The concept of online learning seems tempting in theory. You don’t have to wake up and get ready for your classes every morning. Instead, you can study from the comfort of your bedroom while you’re still in your pajamas. Isn’t this the secret fantasy that most students cherish?
As it turns out, the COVID-19 pandemic made this dream a reality for students across the globe. As the world sought refuge indoors, students and teachers had to quickly get accustomed to the practice of e-learning. And that’s when you realized that studying at home isn’t that fun after all.
Studying at Home: The Real Picture
To begin with, there are too many distractions in the form of social media, electronic gadgets, and family members. Then there’s always the temptation to crawl right back into your bed in the middle of an online lecture. Also, you often have to find the time to finish household chores while dealing with multiple assignments, projects, and exams.
Moreover, studying at home can become quite lonely and frustrating. In the absence of direct contact with your classmates and teachers, it’s easy to become a passive learner and let things slide. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wishing to go back to your regular classes.
But with the pandemic returning in waves, it looks like online learning is here to say. But this shouldn’t come in the way of your academic achievements. Slight modifications to how, when, and where you study at home can go a long way to enhance your focus and motivation.
In this blog, we’ve curated a few useful tips and tricks to help you maximize productivity and motivation while studying at home. Let’s take a look.
1. Create a Dedicated Study Space
The reason you can concentrate better in an actual class is that you’re in a space that’s conducive to learning. On the other hand, your brain often associated your living space with relaxation and recreation. That’s why it is essential to reserve a specific section in your home for your academic tasks.
If your home isn’t big enough to accommodate a separate study room, try to find a quiet and isolated corner. Also, it’s a good idea to keep your study space out of the bedroom. Even if this isn’t the case, you should avoid staying in bed while attending classes or working on assignments.
2. Set Goals & Rewards
Staying focused on your lessons becomes a lot easier when you’ve got the constant pressure from your teachers. On the other hand, when you’re studying at home, you have to push yourself harder to attend classes, finish projects, and prepare for tests on time.
An effective way of doing this is to set daily goals. It could be something as simple as memorizing a fixed number of flashcards every day. The key is to give yourself a sense of purpose to continue studying.
You can motivate yourself further by rewarding yourself every time you accomplish a goal. Treat yourself to some extra phone time or a fancy dessert for achieving your daily academic targets. It can go a long way to inspire you to work harder instead of curling up in your bed.
3. Look Beyond Textbooks & Lectures
Studying in a secluded corner of your home will quickly become mundane and exhausting. If you’re craving some human interaction, it’s a good idea to start a virtual study group with your classmates. It’ll come in handy when you have to collaborate on class projects. Or you can use the time to share and resolve each others’ queries.
Also, when you’re attending online classes, it may not always be possible to reach out to your teachers for help. In such cases, you can explore online platforms, such as HomeworkMarket, to connect with experienced tutors for various subjects. Whether you’re working on a literary essay or math problem, they can step in to clarify your doubts.
4. Don’t Forget to Take Breaks
When you’re at home, you’ve got better control over when and how long you study. But this doesn’t mean you should spend 8 to 10 hours at a stretch with your textbooks. There’s only so much information your brain can grasp and retain. Beyond that, you’ll end up wasting your time trying to memorize your lessons.
That’s why it is a good idea to take frequent breaks while studying. Resist the temptation to check your phone or hit the bed for a quick nap while you’re on a break. Instead, go out for a walk or try some meditation to energize your body and mind.
Do you have any useful tips for studying from home? Share your advice in the comments section below.