Intense Study Sesh - How To

There comes a point in most people's college career, whether for legitimate or insubstantial reasons, that we fall behind in our work. Or, at the very least, the work we must do requires more time than we are used to investing. This can apply to different jobs as well, but this will be primarily focused on those in higher learning, since that is the only kind of intense work I have been subjected to thus far. 

When planning out a day of intense study, I have a mental list I have to go through to prepare. Since I have an intense study sesh planned for this Sunday, I thought this post could serve simultaneously as a guide for myself and others. 

First things first: make a schedule. This is by far the hardest part of an intense study sesh day, since I tend to underestimate how much time everything will take. Be realistic with yourself - allow more time for the homework that you've already been struggling with. And actually take time to look at the work that needs to be done: read the problems, glance at the chapter, look through the syllabus schedule. By reviewing the specific tasks you will be completing, you'll have a better understanding of how to manage your time. 

When I make a schedule of tasks for myself, I like to break up larger studies with smaller ones in between. This allows little breaks for your mind, and makes you a more effective studier. Or maybe I just do this so I don't get bored?

Start with the hardest task. My mom always used to say this and I would roll my eyes, but it is sound advice for homework and studying. That way, if it gets too frustrating, you can take a break and complete the other tasks for a while, and then come back to it. It also gives you a great boost of confidence when you finally do understand the impossible problem and start tackling it.  

Take good breaks. Try to keep your breaks physically outside of your study area - I find that if I tell myself I'm going to take a break for 5 minutes and only 5 minutes, it's a lot harder to get back into the groove of working if my break has been where I was supposed to be studying. Having separate spaces for eating, working, relaxing isn't just Feng Shui - it helps compartmentalize tasks in your mind and keep you more focused. When you relax, really relax. When you study, really study. Be completely in that task, that moment, as you are in it. 

Bring snacks. If you're stuck on campus 3 hours into your study sesh and you realize you have to leave to go find some food, it will slow your day down significantly. Bring snacks that bring you joy but are nutritious as well. Chips and guacamole is my favorite snack of all time - and not too shabby health-wise (please don't burst my bubble... avocado is a fruit, right??). Small amounts of sugar can be beneficial, too. A honey stick or a banana can wake you up and put you back on track when you start to slow down.

Invite buddies to keep you accountable. The people you invite to study can make or break your plans for the day - choose wisely! I can remember a time when I had a huge crush on a Geology major... I invited him to study Calculus with me. We met in the library, and after half an hour, guess where we already were? On a date. Getting food. Don't bring people who will distract you, and don't plan to spend the whole day with them. Maybe meet them for a few hours to complete a specified task, then go on your way to complete your other tasks. Others can be majorly helpful for those difficult subjects, too! Have a friend tutor you.

Listen to the ambient tunes. Youtube has a great variety of LoFi-Hip Hip Study playlists. These are best for me because they're calming and stimulating at the same time. Some subjects work well with the Classical Piano playlists, but often I find myself getting sleepy and dreamy. Take a look at Post Rock, too. In my experience, music without words is the best for subjects that take a lot of my mental attention... but that's mostly because I can't help but sing along! The best music for studying is the kind that will keep you lightly entertained, like background music in an elevator. Maybe take some time before your study sesh to make a playlist on Spotify. 

Allow room for change. If it hits 2pm and you find yourself reading the same sentence in the textbook three times over, maybe it's time for a break, even if your schedule doesn't say so. Listen to your body. You know what's best for you more than anyone else. Just make sure you aren't shying away from all of your work for social fun time, or because you believe you can't do it. Being in college is the opportunity of a lifetime - take advantage of every moment you are presented with to grow and be better at what you do. 

Get excited! The night before your intense study sesh, psych yourself up, in a good way. Visualize your study day going perfectly, every box on your list checked, every equation understood. Feel proud of yourself for the work you are about to do. See how calm you are about all of the work you can get done. Nothing is frantic or stressful - you are simply chugging through your todo list efficiently and at a pace that feels natural to you. Alternatively, imagine you are the smartest person on the planet, and all of the tasks are simple and easy and fun.  

Treat Yo'self. I like to make my study days start early enough that I can get done by 6pm and go do something I love! Dinner with a friend, a movie night, or a bubble bath are all great rewards for a day well spent. Let this fun activity motivate you to get up earlier, study more efficiently, so you can enjoy the night and take care of yourself. 

Have a Can-Do Attitude! This is hardest for me when thinking about subjects I'm struggling with. I feel my confidence lackluster and my anxiety climb when I plan out my day and write the words Electric Networks. This anxiety makes me procrastinate (hence, this blog post) and do anything I can do that feels productive while not actually completing the tasks I need to complete. The truth is, you are a lot more competent than you give yourself credit for. You are studying these things to improve your mind; you're allowed to not understand, you're allowed to struggle. Your mistakes don't define you. It's your ability to learn and grow from those mistakes that shows the world who you are. Write yourself positive sticky notes like "You got this" 

"You can do it" 

"I believe in you"

We aren't always going to have a good support system around us that inspires us to be better people, or to achieve our dreams. You have to be that support system for yourself. 

And, above all else, remember that you deserve the life of your dreams. Do all that you do well and with love, so that you can show your best self to the world. 

Much love, 

Brooke

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