Avoid the multi-tasking trap: see our top three tips to better manage competing deadlines
It’s assignment time – how are you tracking? If you’re juggling multiple assessments, it can feel a little overwhelming when deadlines start to converge and you’re wondering how you’ll get everything done on time.
While it may seem efficient to work on all your assignments at once – that is, multi-tasking – it’s a bad idea! Why?
We are not able to truly multi-task
Put simply, your brain has limited resources for attention. If you’re working on one task, you can only realistically allocate enough attention to get that one task done.
While it is possible to split your attention across several simple tasks (such as reviewing flashcards over lunch or listening to a lecture in the car), you will struggle to simultaneously focus on multiple tasks that aren’t automatic or require more mental bandwidth – such as synthesising reference material or drafting an essay. All you’re really doing is switching back and forth between each task, and as you do this, you become distracted, less productive and more prone to making omissions and mistakes.
Research backs this up – students who use their smartphone or watch TV while studying or listening to lectures tend to get less done, retain less information and achieve lower marks than students who don’t multi-task.
So, take a minute or two to stop what you’re doing and read our top three tips to achieve more efficient study practices and meet your deadlines.
1. Focus on one thing at a time
To get the most out of your study sessions and avoid making mistakes, you should devote your undivided attention to only one task at a time. Here are some helpful hints for staying on track.
- Stay organised with a study schedule. Allocate one task to a particular block of time by creating a daily or weekly study plan, and work your way through it methodically.
- Find a suitable place to study. Your study space should be quiet and free from distractions. Resist the urge to answer your phone or emails, or to listen to music with lyrics as this can impact your ability to comprehend or remember new material. Drop into the library or book a study space on campus if you can’t find a dedicated nook at home.
- Keep your study sessions short. Your attention will naturally wane after a given time, so commit to regular, short blocks of study rather than marathon study sessions. Take frequent breaks too – many students find the Pomodoro technique useful for managing blocks of study.
2. Take care of yourself during assessment time
While stress is an adaptive and even helpful response in the face of competing demands, if your study load is making you feel out of control, try these tips to de-stress.
- Identify early warning signs (and any known triggers). Notice the signs in your body that indicate stress is becoming a problem – such as muscle tension, headaches, poor sleep or irritability. It can help to write a list of the situations or factors that tend to affect you.
- Make time to relax. This will help your body and nervous system to settle when you feel your stress levels increasing.
- Stick to routines. Keep regular times for exercise and relaxation, mealtimes, waking and bedtimes, and nourish yourself with nutritious food.
3. Ask for help
If you start to feel overwhelmed, the below services are free and available to all Deakin students.
- Talk to a Deakin Language and Learning Advisor (LLA). Make a Zoom appointment with an LLA to discuss your approach to work and learn how to complete your assignments on time.
- Check out the DeakinWELLBEING app. DeakinWELLBEING includes interactive tools, videos and podcasts that can enhance relaxation, focus, energy, mood and productivity in minutes.
- Have a confidential chat with one of our student mental health experts. Access Deakin’s Counselling and Psychological Support service for personalised help or check out our Ask Counselling online blog for advice.
Adapted from an article originally published in this.