As deadlines and hand in dates approach, sometimes motivation to read, research, write and edit your paper can dwindle. The technology which surrounds us in everyday life means that there are now endless distractions and for those of us prone to procrastinating, getting work done can be a challenge.
Whilst some might say that all you need is motivation, there are also some practical steps you can take to improve the way you work, and therefore the quality of work you complete. If you’re in the throes of a bout of procrastination and staring a deadline in the face, the following tips might be helpful.
Get rid of online distractions
Short work breaks spent on Facebook or Twitter can turn into marathon sessions where you spend more time researching which Harry Potter character you might be than researching your paper. To get rid of the temptation to surf online, install a program which blocks certain websites of your choosing for a specified time limit. This leaves you with uninterrupted work time.
Take breaks
It has been proven that the average sustained attention span is forty minutes long. Although the brain is able to re-focus after this time, ability to concentrate well for much longer is decreased. Even a short break of ten minutes allows for improved concentration and efficiency. Breaks from work are also useful in a more general sense. Once you have completed a draft of a chapter or portion of your paper, leave it for twenty-four hours. You will then be able to return to it with fresh eyes, making editing much easier.
Take exercise
Exercise taken during the work day can boost concentration, motivation and time management. If possible, fit some form of exercise into your day. A brisk walk at lunchtime will improve not only your health and mood but also your concentration.
Drink water
Staying well hydrated is vital for the best possible cognitive function and concentration can be hindered if you aren’t getting enough fluids. Don’t forget to drink water throughout the day as by the time you feel thirst cognitive function may have decreased by up to 10%.
Create the perfect environment
Minor irritations like an uncomfortable chair or a dim light which forces you to strain your eyes can add up and contribute to a lack of desire to work. Ensure that the working environment is comfortable and calming so that you can focus all of your attention on either reading or writing. It is also useful to determine whether you prefer to work in silence or with music, alone or in a library.
Know your strengths
Something which can dramatically improve the quality of the work you get done and improve efficiency is working out which time of day you work best in. Whilst night owls might get their best work done at midnight, early birds can get 2,000 words done by 9am. Work to your strengths, but ensure that your sleeping pattern is not affected.
What motivates you?
Sometimes small rewards can increase motivation and having something tangible to look forward to can spur you on to meet your goals. Knowing you have dinner plans with friends will encourage you to meet your targets for the day.
Ref : http://proofreadmypaper.com/resources/academic-blog/how-to-stop-procrastinating/Whilst some might say that all you need is motivation, there are also some practical steps you can take to improve the way you work, and therefore the quality of work you complete. If you’re in the throes of a bout of procrastination and staring a deadline in the face, the following tips might be helpful.
Get rid of online distractions
Short work breaks spent on Facebook or Twitter can turn into marathon sessions where you spend more time researching which Harry Potter character you might be than researching your paper. To get rid of the temptation to surf online, install a program which blocks certain websites of your choosing for a specified time limit. This leaves you with uninterrupted work time.
Take breaks
It has been proven that the average sustained attention span is forty minutes long. Although the brain is able to re-focus after this time, ability to concentrate well for much longer is decreased. Even a short break of ten minutes allows for improved concentration and efficiency. Breaks from work are also useful in a more general sense. Once you have completed a draft of a chapter or portion of your paper, leave it for twenty-four hours. You will then be able to return to it with fresh eyes, making editing much easier.
Take exercise
Exercise taken during the work day can boost concentration, motivation and time management. If possible, fit some form of exercise into your day. A brisk walk at lunchtime will improve not only your health and mood but also your concentration.
Drink water
Staying well hydrated is vital for the best possible cognitive function and concentration can be hindered if you aren’t getting enough fluids. Don’t forget to drink water throughout the day as by the time you feel thirst cognitive function may have decreased by up to 10%.
Create the perfect environment
Minor irritations like an uncomfortable chair or a dim light which forces you to strain your eyes can add up and contribute to a lack of desire to work. Ensure that the working environment is comfortable and calming so that you can focus all of your attention on either reading or writing. It is also useful to determine whether you prefer to work in silence or with music, alone or in a library.
Know your strengths
Something which can dramatically improve the quality of the work you get done and improve efficiency is working out which time of day you work best in. Whilst night owls might get their best work done at midnight, early birds can get 2,000 words done by 9am. Work to your strengths, but ensure that your sleeping pattern is not affected.
What motivates you?
Sometimes small rewards can increase motivation and having something tangible to look forward to can spur you on to meet your goals. Knowing you have dinner plans with friends will encourage you to meet your targets for the day.