#pre pomodoro

[labelleizzy]

Sometimes I just have to go back to old habits. Like back in the day, I was getting daily emails from the website Flylady.net.

Got my shoes on. Got my kitchen timer on. Challenged myself to see how much better I could make the kitchen look in 10 minutes.

I cleared the kitchen island. Put away all the food, got all the dirty dishes into the sink. Started a load of laundry. Made up my third cup of coffee. Washed out some recycling and got it to the bin. Oh, now I can see the acetaminophen which I need to take today.

Do I still have a big mess? Yes I do. I came home from 2-week trip, and I'm still finding stuff I need to put away and laundry I need to do.

But my ADHD ass developed the self-care habits, routines, tips and tricks, originally in the late '90s due to this nice southern lady. She used to send out daily emails encouraging us to take care of ourselves and giving us ideas on how to tackle big home care projects, self-care projects, but mostly home care.

It was a lot of email. And not being Christian, I didn't always appreciate her dropping of God references. But without her structure, without her having figured out that there was tons of us out there, struggling with our lives and managing our shit...

She helped me a lot. The chaos is mostly controlled. (She used to backronym CHAOS as "Can't Have Anybody Over Syndrome" heh)

I'm no longer ashamed of my habitat (and also, thank you, @unfuckyourhabitat for continuing the momentum of this particular way of working).

Gonna finish my coffee ☕ and then set the timer for another 10 minutes. Got a friend coming over for dinner 🍽️ and I can stand to do a bit more tidying up.

Use the tools that work for you!

[nelyafinwe]

as much as i appreciate the local food where i am i cannot fucking WAIT to go home and eat my fill of my preferred things for breakfast, lunch and dinner too - e.g. i've been here for almost a year but i still cannot stomach noodles for breakfast dude. i don't even eat eggs for breakfast.

(Below: very detailed explanation on how i miss my food, focused on how ppl prepare fish here mostly)

Also love you southeast asian food but please the way you prepare fish i cannot. I still don't know how to avoid the fish spines inside the meat if i have a fish chopped perpendicularly to the dorsal fin/spine. I normally fillet my fish in two halves parallel to the dorsal fin/spine so i can cut out two fish-long fillets and discard the dorsal fin/spine and most if not all the spines, they come out along the rest of the stuff.

And when fish is prepared in a stew like i've had it in se asia it is even harder to avoid the spines bc the meat is already breaking apart into smaller chunks in the stew and one never knows if the piece youre eating has spines

My local coworkers just seem to have no issue with this whatsoever though, they apparently just munch everything, meat and spines and all, and it makes no difference for them!!

My friend and i (both westerners) had a lengthy convo with one local staff where we were trying to say that the fish we have back in our homes may not be the same as here but comparatively they cost the same, we just have a different way to prepare them from what they do here, but they seemed to think that the fish we had back home did not habv any spines when we bought it because it was more expensive. We showed him vids on how westerners fillet a fish and he finally got what we were trying to explain. What a wild yet enlightening lunch convo that was.

Anyways since thst day my friend and i skipped lunch at work whenever it was fish day

[nenelonomh]

less intense late-night study schedule

for those who don't follow a regular sleep schedule - and struggle to apply typical study schedules. this one also works for after school! three hours of study time - the last one fits in six hours.

6pm | set up study area and materials, a drink and pre-study snack

7pm | session one, one hour session, 50:10 pomodoro

8pm | dinner, some movement

9pm | session two, one hour session, 50:10 pomodoro

10pm | a snack, leisure

11pm | session three, one hour session, 50:10 pomodoro

12am | self-care, chores, socialising, bedtime reset

[namocchi]

Hii!! today i got for you 10 ideas to do on your short work breaks!

In a fast-paced, content-driven world, non-stop productivity can harm your well-being. Regular breaks are crucial for mental and physical health. A well-used 10-minute break can boost creativity, reduce stress, and improve focus

Blog post covers:

Pomodoro technique

Pre-break preparations

10 break ideas

Post-break checklist

Check out my blog post here!!

[skwpr]

9 Quick Study Tips for University Students

I wish I'd known that earlier.

1. Add structure to your day.

Have a morning wake-up routine, meal times, relaxation, creativity time, time for self-reflection, time to shut off and rest.

2. Attend your professors’ virtual office hours.

I promise it will be worth your time.

