So we all have to do work, if we didn’t we wouldn’t be what they call ‘studying’. But obviously sometimes it is easier to procrastinate. Whether that be eating, watching tv, cleaning (if you’re that way inclined) or anything else to simply take your mind off of the dreaded task at hand. If you are really stuck, here are a few suggestions to help you get started (even if you only manage an introduction/sketch/title)…
1. Put chocolate/crisps/pasties further away than arms length. The further away they are the more work you will do. No you can’t just go to the fridge (see 2).
2. Stop buying nice food unless it’s for dinner. That way even if you wander to the fridge in your time of need, you won’t fancy anything in it. Unless you really want to eat your housemates half empty bottle of mayo.
3. Turn your phone off. Or at least leave it downstairs/upstairs (dependent on where you study). I(f you really can’t bare to be without it, just check it every time you have a study break (see 4).
4. Take lots of breaks. No these cannot be three hours long so you can watch Jeremy Kyle on repeat.
5. If you are studying at Uni, still take breaks. It’s easy to sit in front of a screen for hours on end because you really don’t want to stand up and draw attention to your unwashed hair. But do it. For your own sake. Otherwise you will have greasy hair and square eyes.
6. Again, if you are studying at Uni do not take your credit/debit card with you. You may tell yourself you will only buy lunch. They are famous last words. Think of the sea of malteaser wrappers at the bottom of your bag.
7. Tell yourself that if you watch TV you will get found out by MI5 for failing to get a TV license. (tell yourself this even if you were clever enough to get one).
8. Try not to use highlighters. Their sunny and bright appearance will distract you from the real work that lies ahead.
9. Accept that the longer you procrasintate, the less sleep you will get on the night before the deadline. If you fancy your chances in being cast in a re-make of Sean of the Dead then go ahead. If not, work.
10. Remember that it will all be worth it in the end. Unless you fail. Then you really do have the time to watch Jeremy Kyle. Regardless of having a TV license or not.