Hi guys,

Today I want to tell you about how I remain focused during online classes and try to get the best from this situation due to the pandemic.

Online classes have many cons, but they may also have pros if attended accurately.

Indeed, they are an opportunity not to waste time in commuting or, anyways, moving from home to university.

Also, you can rewatch your lessons later, screenshot professor's slides and insert them in your notes, and even take advantage of professor's delays to be productive.

On the other side, staying focused during online classes is difficult because distractions surround you, and nobody is going to see you if you start scrolling you Instagram or surf on the Internet. Plus, looking at a display for many hours is exhausting.

It took me a lot of months to understand how to make the most of this circumstance, but I think I finally reached a fair method. Let me explain it to you:

1- Take notes: this may sound banal, but it is fundamental. Taking notes is the best way to remain focused.

Many people say it is better to take handwritten notes so that you do not have to stare at your PC all the time.

It is true, but I honestly prefer to take notes with my laptop because I am faster and I can screenshot images while shown by the professor, so my notes result in being completer.

Anyways, taking notes with your laptop can make you lack of attention, because you may end up surfing on the net. It leads us to the following points.

2- Have a video call with a friend during lessons: I always do this with my boyfriend, but you can do it with whoever you want. Knowing that someone is watching you will make you pay more attention, as you do during face-to-face classes.

If you do not want to have a video call, you can also attend your lesson in a room with a member of your family. It will have the same effect on you.

3-Share your desktop: if you have a video call with a friend, he will see only your face and not what you are doing on your laptop, therefore, you might have the temptation to do something else.

You can overcome this problem by sharing your desktop with your friend. I use TeamViewer, but there are many apps for this purpose. he probably will not control you continually, but knowing that someone can see what you are doing will make you not lose your main focus

4-Phone away: this may sound banal as well, but you can not permit to have your phone by yourself as it will probably ring and distract you.

Use Forest app and silent it, or directly switch it off.

5-Create a dedicated space: I had the opportunity to include a new desk in my bedroom so that I now have two desks: one is for studying, and the other one is for online classes and journaling. It helps me separate the moments in which I study, from the ones in which I follow my lessons.

Also, I can keep my books open on the "study desk" so that I can go back to them when the class is over.

If you can not insert a new desk in your room, you may consider going to another room, to follow your online classes.

Anything you decide to do, remember that it is primary to have only the essential things next to you, to limit distractions as much as you can.

6- Get up during pauses: when the professor takes a break, get up and do a little walk.

Go to another room, talk to someone, have a coffee, have a snack (dark chocolate is a yummy boost of energy which I love), wash your face or do some stretching.

You must not remain in front of the computer, even if you have something to do on it (you will check your email, or track your packages, in another moment).

It is damaging for your mind to stay in front of a display for so much time. That is why you should take advantages of all the breaks that you have.

7- Get dressed: you should create a university-like atmosphere. Wearing your pyjama during the lesson will not make you feel like you are actually in university.

It will make you less productive and less willing to pay attention to the class. That is why you should include getting dressed in your morning routine.

8-if possible, do a "pre-study": having previous knowledge of the topic makes it easier to follow the class.

I understand studying before the lesson is not always possible because you have many courses and so much stuff to do. However, you may consider having a general look at the material before the lesson.

You might read the chapter on the book regarding that topic or notes from an older student, or have a look at professor's slides (if he has already uploaded them).

It may arise you some questions, and you will look for the answer during the class.

And that it is all for now. Let me know if you have some more tips or advice: new ideas are enthusiastically accepted!

Hi guys,

After these months of intense studying, I thought about how important it is to have an effective study plan. It helps me deal with the anxiety and keep control of the material.

Here is an explanation of how I usually make my study plan.

Tip 1: organise the material.

Before the beginning of the lessons, I look at the course outline. Then, I break the syllabus into pieces. I write a Word document making a list of all the things I have to do.

I create a sort of index of the topics, specifying the source (books, notes, slides, etc.).

It gives me an idea of what I will have to insert into my study plan without leaving anything behind.