In addition, attending office hours can help you:

- Get clarification on course content or assignment instructions, so you don’t sink into the quicksand of confusion

- Listen in on questions that your classmates ask—and get answers right away

If you’re looking to discuss topics that relate to you personally (e.g. deadline accommodations, grade disputes), consider emailing your instructors to schedule a 1-on-1.

Even if you don’t have any particular concerns, still attend when you can. You could:

- See if you’re able to respond to your classmates’ questions for an intellectual challenge/course recap

- Review the material from a different angle

Plus, your course instructor may notice how proactive you are, and you may be able to connect with them (mayyybe you’d like them to be your reference later on?).

3. Look at the pre-lecture materials.

Even if you only have 10 minutes, quickly review what major topics will be covered.

4. Find a study buddy or study group.

Connect virtually and test each other on the key concepts.

5. Manage your social media distractions while studying.

This can include hiding your phone in a far location. To temporarily deactivate your social media sites use SelfControl for Mac and Cold Turkey for Windows. For all devices, you can use RescueTime or Freedom for mobiles.

6. Ask for help.

Book an appointment with your academic advisor or student success coach. They can help you find the best study technique or how to manage your time better.

7. Use the Pomodoro Method to help improve your concentration and motivation.

8. Edit your notes daily and review your notes weekly.

Review your summary notes and remember it’s about processing what you wrote.

9. Don’t expect yourself to be perfect.

Keep trying new techniques until you find what works best.

[temtamtom]

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeell ask games 39, 4, 1 ghjg and 7!

39. Most addictive personality?

Definitely Romano! He's genuinely so interesting and funny, I'm always so happy whenever he pops up in the comics. I can't get enough of this man...

4. What's a headcanon you need to work out?

I have so so many headcanons I'm rotating in my mind and trying to figure out. But lately I've been thinking an awful lot about Holytalia, and how their relationship evolved over time. Did they get married? When and how? Did Vene stall and stall and stall until the people around him just forgot or lost hope? How did his relationship to "Marriage" as a concept change over the years? How would it impact him now in more modern times? Etc. etc. I'm mentally throwing things at a wall right now and seeing what sticks.

Another headcanon I'm definitely trying to figure out is what EXACTLY Veneziano represented pre-unification. Different people have different answers, myself included. Currently I'm riding the "Feliciano was a being that represented the entire region of North Italy, despite all the entities and city states that Did Whatever(TM)" wave. I guess it's sort of on a similar wavelength as Holy Rome, though not exactly the same. I think it's an interesting perspective to explore- him bouncing around from place to place (of his own accord or sometimes by force), having a bit of a "fractured" sense of identity compared to many of his contemporaries, and also suffering from intense migraines because everyone is beefing with everyone else and GOD-

But on the other hand I also love exploring Veneziano as the Republic of Venice, which makes him even more of a foil to Romano. Republic vs. Kingdom, Independent (up until a certain point) vs. being conquered and fought over by a bunch of people. etc. etc. It also gives me the opportunity to play around with my northern City States OCs <3

Do you relate to your favorite character(s)?

Sweden my pookie <3 He is me and I am him <3 We share a deep kinship <3 a deep bond <3

Also because it's you and I know what you're getting at, yes, I do relate to Veneziano. Like him I do 20 million forms of art, I love fashion, I drink alcohol, I blaspheme, I eat polenta, I love women, I-

7. Food-related headcanon?

Veneziano Magnagatti-- 💥💥 (/ref)

More serious answer: This is very self-indulgent, but one of my fondest memories as a kid was helping my grandma and aunts make fresh pasta every once in a while. So I like to imagine the whole Itafam gathered around a kitchen table making all sorts of pasta by hand. The TV is on but none of them are really paying attention to it- too engrossed in their gossip and their work. Also making passata di pomodoro with freshly-harvested tomatoes... augh.. yes...

[fuegios-diary]

It feels nice to study while listening to Demon Slayer Lo-Fi music!

By the way, I've been studying Pre-Calculus and Programming (JavaScript) for a few days now!

Also, I've been using the PQ4R Study Technique for Pre-Calculus, it does help you actively read! Though one con is that it takes a large chunk of time.

But I use it alongside the Pomodoro Technique so I can have enough break times and chunked studying times!

If you have any study techniques that you use or suggest, dont be afraid to leave a reply to this post! hihi

[hartshorn-and-isinglass]

In spite of the fact that I may have gotten a little choked up today at the thought that Keyboard Blorbo--someone whose music has saved my mental well-being this year--might have already pre-judged me and if I ever find this out beyond a reasonable doubt it might permanently shade my enjoyment of their music hereafter--

I have a new project for the next concert. Modding a badly-wounded black wool bodice into something wearable.

