7 HABITS THAT ARE KEEPING YOU FROM PRODUCTIVITY

As finals approach, we're all looking for ways to make studying easier. Unfortunately, we can't avoid the whole "studying" part, but there are ways we can improve. These little changes should have you on track for productivity and success!

1) Checking your phone!

*Shocker!* Your phone is distracting you! I'm sure you've never heard this before!!

But really, as much as we don't think we can sit down without it, we have to stop being glued to our phones. In order to keep ourselves on track, we have to break the vicious cycle. We don't notice when we start scrolling through Instagram that it can turn into a half-an-hour "break" that just deters us from working. Instead of letting it buzz every five minutes to kill your grind, try this easy fix: put your phone on airplane mode behind you. With no notifications, you'll be less prone to reach for it. If you're completely unable to live without it while you study, set an alarm every 45 minutes to an hour and one that follows about five minutes after. Scheduling these "breaks" will keep you from getting sucked into your screen.

2) Naps.

As much as we all LOVE them... they're really not doing you any favors.

Are there times when we really need to shut our eyes and catch up on our zZz's? Yes. Does that mean a daily hour-long nap is necessary to be more productive? Unfortunately, no. What we say will be a 20-minute nap will quickly turn into a three-hour on-and-off sleep, and when you wake up, your homework is still sitting on your desk, it's almost dinner time, and you truly can't believe how long it actually was. Avoiding this habit altogether is the easily solution to this problem, and the best way to do that is to avoid your comfortable spaces. Your bed should be basically off-limits mid-day, and try to keep yourself studying in upright positions to avoid dozing off. If you do choose to nap, really try to restrict the time. When I choose to nap, I make sure to do it right before a class or another on-campus obligation. Setting it at this time will be the sure way of getting up the first time your alarm beeps.

3) Not setting your schedule

This sounds like I may be suggesting that you...like...~plan~?!?!

As crazy as some of our schedules can look, they serve as a plan for the day. Having this plan in place is what keeps that busy schedule from turning into an absolute mess. Whether you like to keep your schedule on your phone, your computer, or a planner, having all of your information in a central location will help keep every day under control. Between your social life, your schoolwork, and your work, it's crucial to keep all of your ducks in a row, especially when things start to get busy!

4) Being in an unproductive environment

Where do you get the most done?

Everyone's different here. Personally, I'm unable to study at home, especially in my room. I highly recommend being honest with yourself when considering where you will actually be efficient. If you're the type that can't study with noise, find quiet rooms to make your study space. If you absolutely need to be alone, study by yourself when you have things to get done right away. As much as we all love studying with our friends, it's very unrealistic to think you'll get things done unless you're in a quiet zone in the library (*cough cough* East Asia @Hawkeyes?). Some people can't study in a messy room. Regardless of where you do end up being the most productive, be consistent with your study spaces. This will save you lots of time when deciding where to go when it's time to get to work.

5) Eating habits

Does studying with a snack turn into just snacking with a book open?

Sometimes when we really don't want to work, we use food as a distraction. Stopping for a "snack break" or a "lunch break" can quickly turn into the end of your productivity. When making your schedule, find gaps to eat. Avoid the need to eat and work at the same time, because we all know which one we choose when we can't multitask. Having small, healthy snacks during our study sessions is acceptable, but every time we call Jimmy John's while reviewing for an exam, we often lose focus on the task at hand. Keep these habits in check by making eating a separate task than your studying.

6) Giving yourself *WAY* too much to do

I may love lists but at some point, you have to cut it off.

During our busy weeks, we are tempted to pile on our entire workload into one day or one session at the library. Giving yourself 12-hour-long homework periods is definitely not doing you any favors. Do some people work better in long periods of time? Absolutely. But should we always study that way? Nope! Science says that we work best in shorter periods of time where we alternate what our brain is focusing on and trying to retain. Now that we're going to be studying for 3-4 exams over a given week, try to break up the subject matter. Instead of studying for psych for 4 hours, study for psych AND macro for an hour at a time and alternate. This, along with a short break or two, should keep you more focused and on task.

7) Comparing yourself

Individuality can apply to your entire life, especially when we're working toward our goals.

As so many college students do, we are often tempted to compare ourselves to the people sitting next to us at the library. Don't dwell on the fact that you aren't earning the same goals as your best friend or you didn't land an internship for the summer yet. We often get so caught up in all of the things we haven't achieved in the past that we put a halt on the things we could be achieving in the present. Instead of worrying about what everyone else is doing with their life, concern yourself with ensuring your own future. Work towards your passions and put your energy towards what is doable today. Your goals are not the same as the person next to you, and sometimes we forget that. Being an individual is the first step to keeping yourself on track to reaching your goals.

Wishing everyone a finals season full of coffee, sleep, and *lots* of productivity!

xo Kate