Motivation is important to productivity, but how do you stay productive when you aren’t even motivated?
Exam season is upon us, but don’t fret! Here are some ideas to improve your studying.
Schedules
Schedules are important, but they shouldn’t be restrictive. Figure out what time of day you are most productive! Are you productive in the early morning, mid morning, afternoon or evening? Understanding when you get the most work done can help you to plan a successful schedule. Be reasonable with yourself, don’t put too much on your to-do list. Also, planning backwards from your exam or final project due date can help ensure that you know what needs to be done when.
Environment
Where you study is as important as when you study! You might get distracted in your room by your bed (everyone’s been there) or even the trinkets sitting on your desk. Try out different areas, but make sure it is a place that is comfortable to you and that you aren’t distracted. Some study spaces could be on campus, like a library or student center. There are also spaces off-campus: coffee shops, a friend’s apartment, or even a bookstore are great places to study at.
Rewards
Treating yourself to things during exam season is crucial! You can motivate yourself to study by allowing yourself to purchase something you have been wanting if you get a certain grade on a test. Or, you can reward yourself by only buying a coffee when you sit down to study. Another idea is study during the day so you can watch your comfort show at night. Get creative with your reward system. You know what will work best for yourself!
Breaks
Studying for large blocks of time is unsustainable and is not always productive. Remind yourself to get up and move! Go for a walk, take a workout class, do some stretches, and breathe some fresh air! Taking care of your body by moving it, fueling it well, and giving it rest is important because it affects your ability to understand material!
Studying Dates
During exam season, it can feel like you are neglecting your social life. If you are struggling to say “yes” to plans because you know you should be studying, try and see if they would want to have a study date! Studying with others can motivate yourself to stay busy and help you feel less lonely. Study dates can be at the library, a coffee shop or even outside. Bonus idea: try a coffee flight while you study as a fun treat!
Overall, make sure you are taking care of your body and your mind during this busy season!