I wasn't going to do this but... well, the bolero jacket I got from ThredUp just isn't going to cut it for the next outfit and also maybe the Monster needs to Monster a little harder now, because apparently I have baggage about this sort of thing.

It probably says something about me that I always want to show love to broken and discarded things.

I'm taking a bit of a risk here, because I need to be relentless about managing my time if I want to have this fit and also make it to the finish line on the Meme Shit. I don't know if I can adequately pomodoro my ass to handle both. I suppose the last couple of months have been a time for me to learn more about what I am and am not capable of--but I already know that trying to give myself a buffer is only giving myself barely enough time to pull this shit off. I'm not calibrated yet. This could be more of me being silly and unrealistic.

But man, I forgot what it was like to want something like this. All the focus, the angst, the crunch time, but also... living for that moment when someone notices the thing that I've put so much time and effort into. Especially when it's the person who inspired the thing to begin with... holy shit.

[timeless-fanfic]

Do you have any study tips?

Thanks for asking! Studying in medical school can be intense, but there are definitely some strategies that can help make the process more effective:

Anki (Spaced Repetition): I swear by Anki, a flashcard app that’s become a staple for med students. It uses spaced repetition, which means it shows you cards at intervals optimized for long-term retention. This is crucial when studying subjects that require you to retain a ton of information over time, like medical physiology, cellular biology, and pharmacology. I make my own decks, but there are plenty of pre-made ones that are excellent too!

Active Recall: Instead of passively reading notes, focus on active recall—this means testing yourself regularly. For example, after learning a topic, close your notes and try to write or say everything you remember. This reinforces the material much better than just reading or highlighting.

Blocking Information: Another strategy I use is blocking information. I dedicate full sheets of copy paper to one topic, writing down everything I can remember. Then, I use a whiteboard to recreate that information from memory in a timed session (usually 10-15 minutes). After that, I go back with a different color (usually red) and write down everything I missed. This helps me visualize the gaps in my knowledge and target areas that need improvement.

Differentiating Between Memorization and Understanding: Different subjects need different approaches. For example:

Subjects like medical physiology or cellular biology require you to learn large quantities of information—names, functions, pathways—so memorization techniques like flashcards or mnemonic devices are useful.

On the other hand, subjects like organic chemistry or math are more about steps, processes, and formulas. For these, practice is essential, so working through problem sets repeatedly is often the best way to master the material.

Pomodoro Technique: Medical school involves long hours of study, so it’s important to break it up. I use the Pomodoro technique, which breaks study sessions into 25-minute focused intervals with 5-minute breaks in between. After four Pomodoros, I take a longer break. It keeps me fresh and focused during long study days.

High-Yield Resources: Focus on high-yield resources—study materials that condense key concepts efficiently. Boards and Beyond, Sketchy (especially for microbiology and pharmacology), Pathoma, and First Aid are all examples of resources that give you the essentials without unnecessary details.

Teach What You Learn: A great way to ensure you truly understand something is to teach it to someone else. Whether it's a study group or just explaining it to a friend or family member, teaching forces you to articulate and organize your knowledge in a clear way.

Prioritize Sleep and Health: It can be tempting to pull all-nighters, but proper sleep is essential for memory consolidation. Make sure you’re also eating well and exercising—your brain will function much better if you’re taking care of yourself.

Study Groups: Working with a group can help too. Explaining concepts to each other, quizzing one another, and discussing difficult topics are great ways to reinforce your learning.

Each student is different, so finding the methods that work best for you is key. These are just a few strategies that have helped me and other medical students manage the heavy workload. Hope this helps, and feel free to reach out if you have any more questions!

