How to study at home and maintain sanity (MS-2)

[KeepCalm11]

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Any tips or suggestions from those or who choose to make their home base their study?

I'm MS-2 student who is finding how to best utilize my time in a effective and healthy way. A

I live a studio and have set up some great boundaries for myself that distinguish my brain from fun time to study time and more.Since i treat my home as my study/work space, I hide/keep my phone away, don't check it during certain times, go outside or in a separate location to talk.check phone so my mind knows that this study space, this is ___ space, etc.

However, I would like to hear what others are doing since MS-2 is LONG LONG hours preparing and studying .

 

[Chibucks15]

Any tips or suggestions from those or who choose to make their home base their study?

I'm MS-2 student who is finding how to best utilize my time in a effective and healthy way. A

I live a studio and have set up some great boundaries for myself that distinguish my brain from fun time to study time and more.Since i treat my home as my study/work space, I hide/keep my phone away, don't check it during certain times, go outside or in a separate location to talk.check phone so my mind knows that this study space, this is ___ space, etc.

However, I would like to hear what others are doing since MS-2 is LONG LONG hours preparing and studying .

Soundproof headphones. You-tube mix of upbeat electronic music without words to keep me awake without focusing on the words. That's worked for me. Other than that, setting an actual schedule with timed out breaks to look forward to. and making sure to stick to it. (like 1 hour on, 15 min off) Definitely keeps me on track (so far).

 

[Jesus1]

Concentrate your studying between the hours of 5 AM and noon.

 

[hardpecs]

This is a great topic, because I myself made the transition from studying in our school library to studying at home. Heres a few things I learned along the way

1) Use a pomidoro timer if distraction is a constant issue for you: Pomodoro Method Style Time Management Tool & Timer | Marinara by 352
2) Exercise - your body will go a little bit insane if you dont do SOME form of exercise on a near daily basis. You'll find it will help your focus too.
3) Keep your desk clean and organized. The rest of the apartment can be basically decomposing, but if your study space is clean, your thinking will be clean.
4) The daily best study session is always first thing out of bed, and first two hours until you become to hungry to continue.
5) Keep a "study computer". If you have two laptops, keep one for your fun stuff, and the other strictly for studying. Even the internet browser should be clear of any search history that isnt study related. If you only have one computer, then at least have a clean browser you use for studying. The point is that when it takes you a few seconds to log in to your social network profiles rather than it being instantaneous, you're less likely to give in, in a sudden moment of weakness.

 

[mistafab]

Hey bud,

From your post - it sounds like you did a great job separating your work time from your play time. That is great.

I would also make sure you put just as much effort into separating your play time from your work time. I.E. when you finish studying, you finish studying and completely allow yourself to enjoy your time off.

 

[DiscusKeeper]

Any tips or suggestions from those or who choose to make their home base their study?

I'm MS-2 student who is finding how to best utilize my time in a effective and healthy way. A

I live a studio and have set up some great boundaries for myself that distinguish my brain from fun time to study time and more.Since i treat my home as my study/work space, I hide/keep my phone away, don't check it during certain times, go outside or in a separate location to talk.check phone so my mind knows that this study space, this is ___ space, etc.

However, I would like to hear what others are doing since MS-2 is LONG LONG hours preparing and studying .

The biggest thing that has helped me has been making my studio apartment a place I like to be in. It makes studying more enjoyable. I also have to turn my phone off while studying to avoid getting distracted. I also have learned to be productive with study breaks. I let myself take more frequent breaks, assuming I'm productive with them. For example, I'll take ten minutes off to rest my brain, put on some music, and wash dishes or sweep my apartment. It gives me a mental break without cutting into time that I need to be productive. The chores I get done on study breaks are things I'd have to do anyway, so I am able to get the same amount of studying done in a day. It also helps me overall feel more productive, which puts me in a better mindset to get studying done.

The ways I've made my apartment a space I like to be in, in addition to keeping it cleaner than usual, was by adopting 2 kittens to keep me company and exploring an interest in keeping freshwater tropical fish. It makes long days at home alone much more enjoyable!

Also, I agree with mistafab - because you're studying in your apartment, it's essential to let yourself have time off where you aren't thinking about school. I often have to turn my phone off during time off so I am not bothered by emails or anything else that might stress me out while I'm trying to relax and enjoy my limited free time.

 

[hardpecs]

Soundproof headphones. You-tube mix of upbeat electronic music without words to keep me awake without focusing on the words. That's worked for me. Other than that, setting an actual schedule with timed out breaks to look forward to. and making sure to stick to it. (like 1 hour on, 15 min off) Definitely keeps me on track (so far).

Could you actually share a few electro mixes that you listen to? I also find that stuff helps me focus

 

[KeepCalm11]

Thanks Austin and all others

Some rules I follow :
1) Scent while I'm studying
2) Lights that I use only when I'm studying
3) Also I put away my study chair , monitor and clear the desk at the end once that studying is done so my mind knows no chair = no study.
4) I don't take personal calls or other matters at home. I have a little nook outside my apartment in the hallway where I handle personal business emails, calls etc so that I preserve my space.
5) Lately I am working on getting white boards up.

I agree that making a home a nice comfortable space does help put one in a good MIND SET and a place to be. My goal is to work on a smal quick DIY project (small less time) to make my place /studio more comfortable.

I was thinking of cats but I believe fish may be a better option. Just to have something to look at while doing a break.

 

[Chibucks15]

Could you actually share a few electro mixes that you listen to? I also find that stuff helps me focus

I literally just search on youtube upbeat electronic study music and pick and choose what I'm feeling that day. It ain't too hard. I like country music regularly so I don't wanna ruin my spotify suggestions haha

 

[KeepCalm11]

What made you switch from lib to home studying? I think I will like to go to the library at the beginning of each block (right after exam)
but my biggest problems were
1) space - there are only a few spots with windows and they are usually taken
2) noise and other people's laughs. etc
3) being able to talk out loud
4) relaxed atmosphere -> better studying
5) better quality breaks
6) not having to ludge my stuff around to library and back..

 

[DiscusKeeper]

Thanks Austin and all others

Some rules I follow :
1) Scent while I'm studying
2) Lights that I use only when I'm studying
3) Also I put away my study chair , monitor and clear the desk at the end once that studying is done so my mind knows no chair = no study.
4) I don't take personal calls or other matters at home. I have a little nook outside my apartment in the hallway where I handle personal business emails, calls etc so that I preserve my space.
5) Lately I am working on getting white boards up.

I agree that making a home a nice comfortable space does help put one in a good MIND SET and a place to be. My goal is to work on a smal quick DIY project (small less time) to make my place /studio more comfortable.

I was thinking of cats but I believe fish may be a better option. Just to have something to look at while doing a break.

If you decide to get into fish, feel free to send me a PM! I know a lot about the hobby and can give you some advice to make sure it goes smoothly.