Study Smart, Not Hard ― 6 Gadgets That Increase Productivity

Considering the numerous distractions around us, studying has become more challenging in the modern age. TV shows, social media apps, and video games might contribute to a lack of motivation for studying, especially since they stimulate our brains.
However, this is only one of the numerous factors that impede studying. Students might find it difficult to concentrate or manage their time properly, so they must find what strategy works best for them.
Some prefer the retrieval practice, in which they recall information later after learning it, while others try the Feynman technique, in which they try to explain what they learned to others.
Still, students can blend learning methods with innovative gadgets to be more productive and study efficiently. Here are our best recommendations.
Tablet computers
Tablet computers are light and compact, making it easy to study from anywhere. Whether you read some notes from your bed or complete an assignment from the park, using a tablet allows you the comfort and liberty to utilize interactive learning apps to improve your knowledge continuously.
Accompanied by a smart pen, a tablet computer is best for taking notes on a subject you’re trying to master. For example, if you’re watching Chemistry Tuition video lessons, you can write notes on the tablet as you go.
A tablet can also store all your notes in one place, so you can access them at any time. Moreover, being able to write on the tablet will improve your recalling abilities since writing information down is more beneficial to our brains.
Noise-canceling headphones
Whether living at home or in a shared apartment with other students, dealing with distracting noises is always a problem and can disrupt your flow. You’ll find that reaching the state of deep work will be more beneficial to studying in the long term, and you can absorb more information when you’re deeply focused.
Luckily, you can reach the flow state while studying by getting a pair of qualitative noise-cancelling headphones. Wearing them and listening to white noises or classical music can enhance your cognitive abilities and learning capabilities. It would be best not to wear them outside, as you still need to hear what’s around you.
A smartwatch
Phone distractions hinder studying, as we’re drawn to look at our smartphones and be connected to the world almost continuously.
A recent study showed that seven in ten US teachers notice their students being distracted by their smartphones in the classroom. Indeed, most students spend a lot of time on social media platforms and might find it difficult to resist the temptation of checking their notifications often.
But this can also happen during studying sessions at home, in the park, or at the library. Therefore, getting a smartwatch is the best solution to counteract the problem because you can easily filter phone notifications and check only the most important ones.
A smartwatch is also easier to use for setting reminders and deadlines and ensuring you’re staying on track without checking your phone.
A smart backpack
Whether you’re commuting to school every day or taking long walks after school, having a smart backpack will help you stay organized. Smart backpacks are convenient because they can fit all your belongings safely, especially your tablet and tech devices, and they’re equipped with anti-theft features.
What’s most interesting about these backpacks is that they are built with one or more USB charging ports, so you’ll never be left without a phone battery.
Some backpacks also come with a water bottle pocket and other additional spacious compartments. Moreover, smart backpacks are comfortable and made with shoulder safety in mind.
Blue-light blocking glasses
As a student in the modern age, you expose your eyes to consistent screen light, whether from studying or scrolling on your apps, which can disrupt your circadian rhythm.
What’s more worrying is that prolonged blue light exposure can blur your vision, dry your eyes, and even trigger other health problems if you’re predisposed to developing them, like cataracts.
That’s why you need to wear blue-light-blocking glasses every time you look at a screen. They help minimize the impact on your eyes and circadian rhythm. You don’t need a doctor’s prescription to get them, and they’re also affordable.
Additionally, it’s best to try a few techniques to prevent eye strain, such as taking breaks every 20 minutes, looking out in the distance, or using eye drops.
A desk lamp
During finals week, you may need to study at night from time to time, which may excessively strain your eyes. That’s why getting a desk lamp instead of the big light is more efficient and will keep you awake longer without tiring you.
Numerous affordable LED lamps can be placed on every type of desk. For example, if yours is a little bit crowded and there’s no space for the lamp, you can get an adjustable clip-on product to place it wherever it’s more comfortable for you. In addition, there are many that can be attached directly to your monitor so you can see both the screen and the keyboard.
A mug warmer
Regardless of where you study or the season, a warm cup of coffee or tea can always improve your mood, but keeping it warm if the room is cold or you’re studying outside is difficult. That’s why mug warmers are efficient for students; they can help them stay energized for longer.
Most cup warmers come with a unique mug, but special ones can hold larger mugs and teapots. Depending on how often you travel, you may need to choose a more portable one, but it will surely keep you warm and ready to study.
Have you got some of these studying gadgets?
Studying might be more challenging considering all the distractions around you, but you can change that by being more efficient and using gadgets that can improve your study sessions.
Tablets are easy to use and compact, noise-canceling headphones can help you study in a flow state, and blue-light-blocking glasses will protect your eyes from prolonged eye strain.

Jim’s passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”