Getting into consistent habits about where and when you do things—eat, sleep, exercise, study and complete tasks—is almost always beneficial. Whether you are in school, completing an assignment for your job, exercising, or just learning a subject because you want to, make it easy on yourself by finding a consistent time and place where the cues and reinforcers operating in the setting make you most productive.
Students have homework, i.e., assignments completed outside of class. Throughout their career, professionals bring work home. In both instances, a routine time and place for getting it done, with predictable cues and reinforcements, is beneficial. If you are in school, study regularly throughout the semester for as many classes as you can. Some people study every day, others put it off to once or twice a week. In general, the more often the better, especially if it is at a regular time and place. Professionals should avoid last minute preparation, i.e. “cramming,” whenever possible.
Similarly, schedule your fitness activities, and keep to this schedule as you would to planned social occasions, business meetings, and classes. If you get used to working out before work or walking during your lunch hour, you're more likely to stick with it. Establishing a regular time and place generally makes learning new habits, and sticking with them, easier because the various cues and rewards that come from the environment are there consistently.
Once you establish a routine, it becomes possible to work with others who have a similar routine. Depending on the particulars, you can “work as a team,” You may run with a co-worker over lunch or find a workout partner. If you're at the gym at the same time every day, look for people that may have similar goals.
