If you’re anything like me, the back-to-back snowstorms have really gotten you down! Since missing nearly a week of classes and spending all my time hiding in my room, I have been struggling to maintain motivation. To combat the persistent urge to rot in my bedroom, I have been bringing more whimsy and joy into my daily life. These are the strategies that have been most successful for me!
- Make Your Space Cozy
Since I have been hanging out in my room, I have actively tried to make my desk more appealing than my bed, by hanging up string lights and setting up lamps (to avoid the evil big light), setting up a snack and tea-making station, and hanging some art prints nearby! On a more practical note, I have reorganized my desk itself and nearby storage and relocated the accumulation of trinkets, so that I have a clean and comfortable space to work. I would also recommend getting a plant of some kind or a cute trinket to work as a “study buddy” and keep you company while you work. Make sure it is a nice temperature and that you have all the supplies you need or want within easy reach!
- Romanticize Studying
In an effort to make studying more enjoyable, I use cute journals instead of composition notebooks, colorful pens instead of pencils, and (as an avid journaler) some of my washi tape and stickers. I always avoid the big light when studying in my room or find somewhere with great natural light elsewhere on campus. I set the tone by playing some of my favorite tunes, getting my usual coffee order, and putting all distractions as far away as possible. Additionally, I use (and love) the app Focus Friend, which locks down your phone while you study!
- Curate Your Social Media
If you are also falling victim to the urge to doomscroll, I highly recommend curating what you’re viewing. If I find myself beginning to lose focus and go down a rabbit hole, I look for a specific tag that interests me (usually “crochet”, “stationery”, or “cats”), so I can see more of what makes me happy and helps me gain motivation. I tend to watch a lot of relatively random video essays, so when I feel myself lagging, I make sure I am watching those that truly interest and inspire me.
- Treat Yourself
When you’re feeling slow and sluggish, one of the best things you can do is take care of yourself. Take that everything shower, go for a nice walk, get a hot chocolate or sweet treat, and maybe buy that book that’s been on your TBR forever. I’m not above bribing myself. Often, I will set timers and — if I work uninterrupted for the entire time — reward myself by reading a chapter or crocheting a row!
- Build Something to Look Forward To
If all else fails, make sure you are setting goals and exciting plans to look forward to. For example, I have a game night with my friends next Friday and a date planned with my partner for Valentine’s. Knowing that I will have a built-in study break, and knowing that I will not be able to enjoy myself if I have homework to worry about, I find it much easier to work ahead and stay on top of my classes.