Anyways, remember that it should be flexible. During the classes, you will necessarily have to modify the schedule.

Tip 2: look at the data of the exams.

Sometimes exam's rounds are inconvenient, so you should consider this point before scheduling your study.

Also, try to understand which subject is better to study first. For example, you should consider taking the histology exam before the anatomy one. Indeed, microscopical anatomy is required to understand the macroscopical.

Tip 3: insert some days off.

You are likely to have some setback, especially when making a long-term plan. Also, you have to remember you need to relax to be more productive.

If you do not need these days, you can take advantage of these days to make forward with your work, make up for the work you have back, or sleep a couple of hours more. Trust me: you will be grateful for these days.

Plus, always organise your plan so that you will finish some days ahead of schedule. You might use these days to study something you had left behind.

Furthermore, do not work the day before the exam. I always highlight this point in my posts: you have to arrive at the exam with certainties while rehearsing at the last minute will increase your doubts. You will unavoidably experience the "I do not know anything" feeling, which is terrible for your anxiety and will affect your performance. Whilst, use the previous day only for the last check of most irksome topics but then relax.

Tip 4: progress with your work.

When making the schedule, make yourself already forward. The first days of studying are always the hardest because you do not have the rhythm yet. Knowing that you are ahead will make you less anxious and more confident.

Tip 5: during lessons, make weekly plans.

It is not easy to make a long term daily schedule because you do not know the appointments you will have.

Also, during classes, days are different. Some days you will have 8 hours of classes, while some others only 2. Plus, some lessons are more tiring than others, but you can not know this a priori.

It is why you may consider setting weekly goals. Then, you will split your goals week by week.

Tip 6: during the exam session, do not overload your schedule

I know the exam session is a stressful period. You may feel guilty if you do not spend all your day studying. Anyhow, force yourself to take some time for yourself.

Before the pandemic, when curfew did not exist, I went out with my friends in the evening. We were not up late: we had an aperitif or a pizza. But it lifted me, and it gave me motivation for the following day. Some days I was tempted by telling them I would have stayed home, but I knew it would not have been productive.

Studying for too many hours would affect your concentration, and you will fall into grief for not having been able to work.

Tip 7: make two plans.

Make a long-term plan previously, and then make a daily schedule.

Every day is different, so you may decide you want to sleep an hour more and study a little more in the evening, or the opposite. Also, you will have to organise your work and the other activities, which may vary day by day.

I enjoy making the daily plan the evening before. In this way, I woke up having a precise idea of what I had to do.

Tip 8: if you have more subjects, create a routine.

When preparing for multiple exams, prioritise them.

Identify the moments of your day in which you are more focused. Use these moments to study for the more difficult exam you have.

For example, I am more concentrated in the morning. So I always schedule the more complex subject for the first part of the day, while I dedicate the afternoon to an easier exam.

Tip 9: colour code your plan.

I always use a different colour for every subject. It immediately gives an idea of the subjects I have to study.

(Also, it is pretty and photogenic 😇).

Tip 10: do not be scared of changing the plan.

It is hard to make a perfect schedule at the first attempt.

While studying, you will notice that you are faster than expected at some topics, while you are slower at some others. Also, you may realise you need some days more for rehearsing, or you will become aware of a better routine.

Do not be scared of making the plan again as many time as you need. Only, be careful of not forgetting some topics while making the new schedule.

These are my hints for making an effective plan. Let me know if you have some more tips! I hope you enjoyed the post 😘

Hello everyone,

Today I would like to talk about a topic which our society often neglects.

We are bombarder by motivational slogans on social networks about how important productivity is. We are committed to working harder and harder. "Push yourself" is one of the mottoes I read more often on the Internet. Also, professors and parents tell us to devote ourselves to studying or working.

These are all great incentives to express the best of us, but there is a dangerous risk of exaggerating.

Those students who want to be the best tend to take this advice too seriously, ending up studying for hours and hours without breaks.

It is what I mean by "toxic productivity". We forget our focus and the reason why we are doing it. We convince ourselves that we are a failure if we do not manage to study for too long. It becomes counter producing and ruins the joy of the process.

