How to unblock productivity - 5 top tips

Getting stuff done as a student can feel like a juggling act.

With assignments, exams, and extracurriculars all vying for attention, it can quickly get overwhelming, making it hard to get started on anything.

Productivity is a critical skill in higher education, with the ability to efficiently manage time and effort significantly impacting academic success and future career opportunities. Central to productivity is the accessibility of learning resources—having the right tools and information at the right time.

The Northern Ireland Education Authority outlines the importance of study skills and learning strategies in their inclusion toolkit:

"When study skills are taught and mastered, it can make an enormous difference to how effective a learner's engagement with study is and – importantly – how much enjoyment can be gained from studying."

When equipped with the right resources, students are more likely to be self-motivated and engaged in their studies, which can translate into higher retention rates, better grades, and a more fulfilling educational experience.

Here are five tips to help students unblock productivity and unlock their learning potential.

1. Tackle procrastination

Often, we put off doing a task, like writing an essay, because it feels too huge. A good way to get started is to break it down into smaller steps, such as writing down the title and sub-headings. By breaking it down into bite-sized pieces, you can focus on completing just one small chunk at a time, which creates momentum and makes the larger task seem less intimidating. You'll often find that once you begin, it's easier to keep going.

As Chelsea Cade, Specialist ADHD & Mental Health Mentor at The Learning Support Centre, advises;

"Overcoming procrastination doesn't mean never doing it again; it means having different ways of managing it so you can achieve your goals."

2. Master time management

Time is our most valuable resource, and how you manage it determines how productive you are. It can be easy to waste time on less important tasks while more critical ones slip through the cracks.

Start by writing down everything you need to do, academic or otherwise. Don't leave anything out; if it's taking up brain space, on to the list it goes. Next, assess the importance and urgency of each task to categorise them.

Once this is done, it is easier to determine what to do and when to do it, helping you concentrate on those high-impact tasks first.

There are many effective methods to help you achieve this, such as Eat the Frog, The Eisenhower Matrix, and The Pomodoro technique, so check them out and find the one that works best for you.

3. Limit distractions

Distractions are the enemies of productivity, so ensure you're set up for a successful study session. Designate a specific area for working, free from as many distractions as possible. Turn off notifications on your devices to minimise interruptions, and keep all your study materials and tools close to hand. It's also a good idea to let others know when you're in 'focus mode' by updating your status on messaging apps.

If your current environment is too hot, cold, cluttered, noisy, or quiet, try working in other places such as the cafe, library or park. If you can't change the location, headphones and apps like A Soft Murmur can be useful tools for controlling background noise.

4. Self-care

Productivity isn't just about what happens at your desk; it's also about maintaining your overall wellbeing. A healthy body and mind are essential for optimal focus and energy. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and exercise regularly.

Mental health is equally important. Stress can quickly derail your productivity, so make time for self-care activities like meditation, hobbies, or even just spending time with friends. When well-rested and feeling good, you're much more likely to stay productive and engaged with your studies.

Step away from your schedule throughout the day to practise a relaxation technique such as box breathing or the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique. These only take a minute and can make a big difference in reducing stress and anxiety and refocusing on the present moment.

5. Stay organised

Organisation is the foundation of long-term productivity. Maintaining a well-structured study schedule reduces the mental effort required to get started on tasks.

One effective strategy is to plan the night before by reviewing your schedule, setting priorities, and outlining tasks for the following day. This helps you start each day with clear direction and focus. Additionally, using a single calendar for both academic and social commitments simplifies time management, ensuring you don't overbook or forget important events. Keeping everything in one place helps you balance study time with relaxation and social activities, reducing stress and enhancing overall productivity.

The Booost app is used by thousands of students to tackle productivity barriers, helping them break down and prioritise tasks and access support during times of need.

This month, a huge upgrade was launched, collaborating with industry experts to deliver a new Learner Resources platform within the app featuring go-to guides directly linked to the student's situation.

Students will face many academic, emotional, and personal challenges on their journey through higher education. Having expert guidance available at any time and in various formats means they can explore at their own pace and in their own way, reducing anxiety and allowing them to build confidence in their abilities.

Take a look at how Booost's Learner Resources is helping students improve their productivity with this exclusive preview www.learnerresources.com