than a specific one. Personally, my general routine was to work really really hard Monday through Friday. I’d use that time to get studying done and get ahead for next week’s schoolwork.
When the weekend came around, I would relax and do fun stuff. Sticking to that plan was easy because I wasn’t constrained to specific daily deadlines.
And it provided a healthy balance.
Once I stuck to that general routine, it became easier to add more specific time slots throughout my week.
The idea here is to start a small routine, and work your way up to a more specific routine.
SUNLIGHT
Sunshine is for more than just your mood. It increases energy and productivity. And the best part is that it’s FREE.
The sun provides Vitamin D which literally affects your brain and immune system. But it also helps your body maintain a regular sleep cycle. And we know that sleep is important for refocusing. It’s all connected.
Try studying outdoors, keep your curtains open during the day, and get some fresh air during study breaks.
JOIN A STUDY GROUP
It’s not always helpful to join a study group because it can slow you down depending on how much material you know.
But if you find yourself lacking some motivation, then studying with a group can be beneficial to you. It’s also great repetition to have someone else quizzing you.
BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF
It’s OK to give yourself some grace during this new adventure. Rome was not built in a day, and college is not a one-stop shop.
It takes time and consistent effort to get to where you’re meant to be.
Make sure to be patient and speak kindly to yourself. Or else you risk running out of steam and lowering your levels of productivity.
What are some ways you like to stay productive in college? Feel free to leave a comment 🙂