Grade-Saving Time Travel Tips
If you have been following me on Instagram, you may recognize that I posted a reel about what I would do if I could time travel and improve my grades. I mentioned that I would explain further on my Medium page, as it was too long for an Instagram caption. Here it is, and I hope you enjoy it.
Being a student can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing your time and staying motivated. Here are ten habits that can help you become a more effective student:
1. Focus on the tasks that have the greatest impact on your grade.
This will help you prioritize your work and ensure that you’re spending your time on the most important assignments. Additionally, you can create a list of the tasks you need to do and rank them based on their level of importance. You can also organize them by due date to make sure you meet all your deadlines.
Tip: use the ABCDE method.
To use the ABCDE method, you should start by making a list of all the tasks you need to complete. Then, assign each task a letter based on its importance and urgency. A-tasks are the most important tasks that will have serious consequences if not completed. B-tasks aren’t as important but not tackling them will have negative consequences. C-tasks are important to oneself and imposes minimal threat if not acted. D-tasks aren’t important to reach one’s goals and imposes no serious threat if not worked. E-tasks lend these to someone else or do it yourself. Once you have assigned each task a letter, you can prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency.
Here’s a helpful Notion Workspace that incorporates the ABCDE method: https://www.notion.so/templates/donwell-abbey-dash
2. Pay attention to what you eat.
The digestive system is known as the “second brain” because it has its own nervous system called the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS can act autonomously rather than rely on signals from the central nervous system. The ability to control gut function has earned it the nickname the ‘second brain’².
The food you eat affects productivity because it provides the energy and nutrients needed for your body to function properly. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help you maintain a healthy weight and provide the energy you need to be productive throughout the day¹.
Sugar can provide a quick burst of energy, but it can also cause a crash later on. Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full throughout the day. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help you maintain a healthy weight and provide the energy you need to be productive throughout the day.
Also, eating too much or too little can affect productivity and brain activity. Consuming too much food can cause you to feel sluggish and tired, while consuming too little food can cause you to feel weak and unable to concentrate. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help you maintain a healthy weight and provide the energy you need to be productive throughout the day.
3. If you have assignments to do, start with the easiest and fastest ones after lunch.
This can help save time later when you have to study after school. In addition, you can break down your assignments into smaller tasks to make them more manageable. This can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and make it easier to complete your work on time.
4. Don’t make excuses for not doing your work. Instead, sit down and start working immediately.
This will help you avoid procrastination and stay on track. If you’re struggling with motivation, try setting small goals for yourself and rewarding yourself when you achieve them. This can help you stay motivated and on task.
5. Be an active listener during class discussions.
This can help you stay engaged and better understand the material. Additionally, you can take notes during class to help you remember important information. You can also ask questions if you’re unsure about something or need clarification.
6. Review and reflect on why you may have failed a test or quiz.
This can help you identify areas where you can improve and develop better study habits. For example, you can try studying for shorter periods of time with more frequent breaks. You can also try different study techniques, such as flashcards or mind maps, to see what works best for you.
7. Use tools like Google and Notion for time blocking and work management, not just for aesthetics.
These tools can help you stay organized and manage your workload more effectively. For example, you can use Google Calendar to block out time for studying and homework. You can also use Notion to create to-do lists and track your progress on assignments.
By adopting these habits, you can become a more effective student and achieve your academic goals. Good luck!
Sources
(1) What is the enteric nervous system, aka the body’s ‘second brain …. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/08/second-brain-in-gut/. (2) The Brain-Gut Connection | Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection. (3) Think Twice: How the Gut’s “Second Brain” Influences Mood and Well …. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-second-brain/.
