Online Education Blog

You wake up, hop in the shower, pick out something to wear, brush your teeth (hopefully) and you’re out the door. Breakfast? What exactly is that again? Off to work, run errands, do this, do that, go here, go there, meet with friends, grab some dinner…and it goes on and on. Oh, and don’t forget about that paper that you have to submit tonight!

We’re busy people. I get it. So, how do we master time management? Further, how do we improve online time management? We need to learn how to study.

The internet offers a plethora of distracting entertainment options. You could Facebook, blog, MySpace and Tweet your mind to social networking explosion. Again, that essay…it’s due, remember?

Pursuing an online degree is one of the most flexible and convenient education options and there are many reasons why it can be a great fit for many people. Despite its flexibility and accessibility, it can prove difficult to learn effective time management while obtaining your degree online. I mean, when you’re trying to study, how do you say no to looking at your best friend’s new picture album on Facebook?

5 Ways to study effectively and improve time management:

1. Eliminate distractions- This can be the most difficult. TURN OFF Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Blogger, YouTube, Hulu, Digg, Flickr, your email and anything else that keeps your eyes glued to glowing screen for hours at a time. Quit tweeting that you are studying and start actually studying. Don’t be texting or talking on the phone, either. While you think you may be able to multi-task, it is best for your brain to focus on one thing at a time. Studying should be the only thing you are doing. Period.

2. Make a priority list- Write down on a piece of paper or type into your phone’s task list, the items you must complete in order of importance. If the paper is due tonight and the test is in two days then obviously, the paper is the #1 priority. Write down all that you have to do and check it off as you go along. Marking a task off as complete will give you a sense of accomplishment and will keep your work organized.

3. Snooze- Don’t get me wrong. I am NOT saying that sleeping all day will help you ace your midterm. No. But, I am advocating a good night’s sleep. We’re talking eight hours here people! The whole “go to sleep at 3, wake up at 6 for work, pound an energy drink and tape your eyelids open to stay awake” deal is so unhealthy and can be a detriment to your studies. One of the most important time management strategies is to make the most out of your most important time…your time to sleep! Your body needs at least eight hours to regenerate, rejuvenate and renew. Don’t rob your brain of the sleep it cannot function without. Getting sufficient rest will ensure that you will be able to stay focused and successfully absorb the material you are studying.

4. Keep your eyes on the prize- Sometimes it is necessary to identify your goal and remember why you are doing what you are doing. Are you going to nursing school because you want to help people? When you’re doing your schoolwork, remember the end result in mind. You are studying to do well and earn your degree. Keeping your ultimate goal in mind is helpful in keeping you focused when your mind is relaxing on the beach.

5. Grace your space- Where you study is almost as important as how you study. If your study space is cluttered, messy and full of distractions, then your focus might follow suit. Before you study, prepare the area with whatever supplies you will need. Have your books, pens, papers, calculators, snacks, water, etc. ready to go before you start to avoid getting up to go get something a million times. In order to utilize your time most effectively, you must prepare and plan. Set up your study space in a setting that you know will work for you and you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

If you’re ready to earn your degree but don’t know which online college to choose, check out our college finder. Let us match you with the perfect school in just seconds…easy and free!