Unit 3: Routines

Website: Virtueller Campus Thüringen
Kurs: Digital Learning Kit - self learning course for studying with digital tools
Buch: Unit 3: Routines
Gedruckt von: Gast
Datum: Mittwoch, 14. Oktober 2026, 04:27

List of contents

Student reports

What does your daily study routine look like?



Here you can find the transcriptions of the interviews:




Build your own routine

We have a few tips for establishing and maintaining your own routines:




Tips for a good working environment





The Pomodoro technique

You're hanging in there and just can't get it together? You can't get into a flow of work? Then we have a tip for you: The Pomodoro technique. Pomodoro means "tomato" in Italian - you can quickly find out the history of the technique online if it interests you.

The technique is explained very quickly: Take 25 minutes, set a timer and don't let yourself be distracted by anything or anyone during this time. Concentrate fully on a pre-set task.

The timer is especially worthwhile for unpleasant tasks that you otherwise like to put off. There are also apps for this that block all other apps on the phone during these 25 minutes. Then you can take a 5-minute break and set another timer. Take note of your accomplishments and plan out the tasks you need to do before you start working.


When you notice that you are getting into a flow of work, a "flow", it is better to turn off the timer. Then it has done its job and you can really - undisturbed - start! For a flow of work, a break after 90 minutes is recommended. But you will also notice this when you get tired after a longer phase of concentrated work. You can find lots of videos on YouTube to help you use the Pomodoro technique.

Image: Pomodoro apps (icons).

You can find the apps in your Play- or Apple Store

Relaxation as a basis for success





Application

Since it’s one thing to receive tips and quite another to put them into practice, we’ve developed a reflection exercise for the Digital Learning Kit that you can use regularly—perhaps in conversation with a fellow student. 

Take a look at the questions below as a conversation starter to help you discuss the module’s topics!

Further resources


Articles:
Making health habitual: the psychology of ‘habit-formation’ and general practice (British Journal of General Pratice)
Habit: What's the Brain Got to Do with It? (Occupational Therapy Journal of Research)
 
Blog posts:
10 Best Study Space Tips (Joyce University)
Ergonomics (the science of designing a workplace that fits the needs of its users) (Skills you need)

Books:
Streeter, Gerbarg et al. Effects of yoga on the autonomic nervous system, gamma-aminobutyric-acid, and allostasis in epilepsy, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical Hypotheses, 2012; DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2012.01.021, available online at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306131644.htm
Kok, Coffey et al.: How positive emotions build physical health: perceived positive social connections account for the upward spiral between positive emotions and vagal tone. Psychol Sci. 2013 Jul 1;24(7):1123-32. doi: 10.1177/0956797612470827. Epub 2013 May 6. Erratum in: Psychol Sci. 2016 Jun;27(6):931. PMID: 23649562, available online at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23649562/
Pizoli, Shah et al.: Resting-state activity in development and maintenance of normal brain function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Jul 12;108(28):11638-43. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1109144108, available online at: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1109144108