Time management

Every student spends a lot of time studying and almost every one of them would like their studying to be more efficient.

Here are some basic tips to manage your time better when studying

Minimize distractions

Eliminate everything that might be a distraction in the area where you are studying. Make sure there's nothing nearby that might be tempting. If you love surfing the net, turn off the internet while you study. If you are totally into video games, discipline yourself to only play them after you have finished your studying as a reward. Don't put the video games anywhere near your study area.

Watching TV whilst studying is a very bad idea and makes your studying really ineffective. You need to minimize all distractions and TV is a big one even if it's just on in the background.

Your study environment

• Make sure that people know not to interrupt you whilst you're studying. Put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door if you need one.
• Turn off your phone and internet while you're studying.
• Definitely turn off the TV!
• Make sure that any music you listen to is actually helping you study and not a distraction. Music is ok, but whether it helps or hurts is a personal thing. You're the only one that will know.
• A straight back chair that is not too relaxing is much more effective. Don't use a chair that's too comfortable or one where you tend to lean back or hunch over.
• Good lighting and temperature are essential. If it's too hot it will be harder to concentrate, so it's better if the temperature is a little cool.

Time of day when to study 

Studying at the same time each and every day helps. Most people find it more effective to study during the day rather than at night, because they can concentrate better. But if you are a real night owl, then you may find that your ability to concentrate at night is just fine. 

Total 100% focus for at least 40 minutes at a time 

One of the most important things you can do to study effectively is to focus totally on your studying for at least 40 minutes at a time. Studying for 10 minutes here and there just will not cut it. Instead of quick little snippets, make sure you get in at least 40 or 50 minutes of total focus. While you're doing this, don't let yourself get distracted with anything else! Just focus intensely for the entire time. When you are finished, then relax, and play a video game or watch TV to reward yourself. 

You also don't want to study for too long at a time, because your brain gets fatigued and after a while it needs a rest. 90 minutes is probably the maximum you should go before taking a 10 minute break, and usually 60 minutes is enough. 

Some other tips

• Travelling time – make good use of your time travelling to and from school each day. This adds up to a lot of time and you can use it to get in some extra studying or reading.
• What do you do with your time between classes? Do you use this time productively or do you waste it?
• Sitting closer to the front of class tends to make it easier to concentrate.

                Make good use of your time.              
                                                                                                                         Adedapo  Adekunle