By ABIGAIL SHEARER
Tiger Media Network
Licensed Professional Counselor Jennifer Berens and Director of Counseling Services Amy Schaffer talked to students last week about tips and tricks that could help them, as shown in “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.
The first tip was to focus on small wins using the two-minute rule and understanding that consistency is key. Berens uses the example of doing this to help with procrastination: put a two-minute timer for homework, and at the end of the two minutes, if you feel like you need to step away, step away and try again later.
“This helps overcome that kind of anxiety of just getting started and is a good way to help with procrastination”, Berens said.
Another way to help with small wins is bargaining with yourself, such as thinking, “I won’t do something fun until I get this done or have done this for however long.”
“Keep the changes really attainable, though. If you’re like, I’m only going to spend time with my friends after I accomplish this, and it’s a 15-page paper, and you haven’t started it yet, then say I’m going to write for two hours, then I’m going to spend time with my friends,” Schaffer said.
The next tip was making good habits easy. The easiest way to do this is by setting up a good space and knowing when you work or study best. Some questions to ask include: what are the barriers that I’m putting there for myself? Do I have a good workspace? Do I have a designated space where I feel the most productive?
“Most college students generally like to study things while they’re lying in bed, which is probably the least productive thing to do because your bed is for sleep,” Berens said.
The third tip is to create a support system. This can happen through time blocks, finding people who are helping you become your best, and prioritizing things like assignments and commitments. Berens and Schaffer recommend that at the end of the week, to reflect on what you did well and what you still want to improve.
The last tip is to incorporate deep work by single-tasking and regular breaks. Avoid multitasking as it is shown to be inefficient. Also, do not study for long periods of time; do it in 30-minute increments. To help with proficiency, having a consistent sleep schedule and sleep routine.
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