Time Management Tips for Long Study Sessions

Sitting down to study, especially if you have something big to prepare for, such as finals, a major paper or the SATs, can feel overwhelming. But if you manage your time correctly, you can get the job done smoothly and quickly. A few hours of quality studying can result in more time for you to play games, hang out with your friends and do the things you really want to do. Remember, studying for a long time isn’t necessarily better than studying for just an hour or two on a regular basis. As long as you remain focused and get through your to-do list with these helpful ideas from PBteen, less can actually be more.

Work in Short Bursts with Strategic Breaks

If you’re having trouble focusing, it doesn’t make sense to waste time staring at the same page or getting upset at yourself for falling into distraction. Instead of giving up, split your study session into segments, alternating between work periods and short break periods. For example, you could work for 20 minutes, then take a five-minute break, then work for 20 minutes, take a break and so on for a few hours. Use a clock or an interval timer app to help keep yourself on track – when those five minutes of break are up, return to your work.

Make Detailed Lists

The rush of satisfaction you experience when you accomplish something on your to-do list can be incredibly motivating. So, before diving into your study session, make a list of everything you want to accomplish. You can use a piece of paper on your desk or the notes app on your phone. Make sure the list is detailed by by noting each chapter you need to get through, the number of flashcards you want to make, half-hour segments of your entire study session or whatever else needs to get done. Then, as you accomplish each task on the list, cross it off. You may find yourself working harder just to enjoy the euphoric feeling of your shrinking to-do list.

Use Technology

One of the great parts of being in school now, as opposed to 20 or even 10 years ago, is that you have endless amounts of technology at your fingertips. It’s true that technology can be distracting, but it can also streamline your list of study-related tasks. If you can type faster than you write by hand, use an app to make flashcards on your tablet or phone. Use text and other social technologies to discuss things you’re learning with friends in your classes. Watch online videos from reputable sources  to help reinforce the concepts you’re learning.

Use Calendars

Keep a calendar in your study or bedroom so you can have a clear visual of what the upcoming week or month is going to look like. You can keep a schedule on your phone or computer, but having a physical calendar to look at can be surprisingly helpful when it comes to prioritizing the tasks that will be most important for you to take care of sooner rather than later. Before each study session, check your calendar and use that information – which tests are coming up soonest, which papers are due this week –  to prioritize your to-do list. If you get through the most important things at the top of the list, you’ll be in good shape. Just remember to stay consistent.

Stay Organized

Organize outside of work time and dedicate an hour or two one weekend to consider where you’re studying and how you can make it less distracting. Ask a parent for help. Most adults have some experience, and they’ll be able to give you some good advice. Your mom or dad may even agree to let you put a desk in a quiet part of the house that isn’t your bedroom so you can have a space dedicated solely to studying. Design your workspace to maximize your organizational capabilities, giving yourself room for folders, books, highlighters, your computer and whatever other study tools you need. Having these supplies on hand helps keep your studying free of interruptions.