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Online studies? Not being able to motivate yourself and deadlines are approaching rapidly? Studying online requires a lot of discipline and routines, and of course, planning a daily schedule for yourself so you can keep up with all the tasks while working from home. We have gathered some tips for you on how to build an effective plan for studying from home.
1. Start your day always at the same time
Waking up early and having a sleeping rhythm creates a routine and clarifies your daily life a lot. Start fixing your sleeping as soon as possible and you will notice a difference in your energy and motivation levels more quickly than you thought. In addition, when you wake up and start to work early on your tasks, you will be finished sooner and you will have the rest of the day just for yourself!
Along with good sleeping rhythm, it’s as important to have an eating rhythm. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and eat regularly. Studying is easier and you feel more energetic when you aren’t hungry or feel dizzy because you haven’t drink water. Have coffee breaks and eat for example fruits and other healthy snacks while studying.
2. Write down all your tasks and make a weekly schedule
Write down all the deadlines you already know and make your schedule based on that and try to stick to it! Remember to set goals as well for each day and week. When you start to work on your tasks, a good way is to do the assignments from the hardest ones to the easiest. When you get to tick the hardest ones as done, your motivation gets higher as you see progress.
Don’t try to do all at once! If you try to focus on multiple courses or topics it makes the learning and internalizing pretty impossible. Divide the courses into smaller entireties without forgetting the deadline. Use a calendar or a bullet journal for scheduling and make to-do lists. If the schedule is only in your head it’s way easier to slip from your plan.
3. Make yourself a calm working space
Make yourself a working space where no one will interrupt or disturb you while studying. The space should be clean, bright, and well organized. You can put some classical music on the background if it helps you to concentrate. Don’t work from bed! In order to work efficiently and to be able to focus only on work, it’s important to separate your work life and daily life from each other.
In the age of smartphones and social media, it can be really hard to distract yourself from those things since they are part of our daily lives. We are constantly checking our messages and email. Some of us even handle work tasks through the phone. If you don’t need to use your phone, put it away when you start to work. It’s a good idea to even leave it to another room and check it only during breaks or after you have finished studying.
4. Take breaks!
Studying online can take a huge part away from your day without you even noticing that the time and many hours have passed. It’s important to remember to take breaks, stretch your whole body, and go for a short walk to get some fresh air. Doing yoga is also a good way to relax your mind and body besides studying. Studying after clearing your mind is a lot easier!
Try the Pomodoro technique if you are struggling with staying on top of deadlines and you don’t know when to take breaks. Implementing the Pomodoro technique you get to take regular breaks that boost your motivation and keep you creative.
5. Business before pleasure
Last but not least, when you are studying online remember that it’s not a holiday! You still need to do your homework and study the same things as if you were at school. Stick to your daily plan and after you have done everything you needed to, the feeling is great. There’s no better feeling than finishing the day, rewarding your hard work, and getting to do the things you enjoy.
Read more about our flexible online options. Edunation Pathway Diploma.