[sluttyminghao]

heyy there! I finished my high school last year and am preparing for pre-meds this year...And sorry to do this here, but I really need advice from STEM majors on how to tackle physics and chemistry and how to keep myself motivated too! if you can help me that will be great<3

Procrastination tips and tips so that I'm not overly stressed while studying would do great too! it feels like I'm asking too much here, but I am trying to find study methods that work for me (pomodoro doesn't, my focus keeps lacking every time I take a five minute break...so yeah..thank you for hearing me out!)

oof good luck friend! physics is my worst enemy fr so I wish u all the best <3

keeping yourself motivated can be hard, especially in STEM classes. my advice would be to keep a calendar with you at all times, have all your assignments, tests, and quizzes written on the calendar and colour code so you know what classes are due when! depending on your workload for each class as well, it's good to prioritize your classes from most important to least important.

spend a little time each day covering the subject you worked on that day! if you had a physics and chemistry class for example, go back over the notes when you get home or even the day after to retain your knowledge, that's what got me through my degree with distinctions!

and honestly, as for procrastination tips, I am Not the best person to ask because I'm the worst at timing things (oops) but I always find myself doing just one topic at a time and focusing solely on that, having a break for about 30 minutes, then reviewing the topic and moving on!

i hope this is helpful for you! and if anyone has any other advice feel free to pitch in <3

[sethwarren]

The Best Studying Habits for Success

Success in academic pursuits isn’t just about innate intelligence. Rather, it’s often the habits one forms that determine the effectiveness and productivity of study sessions, Seth Warren developed many of these habits when studying Finance in New York. One of the most important habits is setting a specific schedule. Consistency can help your brain get into a 'study mode' more quickly. If you study at the same time each day, your brain will be pre-conditioned to expect and accept the knowledge more effectively during those times.

In conjunction with this, creating a dedicated study space, free from distractions, can significantly boost your concentration levels. This doesn't necessarily mean a silent room, but a predictable environment where your brain knows it's 'time to work.' Also, it's essential to set clear goals for each session. Knowing what you aim to achieve keeps you focused and gives a sense of accomplishment once those objectives are met.

The Power of Active Learning

Instead of passively reading through texts, engage with the material. This could mean summarizing information in your own words, teaching the material to someone else, or even just discussing it. Such active learning techniques help in better understanding and retention of the content. Another significant practice is to take regular breaks. The Pomodoro Technique, for instance, suggests studying for 25 minutes straight and then taking a 5-minute break. This prevents burnout and keeps your mind fresh.

Habits to Avoid

While there are numerous beneficial study habits, it's equally crucial to be aware of practices that can hinder your progress. One of the most common traps students fall into is cramming. While this last-minute rush might help in the short term, it’s not conducive for long-term retention. Your brain needs time to process and store information, and cramming doesn’t allow for that.

Multitasking, though often seen as an efficient way to get many tasks done simultaneously, can be detrimental when studying. When you split your focus, neither task gets the full attention it requires, leading to mistakes and oversights. Additionally, constantly checking your phone or getting lost in unrelated internet browsing can significantly cut down effective study time. It's essential to recognize these distractions and keep them at bay during dedicated study sessions.

Recognizing and rectifying detrimental habits, while consistently implementing beneficial ones, can drastically improve the quality of your study sessions. With these practices in place, not only will your understanding of subjects deepen, but the process of studying itself might become less daunting and more enjoyable. Remember, it's not always about studying harder, but rather studying smarter.

[semprelibera]

the idiot on that post who doesn't know about cacio e pepe, white pizza, and countless other dishes...

but you know what's funny. they just sound mad europeans managed to also make iconic use of 'their' ingredients. well do better yourself then !

I KNOW like, my point was that what the world considers iconic “Italian” dishes are actually Italian-American or Italian-inspired American (heavy in tomato sauce), while to us Italians, as well as people who are familiar with real Italian cuisine, the dishes which we’d consider iconic are actually older than the Columbian exchange or only use “Old World” ingredients...

I mean, if I had to say what the most iconic (as in the ones that everyone knows and can find outside of their region) dishes which do not contain American ingredients are, I’d say:

