Hit your study goals more efficiently: focus on one task at a time
As the end-of-unit assessment period gets closer, is your study becoming a bit of a juggling act? You may have several assignments due around the same time and be wondering how to manage the competing deadlines.
Many students try to increase their productivity by multi-tasking, which involves working on two (or more) things simultaneously. The underlying logic of multi-tasking is that by tackling several tasks or assignments at once, you’ll get more work done in less time.
So, what’s the problem with this approach? The science tells us it doesn’t work! The human brain can’t truly process two things at once – it can only lead to us repeatedly switching between two tasks and this ‘switch cost’ is lower productivity.
Knowing these limits, here’s some handy tips to help you bust the multi-tasking habit and study more efficiently.
Focus your attention
- Stick to a study schedule. Create a daily or weekly study plan, and work your way through it methodically. Avoid distraction by allocating one block of time to one task only.
- Find a dedicated study spot. Your study space should be quiet, well-lit and free from interruptions. Resist the urge to answer your phone or emails, or to listen to music with lyrics as this can impact your ability to concentrate on study material. Drop into the library or book a study space on campus if you can’t find a suitable place at home.
- Short study sessions are best. Your attention will naturally wane over 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. See the DeakinWELLBEING app for a Pomodoro timer.
Be kind to yourself during assessment time
- Identify early warning signs of stress. Stress can be considered an adaptive response in the face of competing demands, but pay attention to your body for signs your stress may be out of control – 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 to identify any possible triggers for problematic stress.
- Dedicate periods of time to decompress. This will help your body and nervous system to settle when you feel your stress levels increasing. You may wish to have some alone time to read a book, go for a walk or catch up on Netflix, or spend time with family and friends who are supportive.
- Keep to a routine. Create regular times for exercise and relaxation, mealtimes, waking and bedtimes, and fuel yourself with plenty of water and nutritious food. See Nourished@Deakin for quick, easy and healthy meal ideas.
Help is always available, so please reach out
If you are feeling overwhelmed, the below services are free and available to all Deakin students.
- Talk to a Deakin Language and Learning Advisor (LLA). Make an 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 help boost your relaxation, focus, energy, mood and productivity.
- 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.