Don't let the stress of hard courses or a heavy workload stop you from putting your best foot forward this semester. Here are some of my favorite study habits that help me stay on track.
Know yourself
If you're struggling, don't expect the methods that work for the person next to you to work perfectly for you. Notice which approaches help you understand and remember the material, and give yourself room to experiment.
Don't study where you sleep
I'm guilty of doing my schoolwork in bed. But your bed should be a place of calm, not somewhere you worry about the other 50 assignments you could be doing. Find a comfortable place with fewer distractions, whether that's your desk, the library, or a quiet spot outside.
Don't procrastinate
I know this is easier said than done. But when study material sits untouched until the last minute, dread and anxiety can cloud the actual studying process. Starting early gives you more time to work through difficulties without the added pressure of a looming deadline.
Classical music
This is a habit I've sworn by since high school. For me, peaceful music without lyrics creates a background that makes it easier to focus. It might not work for everyone, but it's something you can try.
Take breaks
Courses can get difficult, and schoolwork can feel overwhelming. Allow yourself moments to breathe, step away, and remember that you are more than the flashcards or homework in front of you.
Turn the phone off
I sometimes check a notification and return to my work 15 minutes later, completely lost as to where I was before. Putting my phone away helps me stay connected to the material instead of constantly having to find my place again.
Create a study ritual
Starting in my freshman year, I bought myself a vanilla iced latte whenever I was studying for something important. Eventually, holding that drink made me feel as though I should have study material in front of me. It became a familiar signal that it was time to begin.
The useful part, for me, was having a small ritual that helped me settle into studying.
Finding a few habits that suit you can make the workload feel more manageable. Study hard, but take care of yourself along the way.