- Shape your space: Find an environment that works best for you.
- Quiet or background noise
- Consider putting your phone in another room, or on “Do Not Disturb” or airplane mode.
- Kitchen table
- Have any homework supplies/supports you might need in a convenient spot (notecards, an extra notebook to copy notes, etc.). If you prefer online tools/apps, set them up and have them readily available when you sign on.
- Sustain yourself
- Nuts, smoothie, candy, mints, gum. Etc.
- Music: IF you feel music helps you focus, make a study playlist of songs without lyrics. Movie scores can be great for this.
- If you’re study space isn’t cutting it, get away; Sometimes a change of scenery can do the trick
- Library
- Coffee Shop/restaurant
- Public park
- If you’re going to put something off anyway, use the time to get a little exercise. When you’re ready to get back to work you’ll have brought some much-needed brain fuel: oxygen to your brain.
- Tired/restless/sleep deprived -take a 20 min. nap.
- Throw out negative self-talk (I can’t). Practicing mindfulness in everyday life can help you shift from negative thoughts. (We are starting a morning mindfulness this school year).
- Give yourself a break. Give into it a little. Controlled procrastination can go a long way.
- Set goals and allow yourself a small reward. When I finish reading this chapter, I’m going to take a 10 min. break to check my phone and maybe play a quick game.
- Have your friends help. It’s best to cut out the phone distractions, but sometimes a little nudge from a friend can go a long way. Have them check in for a progress update.
- Focus on fun. Set a goal to enjoy when you finish
- Set some benchmark goals for big assignments. Build in a little room fro procrastination
- Get some sleep. Productivity plummets without rest.
- Work on eating well-balanced meals at regular intervals. Skipping meals can leave your body and brain feeling