We should enjoy school and university. We should study because we are in love with the process of learning. We should recognise when we need a day off and take it without feeling guilty.

I think this is an underestimated problem that I no longer want to be influenced by.

Here I want to share with you some tips to scale down the argument when we lose focus. I sincerely would appreciate it if you could add some more suggestions.

Tip 1: Distinguish between what is fake and what is real

It is a general problem in our society. We tend to believe that all we see on social networks is real. But there is nothing wronger.

I post photos on Tumblr only when I am motivated. I only show the best of me. It is normal. None of us would ever show breakdowns, failures and bad days.

I like sharing my successes, giving advice and trying to motivate others through my work.

I think nobody wants to make people believe he/she is perfect. Anyhow, that is what we may assume.

When I feel afflicted by these assumptions, I always try to resize the problem by comparing it with real role-models.

I ask my best colleagues how long they are working, how they are studying, how many books they are considering, etc.

Knowing that the best in my class are not striving much harder than I is a relief. It avoids me being over judgemental towards myself.

Tip 2: Do not lose time

Sometimes we see pretty and elaborate notes, and we might be tempted by spending time creating them.

Anyways, remember that you are not supposed to be an artist (exception for art students). Your notes should be efficient and not time-consuming.

When I realised my notes did not have to be photogenic, the quality of my study improved.

Also, I cheated with myself by telling me that rewriting notes the all-day was an extremely productive activity. Indeed, it was only taking considerable time away.

The point is: it is okay if you do not study for the all-day, as long as your studying was effective. It leads to the following point.

Tip 3: set goals

You have to respond only to yourself. Set goals and respect them. If you did it, it is okay to reward yourself, even if you only worked for 30 minutes.

You are the only person who knows how demanding your tasks are. Do not measure yourself with the number of pages or the number of hours. Make your best, and be kind to yourself.

Tip 3: Listen to your body

"Do not stop until you are proud". "Do not complain: just do it". "Push yourself because no one else is going to do it for you". These are high-impact slogans, but they may be misleading.

Quit when your body tells you it is enough. When your body "complains", you should not push yourself too much.

It will not be productive: it will be frustrating. You need to rest. You deserve breaks. You can not expect your mind to stay fresh after too many hours. You will blame yourself for not having done enough while you did the possible.

You can educate yourself to increase your level of attention or to reduce procrastination. But you can not train yourself not to sleep or to rest. Again, be gentle to yourself.

Tip 4: Force yourself to take free time

When you want something too much, you may end up forgetting about everything else. You may cancel your interests, your hobbies, your friends and your love for your body in the name of productivity.

It is okay to try your best for becoming the person you dream of, but do not lose the person you are on the way to.

Here are my banal hacks not to be overwhelmed by all the Rory Gilmore we are supposed to emulate. Let me know what you think. I know it is a controversial topic, and I hope I clearly expressed myself.

(P.S.: I actually love Rory Gilmore, I just do not like breakdowns)

Hello everyone,

Today I want to share with you my tips to study from the book. Indeed, at University, there is full of enormous books, which can be frightening. Learning everything in detail is useless and too time-consuming, but it can be hard to discern vital and unnecessary information.

First of all, I think there are two different strategies based on whether the book is the primary source or not.

Sometimes the professor marks the general line of the topic, which you must study in-depth in the book.

Some other times, classes are enough: the book is a support to the lesson. You can use it to understand unclear subjects better or to deepen them.

Case 1: the book is the primary source:

If the book is the principal material you have to learn, you should look for a method to break it into pieces.

My approach to this type of situation is a layered strategy.

First of all, I read the book paying attention to the general, and I underline principal information with a pencil. Also, I use a dark highlighter for titles and keywords and a lighter one for less vital notions.

I also like colour-coding. I am not a lover of using too many different colours since it would be uncomfortable to switch highlighter for every word, and it would even be hard to remember the meaning of every shade. Anyways, I use a different couple of colours for every topic to take advantage of visual memory as much as I can.

