We have officially reached the point of the semester that most of us dread. All of the projects and final papers that were assigned at the beginning of the year are quickly approaching, and this time, they can’t be avoided.
As the holidays start creeping closer, I have found myself dreaming of the upcoming breaks. But first, there is work to be done in order to end the semester on a high note.
It can be hard to stay focused and motivated during this time of year, when it seems everything is being added to an already full plate.
A lot of students think that the only solution is to throw self-care out the window and add hours of studying onto an already busy schedule.
I myself have been stuck in this trap of overworking myself and not taking time to rest. However, over time I realized that it may not be about the amount of time I spend studying, but instead about how I approach it.
Making the most out of the time you do have to study will allow you to be more productive, while still allowing time for self-care.
This is definitely easier said than done. It requires practice, consistency and patience, even if you don’t feel a difference right away.
Luckily, there are many simple ways to make the most out of your study sessions.
Planning out assignments at the beginning of each day can help make sure no assignments are forgotten and will give a visual idea of how much work needs to be done. This can be done using a planner or using an online calendar app such as Google Calendar and Notion.
Cross off tasks as you go to track your progress and create inspiration. I personally like to start by completing the tasks I know will be simple and quick to complete. This helps me create momentum and motivation to stay productive.
Sometimes, doing this isn’t enough. There will be times that your list of tasks will stare back at you, and even the simplest tasks will feel daunting.
When this happens, switch it up a bit.
We’ve all heard of bar hopping, but what about study hopping?
The concept is relatively simple: Visit different study locations, and spend a set amount of time working before moving on to the next place. This can be done at as few or as many places as desired, and it can help increase your attention span.
Romanticizing your study experience can also be done in simpler ways, including going to a coffee shop, sitting outside or lighting a candle at your desk.
Setting timers with built-in breaks is an effective way to stay focused and increase your work stamina.
I often do 30-minute work sessions, and then allow myself a five or 10-minute break. This technique is better known as the Pomodoro Technique, and many students have found success with it.
What’s most important, though, is that when you say you’re done, try your best to actually be done.
It can be tempting to continue thinking of the tasks yet to be completed, but remember it is more than OK to rest. Reward yourself with something you enjoy after you’re done studying, whether it’s watching a show or buying yourself a treat.
Becoming more efficient at studying is something that has great benefits, but it won’t happen overnight.
At the end of the day, remember that you are more than the things you do. We are more than just students and part-time workers– we’re human. We all deserve time to relax, and by implementing study techniques, we can get closer one step at a time.
