How To Be Productive (Study Edition)

I am getting closer and closer to my AS exams, so I've been studying harder each day. Last week I had mock exams which are FINALLY over, so I actually had time to write a blog post this weekend. I thought it would be helpful if I gave you some tips on how to be productive when it comes to studying and the exam season.

Now let me just put out there that I'm not productive all the time. I procrastinate like every other human being from time to time, however I would definitely say that once my head is in the books, I know how to use my time effectively.

1) Lists: 

I make lists for everything, especially when it comes to the education side of my life. I find that I am more likely to complete a certain task or piece of work early on when it's written down and available for me to see. You can write it in a planner or piece of paper, which is what I prefer, or you can write lists on your phone notes or on an app. The fun part of writing lists is definitely being able to tick it once it has been completed! I always feel so proud of myself when I see a bunch of check marks in my planner.

I prefer writing my lists in pretty notebooks or planners just because I'm such a stationery junkie and I get excited writing in nice books. 

Another tip I have is to prioritise your tasks. This will just ensure that the most important things definitely get done, so if you do loose motivation to do anymore work, at least the essentials are finished. For example I'll put a red dot next to homework that teachers have set and that have deadlines but put a black dot next to extra revision that I've set for myself, this way if I get tired after completing the red dot tasks, I don't feel as guilty for not doing every task. Did that make sense? I hope so. 

2) Healthy snacks and water: 

As tempting as it is to eat a bunch of junk food (trust me I understand), attempt to eat healthy food/snacks. You could have a fruit salad, a smoothie, a low fat yogurt, whatever you want. The reason for this is because anything with a lot of sugar or salt will make you feel more drowsy and tired after a certain amount of time, which means you won't be as productive as you can be. I tend not to eat too much when studying as I like to see food as a treat, but of course if you've got to eat, you've got to eat. 

I would say to drink water and stay hydrated when studying. Drinking water is important anyway, however when studying it keeps the blood circulating around the brain and keeps you alert. This is obviously a huge advantage when it comes to studying for a fairly long period of time. 

3) Get rid of Distractions

Distractions are the worst thing for interupting productivity...obviously. So what's the solution? GET RID OF THEM! Mobile phones, TV, siblings, the lot. Anything that distracts you needs to go. Leave it where you can't access it or go somewhere super quiet. I like to sometimes go to the library to study or most the time I have a specific spot in my room that I like to sit and study in. If your atmosphere is calm and peaceful, you'll have a good train of thought and you'll get more work done.

4) Take Breaks

Ok, i'm not the best person to talk about this because I don't do it enough...but I do know it's helpful. I guess really this one is for me to take on. Taking breaks allows your brain to regenerate and make you feel a little less stressed. Take breaks and then get back to work. I'm rubbish at this so I need to practise what I preach. I forget most the time because I just want to get it done and studying in itself is a distraction for me. If you're not already good at this, we're on this road together! I'll let you know how things go for me from now.

5) Find Motivation

My final tip for productvivity is to find motivation. There is no way you're going to follow any of these tips unless you're actually motivated to work. Find your motivation and roll with it! Whether it be a future ambition like your career, short term goals like going to an upcoming party or being money motivated. Find whatever inspires you to work hard and always remember that whenever you're finding yourself feeling unmotivated!

I hope these tips helped!

Thanks for reading,

Have a great day x