At the end of every chapter, I make a general scheme or mind map. It is nothing more than an index of topics, including an outline of main subjects and sub-arguments. It helps me keep under control all the material and create an organization in my mind.

Then, I may decide to read all the book again and create flashcards for basic notions that I can not forget. I admit I do not always do it: it depends a lot on how much information you have to learn and how comfortable you feel.

Afterwards, I start again reading, this time paying more attention to details. During this phase, there are two methods that I use:

• I like sticking post-its on edge, writing keywords or making a little scheme. It allows me to immediately visualize the main concepts when I skim through the text.

• If the book is redundant and I feel the need to summarize it, I increase the mind maps I previously did. For this purpose, it is helpful using apps such ad X Mind. You can add notes on labels, highlighting words and making lists. It is a valid alternative to summaries, which are time-consuming

P.S.: I recently discovered a method, which is the SQ4R technique. I still have not tried it, so I am not sure whether recommending it or not. You can find more information about it on lots of sites (for i.g.: https://guides.lib.uoguelph.ca/c.php?g=697430&p=5011752).

Case 2: the book is a support to lessons.

In this circumstance, I use a different approach.

First of all, I read my notes, trying to understand them. Then I look at the chapters of the book dealing with the same topics. It is a way to have a different perspective of the same subjects.

If I find some extra information or better explanations, I add them to the edge of my notes.

If notions to add are a lot, such as a paragraph that the professor did not debate, I write a summary, and I add it at the end of my notes. Indeed, I always use ring binders for my notes, so it is simple to insert more material.

When I finish studying my notes, I take a couple of days to read the chapters that the teacher did not discuss. If I think they may be beneficial to the exam, I might decide to summarize them as well.

And that's it! I hope this post can inspire someone. Let me know if you have other tips for efficiently studying for the book 😊

Hello everyone,

Here I am after more than a month of vacation. I have thought a lot about the past academic year during this summer. It was a tough one, and it challenged me a lot.

In the university that I attend, exams are very close and, to do all of them in time, you must study for two or three exams simultaneously. It requires the ability to prioritize, to dedicate the right amount of time to every subject.

Prioritizing was not immediate to me, and I had to train myself. Here are a few tips that I use when planning the study of multiple subjects at the same time:

1. Split the day:

This technique is good if you are preparing exams of different importance and complexity. Identify the moment of the day in which you are more productive, and dedicate that time to the most complex subject. Then, give time to the second most productive moment for a less complicated exam. If you have a third subject, split the day into three parts, and so on.

For instance, I am more productive in the morning, a bit more distracted in the afternoon, and way less active in the evening, so I base my plans on this scale.

To know the time of the day in which you are more productive, I advise the chronotype test. We all are classifiable as four animals, with different features and routine inclination. For example, I am a dolphin, so I am more productive late in the morning, after some workout and a cold shower. To find your chronotype, do the test here: https://www.doctoroz.com/quizzes/whats-your-chronotype. After having done the quiz, you will periodically receive emails deepening your chronotype.

Also, splitting the day makes studying less boring. I tend to fall asleep if I spend long hours on the same topic while switching from a subject to another waken me up. I would not be able to study for eight hours for the same exam, while I can study four hours for one exam, three for another and one for a third one. By the way, this point is very individual: if you do not fit into this type of planning, look at point 2.

2. Make weekly plans:

This is good whether you are studying for exams of the same importance, or if you prefer to dedicate all day to the same subject.

Dedicate every day of the week to a different exam. You can choose to assign more days for one exam rather than another, based on their complexity.

I use this technique a lot during classes when I do not have all day to study. When I still have to get familiar with the subject, I prefer to give it all day, without any time limit.

3. Match topics:

Generally speaking, the semester's exams have criteria. You are likely to have similar subjects, or at least with some points in common. Identify the repetitions and the joint topics, and study them together. It will make you save time and have a complete view of that specific argument.

This is all! Let me know if you have some more suggestions that you would like to share. Good luck to all of you with your exams 💪🏻