13 psychological tips for effective home learning and improved productivity

Who doesn't know that: You sit in front of your desk and just don't seem to be making any progress in your learning. Motivation decreases quickly and it is becoming increasingly difficult to concentrate on tasks. But how can you change that? Here are 13 psychological tips that can help you learn more effectively and achieve higher levels of productivity.

13 tricks to increase productivity while studying

Studying can be a challenge, especially when you're preparing for an exam or an important project. It can be difficult to stay motivated and productive. Here are 13 tricks that can help you increase productivity and make learning more effective.

Trick 1: Set mini goals to stay motivated

Instead of setting big and overwhelming goals, you should divide your tasks into small, manageable steps. In this way, you can create small experiences of success in between and stay motivated. These mini goals could include reading a section of a text or completing a specific number of tasks.

It is important that you set realistic goals that you can achieve. In this way, you stay motivated and work continuously towards your goal.

Trick 2: Keep two separate task lists for better organization

One way to keep track of your tasks is to keep two separate lists. On the first list, write down the tasks that you absolutely need to complete. On the second list are the tasks that you would like to have completed, but which are not so urgent. In this way, you always have an overview of what absolutely needs to be done and can still focus on the less important tasks.

It can also be helpful to sort your tasks by priority. That way, you always know which tasks you need to tackle first.

Trick 3: Break down your tasks into manageable steps

If you're faced with a big and complicated task, it can help to break it down into manageable steps. This makes the task less overwhelming and allows you to concentrate better on every single step. In addition, the feeling of making small progress makes you feel good and motivates you to continue.

It's also important that you take enough time to complete each step thoroughly. In this way, you avoid mistakes and can complete your tasks more effectively.

Trick 4: Reward yourself after completing each step

Rewarding yourself after every step you take can also help maintain motivation. The reward can look very different — from a small snack to an episode of your favorite series, anything is possible. The point is that you can look forward to something and can concentrate better as a result.

It's important that you set yourself rewards that really motivate you. This makes it easier for you to concentrate on your tasks and do them effectively.

Trick 5: Set aside time for yourself to study

In addition to planning your actual tasks, you should also set aside time for yourself. Take time to learn consciously and make sure that you are not disturbed during this time. This allows you to fully concentrate on learning and feel that you are being given time to do so.

It can also be helpful to mark your study time in your calendar or planner. In this way, you always know when you have time to learn and can prepare yourself for it.

Trick 6: Learn for just five minutes at a time

Another way to concentrate better is to study for around five minutes at a time and then take a break. This method is also known as the Pomodoro Technique. By taking these regular breaks, you avoid overworking yourself and can still concentrate on your work.

It is important that you make good use of your breaks. Try to relax, for example by doing a short meditation or simply resting.

Trick 7: Use the countdown method to focus

If you're having trouble concentrating, the countdown method can help. To do this, set a timer for 25 minutes and then focus only on the task you want to complete. After the timer is over, you can take a short break before the next 25-minute cycle starts.

During the countdown method, it's important to focus on your task and avoid any potential distractions. In this way, you can work more effectively and increase your productivity.

Trick 8: Commit yourself with a personal contract

Create a contract with yourself in which you commit yourself to completing a specific task at a specific time. Within this period of time, you should focus exclusively on the task and get rid of all possible distractions (such as the cell phone).

It can also be helpful to hang your contract somewhere where you see it regularly. That way, you'll always remember your commitment and stay motivated to fulfill it.

Trick 9: Avoid the temptation of couch and bed

It can be tempting to study on the couch or in bed — but this can quickly lead to distractions and distract you from your learning goal. Instead, sit at a desk or dining table and create a clear separation between learning and leisure areas.

It's also important to keep your study space tidy and organized. In this way, you can concentrate better and work more effectively.

Trick 10: Take off your sweatpants and put on the right clothes

The clothes we wear can have an impact on how we feel and how we work. Therefore, dress in the morning as if you were leaving the house. This signals to your brain that it is time to learn and is likely to be able to concentrate better.

It is also important that you feel comfortable in your clothes. In this way, you feel more self-confident and can work more effectively.

Trick 11: Get inspired by videos from successful students

Getting inspired by successful students can also be helpful. Search for videos of successful graduates on YouTube and learn from their strategies and tips. This gives you new impulses and allows you to improve your own learning process.

It's important that you don't compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Focus on achieving your own goals and improving yourself.

Trick 12: Organize your live learning session with your fellow students

One way to make learning more effective and motivating is to meet with other students and learn together. Schedule regular live learning sessions and try to support and motivate each other. This creates a pleasant learning environment and can have a positive effect on your productivity.

It is important that you work with motivated and committed students. In this way, you can support and motivate each other to achieve your goals.

Trick 13: Focus on the end result, not the process

Always remember why you're learning and what your goal is. Focus on the end result and always keep an eye on your goal. This allows you to motivate yourself better and get through difficult phases.

It's important that you set realistic goals and don't overwhelm yourself. In this way, you can continuously work on your