LIFESTYLE
How to Enter the Flow State While Studying
Have you ever been so immersed in a task that your surrounding fades away? Time just seems to be in a standstill, and you hitherto lost track of it. That period is termed 'the flow state' by a psychologist, Dr. Mihaly Csiktzentmihaly. In his words, "the flow state is when you're so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter." This moment seldom occur but one can deliberately achieve it. Although it can be occur during any activity but this discourse limits it to the terrain of studying only.
While some students find studying to be mundane, monotonous and tedious, others might derive pleasure from it. If you belong to either of these categories you are about to learn the art of conjuring your own study bubble, and drive your productivity to the optimum level. Follow me, as I reveal three habits that kill flow and hinder being in 'the zone'.
First, make sure you are not hungry. Many 'Jacko' will continue to exert their brain without eating, and still want to maintain a laser focus while studying; unfortunately, your brain needs energy derived from glucose when you eat to efficiently process ideas. More so, junks or processed quickies are dead food; they will only give a short term boost of energy and suddenly yank you out of the flow state. So, be mindful of what you consume; as you can be filled, yet your cells are hungry.
Second, avoid multitasking. Engaging in other activities and studying simultaneously, kills focus. The saying, "master of all trade, jack of none", is underscored here. Intense studying is a rigorous activity that leaves no wiggle room for other engagements. For instance, the impact of a sun ray can only reflect when it's directed on a spot for some duration. Similarly, the desired effect of studying can be cultivated, after hours dedicated to solely studying.
Finally, get good quality sleep. This might sound absurd but the span of your sleep does not determine its quality. Someone who has slept for eight hour may still look unrested whilst the one that slept just for two hours will be rejuvenated. Your quality of sleep is determined by how fast you drift off to sleep without waking in-between sleep. If you doze off quicker and sleep soundly then you have a good quality sleep. If your sleep quality, however, is subpar, do more of exercise, and sleep in a completely dark room.
Then, you can have your baby rest.
So, as you commence assessment preparations and exams subsequently, do not forget to study for the pure sake of it. This is only when true learning can be realized along with success.
Miskilu Aminat Olaitan
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