Written by Shristi N
Time management is one thing university students can always do better.
With the increasing reliance of screens, it is becoming important to know when and how to put the screen away.
Our education has taken a turn for online mediums, so students need to adapt to new learning techniques.
With that comes, learning how to limit screen time and enhance concentration.
Here is exactly how I do it:
- Set clear goals:
I have a to-do list with specific tasks and deadlines that lets me control my free time without feeling like I am restricting myself.
I make a list of every single thing I have to do for university and then approximate how long it will take me. - Study sessions influenced by the Pomodoro Technique:
This is a process that involves working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break.
Repeat this four times and then you take a longer break. This lets me focus on productive screen time.
- Set specific times for different types of screen times:
Now I know this sounds childish but trust me this was the biggest game changer.
I plan when I can watch tv shows or movies, or when I can doom-scroll on social media and of course when I study.
It sets the correct mentality for growth and change without causing burn out. - Blocking websites or apps:
There are websites and apps that let you block certain other websites or apps (like social media or YouTube).
They collectively work to help create productive screen time that university students aim and need to have.
- Turn off notifications:
Turn off notifications on all screens and set up the devices to be reachable to emergency contacts only.
If I got a dollar for each time my phone lights up for no real reason when I am studying, I would be rich. - Undergo digital minimalism:
Go through your devices and declutter them on a regular basis.
This works with reducing notifications, but more importantly guarantees less mindless screen time.
Limiting screen time is a continuous journey that requires a lot of motivation and dedication like university does.
I follow these steps and it lets me balance my screen time with productivity and engagement at university.
I aim to reduce my mindless screen time and change it to a wise mindful screen time.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
