LibGuides: How do I: Time Management

Time Management

Start the day happy by watching a cute animal video!

Being in a positive mood can help you focus.

App Suggestions:

Rescue Time for Android
Wonder where your day went? RescueTime is an automatic time and attention tracker that helps individuals and teams propagate good processes and eliminate bad habits. Fight information overload and multitask thrash!
Marinara Timer
Work in intervals and time yourself to ensure that you know when you should be working and when you get a break.

Learn How to...

Click on the link above!

***Use your To Do List for daily tasks that you need to complete.

Remove Distractions & Get Focused

If your phone is going to distract you, turn it off.
If you do not require internet for research or to collaborate on an assignment, turn it off.
If you are not using social media to collaborate on what you are studying then use a social media blocker to prevent you from getting distracted.
Do not watch videos for entertainment purposes - only sit in front of screens that you are using for study purposes.

Use a "Thought Parking Lot"

When studying, if a thought enters your mind that is not on topic, but you want to remember it for later, write it down on a piece of paper entitled "Thought Parking Lot." After your studying is complete, you can then come back to these thoughts.

App Suggestions:

Location, Location, Location!!!

Sit in a location with good lighting, a work table or desk, and comfortable seating (but not too comfortable - you don't want to fall asleep!).
- Sitting in the upright position, opposed to lounging on a couch, will help you to focus.
Choose a quite location to study independently.
Work with other students so long as they do not distract you. Conducting group projects, quizzing, or helping one another to understand concepts is a great way to learn. However, 'distracted studying' is an unproductive use of your time.

Music or no Music?

Answer: Yes and No!

Yes, listen to calming classical music from composers such as Bach, Brahms, and Mozart - studies have shown that listening to this music when studying relieves stress and anxiety, improves concentration, promotes relaxation, and improves mood.
No, do not listen to music with lyrics or a catchy beat such as pop, rock, alternative, etc. Studies suggest that even some classical music should be avoided - namely cannons and powerful orchestral pieces with dynamic note changes.

Photo Credit: Eric Bennett, licensed under Creative Commons

Online Music Streaming Suggestions: