Girlfriend
  • News
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Life and Advice
  • Entertainment
  • Role Model Search
  • Dolly Doctor
  • Video
Girlfriend
  • News
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Life and Advice
  • Entertainment
  • Role Model Search
  • Dolly Doctor
  • Video
  1. Home
  2. Life and Advice

Experts say checking social media can help you ace your exams

You hear that, mum!? - by Emma Norris
  • 03 Oct 2019

It's the debate you've no doubt had with your parents countless times during exam time:

Parent: "Get off your phone! Why aren't you studying?" 

You: "I AM studying, I'm just having a break!"

The good news is, you now have some expert advice to back up your argument!

A new statement released from Deakin University says that social media can actually be a helpful distraction during exam time!

Watch: This Is How You Can Appear Offline When On Facebook

Dr Natalie Hendry from Deakin’s School of Education confirmed something that we all know well — final exams (especially in year 12) can be stressful AF.

 “Not only is there the pressure of study but students are also thinking beyond their final year,” Dr Hendry said.

“Pathways to future education and employment are becoming more complex and young people feel this pressure acutely."

Dr. Hendry says that browsing the gram' or tuning into TikTok can actually be helpful for relieving some of that pressure.

“Finding ways to let go of stress is vitally important and as much as social media can be a distraction, it can also provide welcome relief,” she said.

graceleeproject View Profile
1,846 likes - View Post on Instagram
It's the middle of the semester. The days and weeks seem to get busier and busier. You're losing focus. You're not efficient. How do you pick up the pace? Bringing back an old productivity trick- the Ivy Lee method. For my old followers, you've heard me rave about this before. But for those of you who don't know what it is, let me break it down for you. The Ivy Lee method is a actually very simple. At the end of each night, you write down your six most important tasks in order of importance. The next day, you begin working on your first task then work your way down the list- not moving onto the next until you complete the one prior. This time-saving strategy capitalizes on reducing "decision fatigue", thereby forcing you to prioritize. It's a part of my daily routine for peak productivity, allowing me to optimize my schedule to make the most out of each day. Check out the link in my bio for a free template! Swipe to see it in action in conjunction with my agenda! Do you already use this method or anything else to maximize your productivity? Let me know!

Of course, it's all about being smart about your social media usage.

Spending hours getting sucked into a TikTok tunnel when you're meant to be studying ain't exactly going to help you ace your exams.

Dr. Hendry says it's all about taking intentional breaks and using it connect with others.

“By sharing a study music playlist with friends or setting aside time to game online and chat with other gamers, students are connecting with each other and giving themselves a mental break from study," she says.

Passive browsing can be totally okay, too.

"Sharing and scrolling through favourite memes and videos can also provide a fun way to relax," she adds.

As a productivity nerd, I can confirm that taking breaks to check social media can actually be a really useful strategy to motivate you.

One helpful technique is the Pomodoro method — where you do 25 minutes of uninterrupted work (no distractions!) and take timed 5 minute breaks where you can check socials to your heart's content.

Then, you just rinse and repeat!

So, if you find yourself stressing this study season, we officially give you  permission to procrastinate — so long as you do it wisely!

Emma Norris
Emma is Deputy Editor at Girlfriend magazine. She's obsessed with being cozy at all times, eating cheese, binge-watching comedy shows and reading Facebook comments about anything and everything.

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%

Recommended to you

Sophie Monk drops another epic Love Island trailer
Watch 1:00

Sophie Monk drops another epic Love Island trailer

{headline}

{headline}

'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina' is here to help you get through your HSC HELL

'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina' is here to help you get through your HSC HELL

Study With Me YouTube Videos Are Doing More Harm Than Good

Study With Me YouTube Videos Are Doing More Harm Than Good

Ayesha Madon will lead a new generation of Aussie teens on Heartbreak High

Ayesha Madon will lead a new generation of Aussie teens on Heartbreak High

OnlyFans Model reveals the whorephobia the industry faces

OnlyFans Model reveals the whorephobia the industry faces

{headline}

{headline}

Why are we so obsessed with self-diagnosing on TikTok?

Why are we so obsessed with self-diagnosing on TikTok?

World Sleep Day: Our best sleep hygiene tips

World Sleep Day: Our best sleep hygiene tips

Voting on your values with Justine Landis Hanley and Elfy Scott

Voting on your values with Justine Landis Hanley and Elfy Scott

{headline}

{headline}

"That's such a silly myth." Your OG Dolly Doctor Melissa Kang answers your questions about boobs

"That's such a silly myth." Your OG Dolly Doctor Melissa Kang answers your questions about boobs

Here's how you *don't* ghost someone... and when it's completely fine

Here's how you *don't* ghost someone... and when it's completely fine

Period! Pads and tampons are set to be free in NSW public schools

Period! Pads and tampons are set to be free in NSW public schools

Here's how you can help raise awareness and funds for women escaping violence

Here's how you can help raise awareness and funds for women escaping violence

8 influential women and how they're spearheading important change

8 influential women and how they're spearheading important change

"A brown woman on a Mardi Gras stage is in some ways a political statement:" Why Wafia's Mardi Gras debut is a monumental performance for the singer

"A brown woman on a Mardi Gras stage is in some ways a political statement:" Why Wafia's Mardi Gras debut is a monumental performance for the singer

Wearing your headscarf like a 60s movie star is London Fashion Week’s favourite accessory

Wearing your headscarf like a 60s movie star is London Fashion Week’s favourite accessory

Girlfriend
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • New Idea
  • Practical Parenting
  • That’s Life
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • New Idea food
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • 7mate
  • 7Sport
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Girlfriend

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%