30 Apr 2021

By now, you’ve probably watched every how to video and read every study hacks article when it comes to getting yourself into a motivated studying headspace. Don’t get me wrong, there are some cracker ones out there. 

 

But from someone who has tried everything to stay focused during high school and uni, let me tell ya, there are only a handful of golden ones to really get your head in the game. So lemme bestow some habits that worked best - from me to you.

1. Rewrite your notes

I’m quite certain it could be my OCD or that I’m a bit of a perfectionist (probably both) but I am the biggest advocate for rewriting notes. I simply cannot focus when I’ve got my messy handwriting, scribbling and notes everywhere on a page. 

Take advantage of every second in the classroom. Ask questions, write everything down, draw diagrams and then when you’ve got a bit of downtime, jot it all down neatly. I personally love using one of those note-taking apps on my iPad (we love a bit of colour) or your standard highlighter/4 colour pen and paper will work just fine.

It’s a perfect refresher and you’ll thank yourself for it later when you need to cram in those red hot dot points last-minute. And honestly, live your best Pinterest life with immaculate looking notes.

2. Find a study spot that works best

My friends were all about taking the bus after school to the library and studying there for a couple of hours but honestly, I struggled to concentrate and never got anything done. Collaborative study wasn’t really my thing. I did, however, love studying in my backyard underneath the awning, soaking up that sun with a cheeky afternoon ham and cheese sammich.

Honestly, whatever works for you. Suss out a few places; once you find one ya like and where you feel most productive, make it your space.

3. Have something to look foward to

I cannot study productively for more than an hour at a time and I sincerely congratulate anyone who can (pls share your study hacks with me). I get fidgety and distracted very easily so taking a five-minute break (getting a snack, annoying my sis) in between topics or chapters has really helped me with being focused. Not studying to benefit your study routine sounds quite counterintuitive but I promise it works!

Take it down to a smaller scale and reward yourself with a gummy bear after every paragraph, maybe even give your dog a pat everytime you finish a page (your dog deserves pats all the time though).

4. Clear your physical and digital space

Now this one is a super important one for me because a messy space = messy headspace. I simply can’t build up the motivation to study when I’ve still got my scraps from lunchtime or my notes all over my desk.

Spend five minutes sprucing up your area and make it spack and span. That goes for your desktop - when was the last time you cleared it out? I’m telling you, you definitely do not need a screenshot of a Ticketek receipt from a concert you went to three years ago. 

Drag them into the bin and welcome a refreshed and tidy screen for all your important docs!

Now, these may all seem basic and easy to adapt to your routine but sticking to it will change up your study game big time. Get crackin'!

Here’s the goss. Year13 is running an online careers exhibition designed to help you find your passion and plan your future!

Whether you’re dazed and confused when it comes to your future plans, or you’re keen to learn how to land your dream job, this expo has something for everyone! Running from May 17-19, you’ll hear from 30+ red hot speakers and over a hundred exhibitors exploring work, study and travel.

RSVP here so you don’t miss any of the speakers (like The Inspired Unemployed, Dr Karl or Kath Ebbs, to name drop a few). Get keen!