Whether you have decided to start an online course or a university degree, it can be challenging to return to school after months or even years (or decades!). It can feel like you have forgotten how to learn.
The good news is that there are many things you can do to ease the transition back into studying as well as to make learning more efficient and pleasant. In this article, we have compiled the best things you can do to return to school.
Be prepared
Your odds of succeeding at anything increase significantly if you have a clear plan. When you start studying again, it's easy to become overwhelmed by how much there is to learn or to become anxious about missing deadlines or failing to be prepared for tests. However, coming up with a strategy can help you feel in control of the situation.
A great method to begin the learning process is to create a schedule. You could do so electronically with google sheets or your laptop’s calendar. If you prefer paper, you can simply invest in a planner, diary, or calendar. This will help you allocate time to different tasks and subjects and will provide structure.
You may also wish to create a timetable with daily and weekly tasks if you're worried about meeting deadlines. Then, at the conclusion of each week, you can mark anything you haven't yet finished and cross off everything you've accomplished. This can help you feel in control, no matter what life throws at you.
Morning bird or night owl?
There is no one-size-fits-all method of learning because we are all unique individuals. It can be helpful to spend some time at the beginning of your course figuring out when you're most productive and focused when you initially get back into learning. Then, make an effort to maximise that in your study schedule.
For instance, consider scheduling your learning time first thing in the morning if you're a morning person. Or, if you're a night owl, why not schedule your study sessions for the late afternoon or evening?
If you work a full-time job and don't have time to study before work, you might want to develop the practice of exercising when you get home and then setting aside some time for studying afterward. Many individuals find that their brains seem to function better after exercise.
You might have to go through a little bit of trial and error to find your ideal working hours. But once you've determined when you study best, it'll be a lot simpler to concentrate, and you'll hopefully feel accomplished at the conclusion of each learning session.
Find your routine
The next stage is to establish a study routine once you have a general idea of your larger learning objectives. Routines are crucial because they give our days a constructive structure. For example, if we don't know that we should start studying at a specific time, it's easy for time to get away from us or for our days to drag on aimlessly.
Routines can provide limits between free time and study time if we are learning at home. If you work a full-time job, you might want to establish a schedule that includes ending work, exercising or taking a stroll, before sitting down to study for a few hours before unwinding for the remainder of the evening.
These repetitive behaviours can assist us in entering various modes (such as work mode, study mode, relaxation mode, etc.), easing the psychological transition between each mode and enhancing our ability to detach at its conclusion.
Routines, which are comfortable and familiar, can stave off tension and anxiety while also promoting a sense of productivity and maintaining attention. Numerous books and articles have been written about the daily routines of some of the most successful people in the world since routines are so important for success. You might find this article from Balance The Grind inspiring.
Find a working environment that suits you
It's critical to choose the ideal study location to maximise the effectiveness of each learning session. Having a designated study space is one of the best things you can do for yourself. The living room, for example, should not be used for relaxation because doing so can make it easier for you to focus when you sit down to work. If you don't have room for a desk or office in your house, you might want to think about utilising the kitchen table instead. However, it's important to maintain the space organised and clutter-free.
It's also beneficial to consider how you may make your study area energising and motivating so that you study more rather than less. Some people find that maintaining a vase of fresh flowers on their desk is effective. Other people choose to burn essential oils or light scented candles. Playing soothing music can also aid in fostering an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and concentration. Both Spotify and YouTube have a nice variety of focus music.
However, other people can discover that they perform their best work outside the home. When distractions like a sink full of dirty dishes or ringing phones are present at home, sometimes just going outside can give you a feeling of direction and purpose.
If this describes you, you might want to consider studying in your neighbourhood park (when the weather is fine) or going to a coffee shop close by. Try it out and see what works for you. According to some people, the background chatter in coffee shops might even foster creative thinking.
Find the Balance
It can be tempting to go headfirst into studying when you start learning again, especially if you're enjoying the experience. Even while it's wonderful to be inspired and motivated, it's crucial to uphold some boundaries and ensure a healthy work/life balance. If not you might burn out, especially if you're attempting to balance school and full-time employment.
If you plan to study for a long time make sure you take frequent breaks, even if they only last a few minutes. According to research, these kinds of "micro-breaks" assist to re-energise our brains and make it simpler to concentrate, so pay attention to your body and mind and take a break if you're feeling fatigued or frustrated. Don’t hesitate to take a day off every now and then, it will help clear your mind and recuperate.
Although learning involves commitment, effort, and dedication, your physical or mental health should never be put at risk. Making sure you still have time to do the meaningful things in your life, such as seeing friends, watching a little TV in the evenings, or taking a relaxing bath before bed, is one of the most crucial things you can do.
To conclude
It's wonderful to begin learning again after a long gap because it is the start of a new adventure, a potential new job or the beginning of a journey of self discovery.
However, getting back into studying after such a long break may also be a difficult experience, so it's vital to be patient with yourself while you adjust. Be gentle with yourself and acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how tiny.
Learning could seem extremely challenging at first, but keep in mind that it's just like any other skill: the more you practise it, the easier it gets.