Ferratelle, castagnole, focaccia, piadina, arancini/e, Sicilian cassata, Sicilian cannoli, crostoli/frappe/chiacchere/cenci/galani/lattughe*, Neapolitan pastiera, carbonara, gricia, cacio e e pepe, fegato alla veneziana, castagnaccio, panforte, seadas, cornetto, basil pesto, maritozzo, torrone, zeppole, Maraschino cherries, bruschetta, struffoli, granita, gelato, erbazzone, porchetta, cotognata, frutta di Martorana, nacatole, torta della nonna, taralli/tarallini/tarallucci, grissini, savoiardi/pistokkeddos, ciambelline al vino, farinata, fregula, risotto alla milanese, pizza bianca, tortellini in brodo, crostata, babà, baicoli, budino di riso, ciambellone, biscotti del Lagaccio, cantucci, cotoletta alla milanese, biancomangiare, panettone, gubana, canestrelli, brasato al Barolo, brigidini, pasta con le sarde, canederli, ravioli ricotta e spinaci, pere al vino, cannoncino, pane carasau and guttiau, casatiello, gnocchi alla bava, chnéffléné, coda d’aragosta, bomba/bombolone, crema fritta, tigella/crescentina, delizia al limone, frìtołe, gelo di melone, krumiri, mandorlato, malfatti, meringa, necci, saltimbocca alla romana, mostaccioli, pasta di mandorle, ribollita, panelle, pasta e ceci/fagioli/lenticchie/fave, pasticciotto, polenta, risotto alla marinara, torta pasqualina, frisella, focaccia di Recco, agnolotti, gnocco fritto, sbrisolona, zabajone, vitello tonnato, passatelli in brodo, mozzarella in carrozza, amaretti, ciambella, brioscia, plenty of pizze including the original Marinara which is way better than the one people call Marinara today...

*No campanilismi here 🇮🇹

While I’d say that the most iconic Italian dishes which do contain American ingredients are:

Gnocchi di patate, graffa, crocchè (potato); pizza Margherita, pizza alla marinara, pappa al pomodoro, lasagne alla bolognese, lasagne alla napoletana, parmigiana di melanzane, insalata caprese, sfincione, timballo, sun-dried tomatoes, caponata (tomato); tortelli di zucca, gnocchi di zucca (pumpkin); ‘nduja, pasta all’arrabbiata (hot chilies); tiramisù, gianduja, baci di dama, salame di cioccolato, cuneesi al rhum, zuppa inglese, setteveli, zuccotto, Modica chocolate (cocoa); corn polenta, pan meino (maize); pandoro, panna cotta (vanilla); peperonata (bell peppers); zucchine alla scapece, pasta alla nerano (courgettes).

So yes, while the Columbian exchange did influence Italian cuisine, either by leading to the evolution of pre-existing dishes (EG.: pangiallo was invented over 2000 years ago and nowadays it’s not uncommon to see people add dark chocolate to the recipe; the original pizza alla marinara did not contain tomato sauce and was made with anchovies, capers, garlic, black Gaeta olives, oregano and olive oil - all of which are very Mediterranean ingredients) or to the creation of new ones, but claiming that New World ingredients-based dishes are all there is to Italian cuisine, or that its most iconic dishes are made with them is factually wrong and the reason why this stereotype exists in the first place is due to Italian-American culture/US stereotypes of Italy and Italians being passed off as authentic Italian and its spread outside of the US is a direct result of US cultural imperialism.

I also find it ironic how they all conveniently ignore that Asian, African and other European cuisines outside of Italy’s also use American ingredients... I have yet to see someone claim that shahi paneer is not Indian or that paprikás csirke is not Hungarian while I have seen plenty of Americans claim that pizza Margherita (which they believe is the only kind of pizza there is) is actually American just because tomatoes are not native to Italy.

[nenelonomh]

late-night study schedule

for those who don't follow a regular sleep schedule - and struggle to apply typical study schedules. this one also works for after school - but i definitely only recommend using it on a friday, since you can sleep in on the weekend! six hours of study time.

3pm | set up study area and materials, a drink and pre-study snack

4pm | session one, two hour session, 50:10 pomodoro

6pm | session two, two hour session, 50:10 pomodoro

8pm | dinner, some movement

9pm | session three, one hour session, 25:5 pomodoro

10pm | a snack, leisure

11pm | session four, one hour session, 25:5 pomodoro

12am | self-care, chores, socialising, bedtime reset

[lanaxoxoxoxoxox]

Hey Lana! As you know, both Me and Jackie use the app/website, but both of us struggle with sitting down and writing things. We both like writing detailed things and anytime we sit down together to write, we only ever write one sentence before getting distracted or unmotivated... We know what we want to write to, so it gets frustrating. Any advice on how to feel motivated to write more than a sentence every other day?

