Traditionally, educators have questioned the concept of studying from home due to productivity concerns and the physical distance that limits teachers’ ability to observe and instruct learners. However, there are times when learners must study at home.
Whether you are studying for a test or self-educating to attain a higher qualification, you need to know how to maximize your productivity. Here are several steps you can take to get the most out of study time at home.
Forget About Working Hard – Work Smart
Studying from home will fail if you do not have a clear strategy. No matter how early you wake up each day, you will achieve very little without a study schedule. Smart goals maximize your productivity because they are:
- Specific
What do you intend to achieve today? The answer to this question should be clear to you from the moment you wake up. It gives you something to focus on and directs your energy to the right place.
- Measurable
How many chapters must you read? Are there any milestones you should reach? Knowing how to measure your progress is a good way to stay motivated throughout the day.
- Achievable
Be sure to set realistic study goals. Keep in mind what you can achieve with the time and resources you have to avoid disappointment and frustration.
- Relevant
Are your goals going to get you closer to your desired result? Do not waste your time on energy on activities that do not fit into your overall plan.
- Time Sensitive
Deadlines are important because they show you what to focus on first. Without a defined time limit for completing a task, you are more likely to get distracted.
Create a Study Area
The worst mistake you can make when studying from home is to spread your books on your bed and hope to spend hours reading. Do not kid yourself; you will end up lounging and wasting your day.
Shifting from one study location to another each day is also bound to end disastrously because you will not achieve your goals. Pick a quiet area of your house and set up a study area. If you have a spare room, it will come in handy.
Keep in mind that your study area must be comfortable; you will not get much done if your back hurts from sitting in the wrong posture.
Get Ready for “School”
Imagine that you are going to school and get ready as though you are. You do not have to dress up, but freshening up and donning something comfortable will get you in the mood for serious work.
You will be tempted to roll out of bed and sit at your desk in your pajamas, but this might not be helpful. Setting the mood by having a routine and getting ready is advisable.
Minimize Distractions
If your dog jumps onto your lap every five minutes or your toddler wails incessantly from the next room, you will not get much done. Ask family and friends to take care of anything that would distract you while you study.
Switch off your phone, stay away from social media and other tech distractions. By being laser-focused, you will surely maximize your productivity.
Pace Yourself
No matter how ambitious you are, there is only so much you can do. Identify your limits and stay within them. Pushing yourself to take on more than you can handle will frustrate you and make studying unbearable.
Practice Self-Care
When you are well-rested, you are more productive. Take a break from studying from time to time to rejuvenate yourself.
When you are burned out and wondering, “But when will I do my homework?” Take a step back, relax, and deal with your work when you are fresh.
Be Flexible
Studying from home comes with one major drawback – so many things can crop up and interfere with your schedule. If you find yourself needing to attend to an important commitment, do not beat yourself up about it.
Be ready to work around your schedule so that you do not neglect your responsibilities. Make time for the things that matter to you.
Final Take
Studying from home can be fruitful if you take the right steps to maximize your productivity. Setting smart goals, designating a study area, having a routine, minimizing distraction, and taking care of yourself are some of the ways to maximize your productivity. While following these steps, do not forget to make time for other things that are important to you.
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