Time management - how are you doing?

We talked about time management and note taking fairly early in the semester and I’m curious if you’ve tried any new techniques to help you manage your time, study, and record lecture notes.

What techniques have you used that have helped you? Did you try any that weren’t successful? Why didn’t they work for you?

Concentrating - some strategies to help

A blog I regularly read called 43 Folders talks a lot about personal productivity. Recently, they posted about concentration strategies for students. With most (or all) of you experiencing a heavy workload lately, I thought it might be helpful to share some ideas on how to concentrate better.

If you have the time, read the information on the linked Concentration site and the Study Guides sites — they’re both worth the time!
From Concentration:

• At the beginning of a study period, spend a few minutes to calm and relax your mind and body. (Try ‘Focus on Your Breath’ exercise, below.)…
• Do not tell yourself off or tell yourself to concentrate. When you are thinking about not concentrating, you are not concentrating.
• If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all the things you have to do in your life, remember that you can only do one thing at a time.

Focus on Your Breath (from Concentration):
This basic concentration practice is also the first step of relaxation exercises. You can use it at the beginning of a study session to put yourself in a good frame of mind, and when you take a break.

• Take a long breath, and breathe out in a slow but comfortable pace.
• Take another long breath, and breathe out slowly.
• Breathe in your natural breathing rhythm.
• Focus on your breathing for a moment. Be aware that you are breathing in and breathing out.
• As you breathe out, let go any tension you may have in your body.
• If you find yourself distracted in any way, such as thinking about something else, simply let it go and return to your breathing.
• Focus on your breathing for as long as you like.

There’s more good information on concentrating at Study Guides and Strategies.

What do you do to help you concentrate better and avoid distractions while you’re studying?

Looking for a quiet place to study?

For those of you feeling a bit overwhelmed and behind in your work (and everyone else too!) - have you heard of the Blake Academic Success Center? The center offers individual and group study space, tutoring, and special programming. If you find that you’re distracted when studying, give the center a try. Their hours are:

Mon - Thurs: 9 am - 12 am
Fri: 9 am - 8 pm
Sat: 12 pm - 8 pm
Sun: 12 pm - 12 am