Mackenzie :))

hey mackenzie!! sorry this is coming out late, i had a long draft for this and it didnt save rip draft :') sadly!! here it is:

as a fellow writer, this problem is something i also have. getting unmotivated or losing attention to your writing is completely normal (and im saying this as someone with the worlds WORST attention span)!!

get setup and prepared before writing: this is different for everyone based on how you do it, but one pre-step you should try is to prepare your area before actually settling down to work on your writing. for me, i like to fill up a waterbottle, turn on my led lights, grab a blanket, have a small snack, grab a comfy hoodie, open my windows, or whatever im really feeling. this will most likely look different to you, but its a really good prestep.

use study techniques: using study techniques for writing works is UNDERRATED!!! there are so many out there, and i could read billions of articles on them, but i'll keep it simple and give you one that it is incredibly useful, which is the pomodoro technique! pomodoro is basically working for 25 minutes, taking a 5 minute break doing something productive (i like to put away my snacks, refill my water, read or practice spanish on duolingo, but you can freestyle it), repeating that 3 times, then having a longer break to do whatever you want, typically being around 15-30 minutes. then, you repeat! you can also find easier versions on youtube or other resources (most are usually work for 20 minutes, break for 15) and some even have music! i recommend using chill with talki if you want relaxing study music. :)

use apps or other resources: some apps i recommend are notion, study bunny, habit rabbit, or even just youtube or soundcloud! there are some really good ones out there. music even counts too! its a good way to focus. :D

[armybrat061]

Effective Time Management for IAS Preparation

Preparing for the IAS examination is no small feat. With its vast syllabus and intense competition, aspirants often struggle to manage their time effectively. However, with a strategic approach and disciplined execution, you can make the most of your time and enhance your preparation. In this blog, we will discuss proven tips and techniques for effective time management during IAS preparation.

Why Is Time Management Important?

The UPSC Civil Services Examination demands rigorous preparation across various subjects, from Prelims to Mains, including optional subjects and interview readiness. Effective time management helps you:

Cover the syllabus comprehensively.

Balance multiple subjects.

Avoid last-minute stress.

Allocate time for revision and practice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Effective Time Management

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

Long-Term Goals: Define your preparation timeline, such as 12 months or 6 months, depending on your starting point.

Short-Term Goals: Break down your long-term plan into monthly, weekly, and daily goals.

SMART Goals: Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Step 2: Create a Realistic Study Plan

2.1 Divide the Syllabus

Categorize the syllabus into General Studies (Prelims & Mains), Optional Subject, Essay, and Current Affairs.

Allocate specific days or weeks for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses.

2.2 Prioritize Key Areas

Focus on high-weightage topics first (e.g., Polity, History, Geography).

Allocate extra time for subjects you find challenging.

2.3 Incorporate Breaks

Follow the Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25-50 minutes and take a 5-10 minute break.

Use breaks to relax and recharge, but avoid distractions like social media.

Step 3: Maintain Discipline and Consistency

Stick to your schedule and avoid procrastination.

Start your day early and tackle the most challenging subjects when your mind is fresh.

Avoid multitasking; focus on one subject at a time for better retention.

Step 4: Optimize Revision

Daily Revision: Spend 30-60 minutes reviewing what you studied that day.

Weekly Revision: Dedicate a day each week to revisiting key concepts and notes.

Full-Length Revisions: Reserve the last 2-3 months before the exam for intensive revision.

Step 5: Incorporate Mock Tests and Practice

Start practicing mock tests early to develop exam temperament and time management skills.

Analyze your performance and focus on weak areas.

Practice answer writing regularly, especially for the Mains.

Step 6: Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Dedicate 1-2 hours daily to reading newspapers and magazines (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express, or Yojana).

Make concise notes on important issues and revise them periodically.

Tips for Balancing Study and Relaxation

Avoid Burnout:

Ensure 6-7 hours of sleep daily.

Engage in physical activities like walking, yoga, or exercise.

Leverage Technology:

Use apps like Evernote or Notion for note-making.

Set reminders for deadlines and tasks.

Stay Motivated:

Read success stories of IAS toppers.

Surround yourself with positive and supportive peers.

Limit Distractions:

Keep your study area clean and organized.

Use tools like website blockers to avoid digital distractions.

Sample Daily Schedule for IAS Aspirants

TimeActivity5:00 AM - 5:30 AMWake up and plan the day5:30 AM - 7:30 AMStudy Core Subject 1 (e.g., Polity)7:30 AM - 8:00 AMBreakfast and relaxation8:00 AM - 10:00 AMStudy Core Subject 2 (e.g., History)10:00 AM - 10:30 AMBreak10:30 AM - 12:00 PMCurrent Affairs (Newspaper/Notes)12:00 PM - 1:00 PMOptional Subject1:00 PM - 2:00 PMLunch and rest2:00 PM - 4:00 PMPractice Mock Tests/Answer Writing4:00 PM - 4:30 PMTea Break4:30 PM - 6:30 PMStudy Core Subject 3 (e.g., Geography)6:30 PM - 7:00 PMPhysical activity/Relaxation7:00 PM - 8:00 PMRevision of the day’s topics8:00 PM - 9:00 PMDinner9:00 PM - 10:00 PMLight reading/Essay practice10:00 PMSleep

Effective time management is the cornerstone of IAS preparation. By setting clear goals, sticking to a realistic plan, and maintaining discipline, you can streamline your efforts and cover the vast syllabus efficiently. Remember, consistency and perseverance are key. Adjust your strategy as needed, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance or support when required.

