These are not normal days.
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is spreading around the globe.
Schools have been closed. Offices and shops closed. People are stuck at home.
But while social distancing can feel lonely, it also gives you more time to study. If you’re preparing for credit-by-exam, you can turn things around by making the most out of isolation and fast-forwarding your study goals.
In this blog, we’ll show tips on how to manage your study time wisely.
5 Methods for Making the Most Out of Your Study Time
Getting into the study zone won’t happen magically. It’s easy to slip and spend a whole day (and then two or three) lounging in front of the TV.
Follow these 5 techniques on how to manage your study time so you don’t suffer the consequences of bad productivity habits.
1. Create a Schedule
On the first day of home quarantine, you’ll feel like you have a ton of time to go over all your study material.
You’ll feel you have more time in a day than you actually do.
You’ll soon learn you don’t. The day will slip away faster than you thought. You’ll find yourself watching TV, lounging in bed, or scrolling through Instagram until late afternoon.
Then, you’ll try to get into the study zone. But your brain is unfocused and tired, and you just can’t absorb any information.
This is not the way to transition to studying at home.
You need to set a schedule. Wake up at the same time every morning. Set a specific time for tasks instead of saying you’ll do them “later.”
Also, set a schedule for going over your study material. For instance, designate dates for every portion of material you’ll go through. This will help you avoid procrastination and cramming.
2. Don’t Use Your Study Space for Anything but Study
You don’t want to study leaning against the kitchen counter waiting for your coffee to brew. And neither should you study lying in bed (you’d most likely fall asleep).
If you want to make the most of your study time, you need to have your private study area. This needs to be a place that’s quiet, tidy, and pleasant. You’d want enough light, a comfortable chair, a clutter-free desk, and decorations that put you in the right mood.
When you sit down in your study space, don’t do anything but study. Don’t text, go over emails, or read a novel. If you keep your study space strictly for studying, you’ll be better able to make the most of your time.
3. Say No to Distractions
We’ve all become multitaskers. We can talk to a friend, scroll through Facebook, and cook a dish all at the same time.
But multitasking is the killer of productivity.
Here’s how to avoid it:
- Don’t bring your phone into your study area.
- Have a journal and label it “things to think of later.” Whenever a memory, plan, or worry distracts you, write it down in the journal and continue with your studies.
- Share your study plans with your family or roommate. When you do, they’ll avoid disturbing you when you step into your study area.
4. Take Time to Rest
Time management isn’t cramming as many duties as you can into one small hour.
It’s learning to use time so you’re efficient but also happy and healthy.
So, when you make your schedule, leave an hour or two for fun distractions. This will give you more energy to focus on your studies.
5. Don’t Study for Hours at a Time
Study in bursts of 30 minutes. In between, take a walk or cuddle your furry friend for 5-10 minutes. This will help you reset your brain and avoid stress and exhaustion.
Make the Most of Your Credit-by-Exam Study Time
Just because you’re under home quarantine doesn’t mean you can’t speak to an expert if you have credit-by-exam specific questions.
Need help finding out if you’re ready for credit-by-exam? Use this assessment to see if credit-by-exam guidance is a fit for you.
