Exams times are crucial times in a student’s life. Hard work and learning over a whole year are boiled down to this day. All the things that we have learnt and applied are tested to see if we have learnt them well or just wasted them away.
All these things are important but also stressful for a student, and many times we have seen or felt the need to be more productive during the times of exams.
One of the key elements to performing better in exams is revising things over and over. But that is possible only when you can concentrate.
When you concentrate awesome things happen. For instance, you make fewer mistakes in your work, you understand the concepts that were once difficult to grasp and one of the things that is crucial for all students, we are talking about a Boost in productivity.
We have dedicated this blog to explaining how you can boost your productivity in 15 minutes.Â
At the beginning of this blog, we will discuss the causes of your lack of productivity and then we will tackle this problem by telling you about various techniques that are effective to boost the results.
If that is what you were looking for or found interesting, then stay with us.
What causes a lack of focus and concentration?
With the rise of technology and connectivity, we have seen many changes and improvements in our modern society. Many of these changes have made our life better and more comfortable to live in.
But sadly, we have to deal with the negative aspects as well. Just like we can connect with anyone. We are also one click away from being disturbed. The constant ping of notifications always lures us and ultimately get distracted. The problem is most of us have either a mobile phone or a laptop/ PC. So it is pretty common for us to lose our focus and get distracted. Just like this, many other ways are hampering our productivity as well as our focus. So what are the reasons behind this? What are the reasons that are preventing us from focusing like a monk meditating in front of a huge Brass Buddha Statue?
We have listed some of them in the following list.
- FatigueÂ
Fatigue and tiredness are often used interchangeably in our day to day conversation. But what is the difference between them?
Well, tiredness is a feeling of lack of energy or exhaustion. Meanwhile, Fatigue happens when a person is overtired or overexhausted.
How does it affect productivity? By affecting the mind’s ability to grasp and understand things. When we are tired, our brain is not in a position to focus as a result, we get distracted or in many cases feel sleepy.
- Sleep deficiency
Sleep deficiency is one of the leading causes of lack of productivity. Many times, people neglect their health and sleep requirements. In some cases, people don’t even realise that they are sleep-deprived.
Til the symptoms get too hard to ignore or they directly hamper your daily routine. In this case, inability to focus and low productivity.
- Cluttered mind
Cluttered mind or Mental Clutter is the term used in psychology that refers to a mind which is crowded with excessive ideas or thoughts that prevent you from thinking clearly and reduce your focus on the on-hand task.
When this happens constantly it drains your energy and puts you on overdrive.
- Anxiety
Normally, what happens when we are scared or fearful? We get shivers, fast heartbeats, sweating, and a whole lot of fearfulness but luckily it lasts for a small amount of time.
When we talk about anxiety, the person experiences all the symptoms that are present in the fear response except the fact that it lasts for a long time.
Having anxiety is like having an alarm that constantly rings to tell you that there is something wrong. It is understandable why it is difficult to get anything done when you are having anxiety.
- Stress
Stress is a leading cause of deteriorating mental health among people, especially in the younger age groups. Stress can be defined as a state of constant mental worry and strain.
Having stress has been shown to reduce productivity as well as the focus of an individual. Constantly having stress is seen to have affected memory retention, quality of work, bad interpersonal skills, etc.
How to increase productivity in study for students?
In this section, we will talk about the techniques that can increase concentration in 5 minutes so that you can boost your productivity and ace your exam.
- Pomodoro strategyÂ
Pomodoro Strategy is a time-blocking technique where you do 25 mins of focussed word followed by a 5 min break. If you do a longer time duration like 4 consecutive working blocks then you are supposed to get 15 to 30 mins of break.
This technique ensures that you and your brain get ample rest and time to rejuvenate.
- 5 min rule
If you are losing your time to procrastination then this one is for you. Instead of shoving away your work because it’s too hard or it’s just not the same time, you should try the 5 minute rule.
What happens in a 5 min rule? For example, you have to start studying Trigonometry. So according to this rule, you have to just start studying just for 5 mins.
Scientifically, 5 minutes is enough time to get your brain into doing things that it initially didn’t want to do but now that we are doing it. We will get it done.
- One task at a timeÂ
One of the most misleading conceptions is that multitasking gets things done quickly. But it is wrong. It is scientifically proven that people who multitask have a higher tendency to get lower IQ.
It is seen that people who claim to be good at multitasking are worse than the people who say that they are not good at multitasking.
It is better to do one task at a time to make sure that you can focus on it to get done quickly.
To put it in simple words
We have discussed ways to boost productivity. In the beginning, we have discussed the reasons behind the lack of productivity. Then we headed to the next section which is about the ways to boost productivity.
FAQs
Q. Is it really possible to boost productivity in just 15 minutes before an exam?
Yes, it is possible to enhance your focus and productivity in a short time. By implementing strategic techniques and habits, you can make the most of those crucial minutes before an exam.
Q. What are some quick strategies to boost productivity before an exam?
Effective strategies include reviewing key concepts, creating a cheat sheet, practicing deep breathing exercises, and organizing your materials for easy access.
Q. How can I quickly review key concepts in 15 minutes?
Focus on high-impact topics or concepts that you find challenging. Use summary notes, flashcards, or highlight key points in your study materials for a rapid review.
Q. What is a cheat sheet, and how can it help me during an exam?
A cheat sheet is a condensed summary of key information or formulas that you can refer to during the exam. Creating one before the test can help you quickly access crucial details.
Q. Are deep breathing exercises really effective in boosting productivity before an exam?
Yes, deep breathing exercises can help calm your nerves, reduce anxiety, and improve focus. Taking a few minutes to practice deep breathing can enhance your mental clarity.
Q. Should I skip eating or drinking in those 15 minutes to save time?
No, it’s essential to stay hydrated and have a light snack to maintain your energy levels and mental alertness. Avoid heavy or sugary foods that might lead to energy crashes.
Q. Is it a good idea to cram for the exam in those 15 minutes?
Cramming may not be the most effective strategy. Instead, focus on reviewing key points, practicing mindfulness, and maintaining a positive mindset.
Q. Can I use technology to boost productivity quickly?
Yes, certain apps and tools, like productivity timers, can help you stay on track and manage your time effectively during those 15 minutes.
Q. What should I do if I feel overwhelmed right before the exam?
Take a deep breath, remind yourself of your preparation, and focus on one step at a time. Avoid panicking and stay positive.
Q. Are there any specific time management techniques I can use in these 15 minutes?
Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) can be adapted to fit your 15-minute timeframe. Set a clear goal for what you want to accomplish in those 15 minutes.
Q. Can I use quick self-assessment or practice questions to boost my confidence?
Absolutely! Answering a few practice questions or reviewing self-assessment quizzes can help reinforce your knowledge and build confidence before the exam.
Q. How can I ensure I don’t waste time during these 15 minutes?
Prioritize tasks, create a short to-do list, and minimize distractions to make the most of your limited time.
Q. Should I avoid talking to classmates or friends right before the exam?
It’s generally a good idea to limit social interactions during these crucial minutes to maintain your focus and composure.
Q. Can I use mnemonic devices or visualization techniques to boost memory quickly?
Yes, mnemonic devices and visualization can be effective in recalling information quickly. Use them to reinforce key concepts.
Q. What should I do immediately after these 15 minutes to prepare for the exam?
Take a moment to collect your materials, ensure you have everything you need, and enter the exam room or online platform with a confident mindset.
Remember that productivity is not just about cramming information but also about managing your mental state and staying focused. These 15 minutes are your last-minute preparation window, so make the most of them by staying organized and composed.
