Don’t panic, study smart: Here are some tips on using your time judiciously, eating well, and not feeling stressed out

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Make a timetable
To be assured that you will cover your material in time make a realistic study timetable. This will help you know where to start and what you’re aiming to achieve for the day. With a time plan in place, you’ll procrastinate.

There are some pointers to keep in mind while preparing a study timetable: Study at the same time each day to create a routine; plan difficult tasks for when you work best – easier ones for when you’re less alert; set yourself a goal for a topics; focus on one task at a time; work in time for sleep, exercise, breaks and meals; before you finish studying for the day decide what you will study the next day.

Eat, sleep and walk
Taking care of your health and wellbeing will improve your memory, enhance mood and energy levels, and keep stress levels down.

When it comes to sleep, try to get enough of it, 7-9 hours is a good quota. For the quality sleep, avoid screens for about an hour before bed, do offline reading or writing. Avoid caffeine a few hours before bedtime and give yourself time unwind. Do something relaxing until you feel sleepy.

Staying hydrated, eating three meals, and sticking to healthy snacks throughout the day will fuel you up and help focus. If you’re feeling drained, go outside and get some fresh air or move around. Walking between studying also is good way to feel energised.

The study area
Give yourself and environment where you can focus. Choose a place with enough light, a comfortable chair, and less distractions. Sit down with things you’ll need – books, notes or stationery. Keep water and healthy snacks on hand. This is simple but very effective when you are trying to concentrate.

What doesn’t help you study, it shouldn’t be on your desk. That could be anything from extra reference books to that mobile phone.

No distractions, no procrastination
To study effectively you need to avoid distractions, yes, social media is not going to help. If you do find yourself turning to your phone, stop. Procrastination is when you’re having trouble starting a task. It seems too hard, too boring or maybe too much. Break it down to small, achievable tasks with a time limit.

Tell yourself you’ll sit down and study for just 10 minutes. This will help you get started. Aim for starting, not perfection. Keep in mind something is better than nothing; and getting started is better than postponing. Staying on course means you won’t feel guilty when it’s time to take a break.

Breaks are allowed
Take a good short break. It will help you be more productive when you go back to study. Take regular breaks away from your study area and do something you like doing: unwind with music or talk to a friend in moderation.

Studying hard means having reasonable goals and rewarding yourself when you achieve them. Gotten through those tasks in your study timetable for the day? Reward yourself with free time. And, remember if you’re feeling overwhelmed chat with a friend, family member or your teacher.