Some days are easier than others to be productive. Whether you’re having one of those I don’t want to do anything days, or just looking for productivity hacks, keep on reading.
One tip that I’ve learnt to be true to reduce my procrastination has been to have everything that I need at my study area. I wasn’t the one to come up with this tip but I find it does reduce the amount of time I spend searching for non-essential stuff/distractions.
These ones may be obvious but these are what I consider to be my non-negotiable studying essentials:
- Water Bottle
I drink so much more water when I have a water bottle right in front of me at my desk.
I won’t get into the benefits of drinking water here, but stay hydrated and stay healthy friends.
- Coffee / Tea
Unfortunately, I started drinking coffee back in highschool. I say unfortunately because I wish I disliked the taste of it. But, I’ve always loved the different flavours of coffee.
Coffee has been a motivator to get me out of bed for awhile now, but it also now motivates me to study, as well as other activities.
I don’t know who put it in my head (shoutout tik tok) that I need coffee before anything I do nowadays, let alone studying.
Coffee now signifies the start to a productive study session for me. But for those of you who don’t enjoy coffee, use tea, hot chocolate, or any warm beverage.
If it helps, do a quick run to grab your favourite beverage, but make an agreement with yourself that getting a beverage is a conditional term, with a condition of studying.
After making/getting your beverage of choice, it’s time to study.
- Candle / Diffuser
Candles
I’m someone who LIVES for good smelling stuff. Candles, laundry, perfume, oh the list goes on.
The only thing that got me through my first year of university was candles (semi joking). I hate when candles don’t burn perfectly, so I follow the rule where I don’t blow it out until the entire top layer has melted.
This rule results in a guaranteed 2-3 hours of burn time depending on the candle, which I allott myself for study time. Rules like this made me unwilling to leave my desk before its burned evenly.
Essential Oil Diffuser
For christmas 2021, my boyfriend gifted me a diffuser and oils. I’ve never understood the major love for diffusers until I got one. When I tell you this is a game changer, I mean it.
One benefit I found to using a diffuser is that I used it way more consistently. With candles, I would sometimes avoid lighting them for safety reasons. Wherever as with my diffuser, I can put it on the 6 hour cycle and forget about it, while noticing the great benefits.
Essential oils are easy and you don’t have to worry about burning the house down. Diffusers add a nice ambiance to the room and the scents can be fresh and calming.
- Stationary Supplies
Ever since I was little, back to school shopping has always been more exciting than actually doing school work. :’)
Although studying is difficult, finding joy in the little things in life, like quality pens and pretty highlighters, make it a little more bearable.
I always make sure I have my good pens on me. I definitely would recommend cross pens.
Trust me on this, good pens are the finer things in life. You won’t ever want to stop writing notes. Pure satisfaction.
Take time to make your notes nice and digestible.
- Notebook for Mind Dumps
When I was commuting for work, I found myself getting deep in thought on the train. My work planner didn’t have enough room for random notes, and I never carried my journal with me on the train.
One day while I was in the bookstore, I found a three pack of pocket size lined journals. I thought they were just the cutest little things, and actually could see myself carrying one around in my pocket. So, I bought them :’)
These journals have gone on to become what grounds me throughout times of distraction. I use them in public, at work, and at home.
I categorise certain journal entries as a “mind dump”, which allows me to write down any thoughts that come to my head that I spontaneously need to pursue (hello impulsivity).
These mind dumps allow me to stay on track and not feel like I’m going to forget a really important thought.
You can use whatever system you’d like to record your mind dump/ideas. Let loose!
Studying Tips
- Show Up for Yourself
I find that showing up for myself before studying is the hardest, most critical part.
I never want to study for too long when I’m in my pyjamas. I’m a firm believer in getting dressed is motivational. Especially on the hardest days, showing up for myself motivates me and changes my mindset.
Have a shower, get dressed.
Look good, feel good.
- Create a study plan
Don’t allow this to eat up too much of your study time. But knowing what you need to accomplish helps you stay motivated and make noticeable progress.
- Location is key
Plan to study somewhere that you know you’ll have less distractions. Also factor in the time of day that you work best during.
- Prioritise Movement
Run, walk, or stretch every chance you get.
Most importantly…
Don’t give up!
Sometimes it takes me multiple attempts to start being productive. Be kind to yourself and preserve till you reach the flow state.
Find ways to motivate yourself. Make vision boards, write quotes, limit your screen time and/or watch motivational speeches on youtube (my personal favourite).
All in all, you want your future self to be able to look back and appreciate/value all your hard work happening now.