The spring semester is here and classes are finally getting into full swing! By that I mean, classes and doing class work are becoming painful. Fear not though! Here are five things you can do right now to become more productive with schoolwork and beyond.
1. Get the Google Chrome extension "StayFocused."
We all know what happens when we try to do boring schoolwork. We have a rush of willpower for five minutes followed by a brief break on Facebook that ends up being three hours wasted. This Google Chrome browser extension helps combat this problem. What it does is block sites that you mark as time wasting so that you can stay focused on what really matters! (Not that adorable cat videos don't matter.)
2. Don't multitask.
Look, I get it. You think you're great at multitasking and getting your homework done while watching TV is totally possible, but hear me out. So the human brain, as amazing as it is, has flaws. One of the big ones is that it can only focus on one thing at a time! And that's the problem with multitasking! The brain is not actually working on numerous tasks at one time but rather switching quickly from one task to another in quick bursts. Studies have shown that this kind of thinking results in less-efficient work and is more mentally straining, resulting in less work accomplished.
3. Try the Pomodoro method.
This is a study method made up by some guy named Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s and its primary use is to combat procrastination. The way it works is really simple. You set up a timer for 25 minutes and hit start. You then don't stop working until the timer goes off, at which time you then have a five-minute break followed by working for another 25 minutes. Numerous productivy websites and people love this method because 25 minutes isn't a daunting time at all. (I mean, that's one episode of "How I Met Your Mother.") It really helps people get into the flow of working, which many consider the hard part.
4. Drink more water.
All right, I know I sound like Dr. Oz with this one, but water is super important for staying productive. Not only is it just good for you, but when it comes to fueling your brain water is essential. A heavy contributing factor to brain fog and fatigue is dehydration, so with that in mind always have some water nearby to keep you going.
5. Remember to take breaks and make them brief.
No one can work 24/7. It will drive you crazy. Eventually you need to watch that YouTube video or funny Snapchat, and the best part? Breaks are actually beneficial to your learning! Just remember to get back to work when that break is over and you're golden.
I hope this article helped you become more productive so that you can do your work now and then have all the fun college provides later. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to this homework I've been procrastinating on.