Your time is your most valuable asset. Use it wisely, and success will follow!

[maigamal]

How to Study During Ramadan: Tips for Effective Learning

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. With its unique demands, studying can become a bit more challenging. Balancing your studies while fasting and maintaining a productive routine requires careful planning and adjustments to your schedule.

The key to managing your academic responsibilities during Ramadan lies in adapting your study habits to fit the rhythm of the holy month. Here are a few tips on how to study during Ramadan and stay focused on your learning journey:

1. Plan Your Study Time Around Prayer and Suhoor/Iftar

Ramadan’s daily schedule revolves around Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), Iftar (meal after sunset), and the five daily prayers. The first step in managing your study time is to adjust your schedule around these moments.

You might find it easier to study after Suhoor or just before Iftar when you're feeling more energized. This allows you to focus on your work while being mindful of your fasting hours. In the early morning, right after Suhoor, your mind is often the clearest, making it an ideal time for studying. Alternatively, if you find it hard to concentrate during fasting hours, you can use the time after Iftar to go over your materials with a refreshed mind.

2. Break Your Study Into Smaller Chunks

Fasting can make it harder to concentrate for long periods, so it's important to keep your study sessions short and focused. Instead of studying for hours at a stretch, break your study time into manageable chunks with short breaks in between. This technique, known as the Pomodoro method, is a great way to maintain concentration and energy levels.

For instance, you could study for 25-30 minutes, followed by a 5-10 minute break. This not only helps in boosting productivity but also gives your mind a chance to relax and recharge.

3. Prioritize Your Tasks

During Ramadan, it's vital to prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines. If you have multiple subjects or assignments, figure out which ones need immediate attention and which ones can be handled later. Focus on your most critical tasks during the times when you’re most alert, such as early in the morning or after Iftar.

This way, you ensure that you’re giving enough time to both your religious duties and academic responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Take Advantage of Quiet Time for Deep Learning

Ramadan is often a time of peace and serenity, especially after the long day of fasting. This quiet period offers a great opportunity for focused, uninterrupted study. If you're studying at night, after Taraweeh prayers, the calm atmosphere can enhance your concentration. Use this time for more demanding or reflective tasks, such as writing essays, reading, or deep learning.

5. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Fasting can deplete your energy levels, so make sure to drink plenty of water and eat nourishing meals during Suhoor and Iftar. Foods that provide sustained energy, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can help you stay alert throughout the day. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that may leave you feeling sluggish. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining focus during study sessions, as dehydration can negatively impact concentration and memory.

6. Incorporate Quranic Studies Into Your Routine

Ramadan is the perfect time to connect with the Quran. You can use your study time not just for academic learning but also for spiritual growth. Consider incorporating Quran reading and reflection into your daily routine, perhaps in the quieter moments of the day. If you want to enhance your Arabic skills to read and understand the Quran better, you can explore learning opportunities on platforms like Shaykhi, where you can access resources to learn Quran and Arabic more effectively.

7. Get Enough Rest

Although it may be tempting to stay up late studying, getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental energy during Ramadan. Sleep is essential for memory retention, focus, and overall well-being. Try to maintain a sleep schedule that allows you to get at least 6-7 hours of rest each night, even if you need to adjust your study sessions to make this happen.

8. Be Kind to Yourself

Ramadan can be demanding, so it’s important to be patient and compassionate with yourself. If you find yourself feeling fatigued or struggling to concentrate, it’s okay to take a break and rest. You’re balancing multiple aspects of your life, and self-care is essential. Remember, it's not about pushing yourself too hard but about finding a sustainable and balanced approach to studying while honoring the spirit of Ramadan.

By making a few simple adjustments to your study routine and being mindful of your energy and focus, you can successfully balance your academic goals with your spiritual journey during this holy month.