Study Tips & Time Management: Practical Techniques to Stay Ahead

Managing your time effectively while juggling studies, work, and personal commitments can feel overwhelming. The key lies in adopting a few tried-and-tested strategies that improve focus, reduce stress, and promote balance. These tips have worked for me, and I hope they inspire you to find what fits best for your lifestyle too.

1. The Pomodoro Technique: Boosting Focus and Productivity

The Pomodoro Technique has been a lifesaver for my focus. It’s simple and works like this:

• Work for 25 minutes, focusing exclusively on tasks.

• Take a 5-minute break to relax and recharge.

• After completing four intervals, enjoy a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

When I first tried it, I stuck to the default 25/5-minute cycle, but over time I tweaked it. Sometimes I go for 50 minutes of work followed by a 10-minute break if I’m on a roll. Apps like FlipClock make it easier to stay consistent, as the visual timer keeps you aware of the session without breaking your concentration.

Here’s what I’ve noticed:

• Breaking work into smaller intervals makes big tasks less intimidating.

• The frequent breaks keep me from burning out and actually make me look forward to the next session.

I recommend trying it out. If it doesn’t click right away, adjust the intervals or find another rhythm that works for you. Time management isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s okay.

2. Using Multiple Google Calendars to Colour Code Activities

I used to feel overwhelmed when everything blended into one calendar. That changed once I discovered Google Calendar’s colour-coding feature. Here’s how I make it work:

• I created separate calendars for different parts of my life:

  • School or work tasks (e.g., assignments and meetings).

  • Personal activities (like hobbies and social plans).

  • Health routines (workouts or meal planning).

  • Household stuff (grocery runs or cleaning).

• Assigning colours made a huge difference:

  • Red: Deadlines—things that cannot be moved.

  • Green: Health and wellness to remind myself it’s a priority.

  • Blue: Fun stuff like events or hobbies—because seeing it in blue makes me feel relaxed.

The ability to toggle calendars on and off is also so helpful. If I’m having a busy week, I focus only on the “must-dos” like work and deadlines. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, give this method a go and play around with your categories.

3. Logging All Activities in Google Calendar

Something I learned the hard way: If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist. Logging every activity gives you a complete snapshot of your day and keeps you accountable. Here’s how I structure mine:

• Block out study sessions—knowing exactly when to start makes procrastination harder.

• Add all appointments and deadlines—including small ones.

• Schedule even your rest periods or self-care activities—yes, relaxing deserves its own time slot!

One trick I swear by: Use reminders. A 10-minute heads-up before any task gives me enough time to mentally prepare. Over time, this habit has made me feel much more in control of my days.

4. Using Habit Trackers

When it comes to building consistency, habit trackers are amazing. I’m currently hooked on the Finch app—it’s a habit tracker disguised as a self-care buddy. You adopt a little bird and take care of it by completing your daily habits. Every time you check off a habit, your Finch gets stronger and explores more adventures. It’s so rewarding to see your progress visually reflected in your little companion.

Another option I love is Habitica if you’re into games. It turns habits into RPG-style quests, which is perfect if you need extra motivation. Some habits I track include:

• Drinking enough water (you’d be surprised how much energy this adds).

• Studying for 30 minutes a day—even on busy days.

• Taking 5 minutes to practice mindfulness or deep breathing.

These apps made habit tracking feel less like a chore and more like fun. But again, try what appeals to you. Some people prefer analog trackers, while others need tech. Experiment and find your rhythm.

5. Rest and Hobbies Are Non-Negotiable

Can we agree that life isn’t all about productivity? Taking breaks and doing something you love makes everything else more manageable. I make time for hobbies like painting and watching TV, and I actively block them out in my calendar.

Here’s a secret: Treat your downtime as seriously as your deadlines. If you pencil in a break to binge-watch your favorite series or read a new book, you’re more likely to follow through. Plus, a recharged mind is way more productive than an overworked one. 

If you haven’t made self-care a priority yet, trust me—it’s worth it. Finding joy outside work and studies is the key to staying motivated.

6. Scheduling Chores for an Organised Routine

For the longest time, I left chores to “whenever I have time,” and surprise—it never worked. Now, I stick to specific days for certain tasks, like:

• Mondays: Laundry (so I have fresh clothes for the week).

• Wednesdays: Grocery shopping.

• Saturdays: Cleaning.

This routine has done wonders for clearing up mental clutter. Knowing when things will get done helps me relax and focus on bigger priorities. You can tweak this to fit your schedule—maybe daily mini-tasks work better for you.

7. Meal Prepping for Efficiency

Meal prepping can save so much time during busy weeks. Instead of deciding daily what to eat, spend one day preparing meals in bulk. Having food ready to go frees up mental space and ensures you’re eating well, especially when life gets chaotic. It’s not glamorous, but it works. 

If meal prepping isn’t your style, no worries—find what fits your groove, like easy recipes or batch snacks that work in a pinch.

8. Embrace Trial and Error

Here’s the thing about time management: there’s no universal answer. I’ve tried methods that didn’t fit my lifestyle at all, and that’s okay! Experimenting with different tools, techniques, and schedules is part of the process.

Whether you’re into apps, paper planners, or just winging it some days, the most important takeaway is to find your balance. Adjust as you go. What works today might need tweaking tomorrow. Time management is more of a journey than a destination.

Balance Is Key

Time management isn’t about cramming as much as you can into every hour. It’s about creating a system that helps you grow without burning out. Whether you use the Pomodoro Technique, log everything in Google Calendar, or adopt a cute virtual pet through Finch, the goal is the same: to find harmony.

So, give these tips a try. Mix and match. The secret is building a system that works for you—one that helps you meet your goals while leaving space for what truly makes you happy. After all, what’s the point of productivity without joy?