14 ways to get yourself serious about your studies

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Do at the same time, break tasks down into small steps, and reward yourself for the work you've done.

Motivate yourself

1. Make a list of the reasons why you are learning

Write them down on a piece of paper and keep them in front of your eyes. When you feel like skipping school, reread them. This will remind yourself why you need to try. For example, to go to a good university, get a scholarship, or change jobs. Write down as many reasons as possible, both big and small.

Sometimes you will not be motivated at all, this is natural. On days like this, you need a little self-discipline and this list will come to your rescue.

2. Find something interesting in everything

Think about how the material you are studying relates to your life. For example, if you are bored with reading a book that was asked about literature, try to find something in common with the characters. I don't want to study biology - imagine how much you learn about yourself and other living beings.

Of course, all subjects cannot be equally interested. But try to see how you can apply the knowledge gained to your own life. This will help you stay in class.

3. Set the timer

Set aside 30-50 minutes for classes, and then take a short break. Once it's over, go back to school. Or try the Pomodoro interval technique: set a timer for 25 minutes and start exercising. When the beep sounds, rest for 5 minutes and then work for 25 more minutes. After repeating the four intervals, take a longer break.

Set a separate timer for the end of your class. For example, if you started at lunchtime, finish at dinnertime. If later - at least 30 minutes before bedtime, so that there is time to relax.

4. Reward yourself regularly

After class, a little something is enough: eat your favorite food, play with your pet, watch a funny video, or soak in the hot tub. And after the exam, please yourself with something more significant. For example, have a coffee with friends or buy something that you have wanted for a long time.

5. Study with someone

You don't have to sit in the same room together. But it is important that there is a person with whom you can share problems and talk about your progress. Agree to report to each other about the work done every few days - this will make it easier to move towards the goal and not waste time.

Schedule your classes

1. Start school at the same time every day to make it a habit

If you're an early riser, try getting up early and exercising in the morning. If it's an owl, set aside a few hours of study in the evening. If you like to get things done right away so that you can rest later, complete the tasks as soon as you get home. Record the selected time on the calendar so that you are not tempted to occupy it with something else.

2. Plan your exam preparation

As soon as you know the date of the test or test, enter it into the calendar. Set a reminder a few days or weeks in advance to start preparing. Give you enough time to learn and review everything.

3. Divide the material into parts

When a large amount of information needs to be assimilated, we feel overwhelmed and do not know where to start. To avoid this, break large tasks into smaller ones. Write down each step on paper and gradually follow them one by one, and put a check next to the completed ones. This way you will see your progress and feel that the situation is under your control.

4. Plan time for rest and relaxation

Don't exercise for several hours at a time - give your brain a rest. Take short breaks every 30-50 minutes. During the break, get up and walk for a bit, get some air, have a snack, or just rest your eyes.

Remember to take some time to relax, especially while preparing for your exams. When you study hard for weeks on end, be sure to take days of complete rest to protect yourself from overload.

Eliminate distractions

1. Before class, eat something healthy and drink water

Hunger and thirst can be very distracting from mental activities, so eliminate them early. Do not eat sweets; it will only make you hungry again faster. Snack on something healthy, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, cheese, yogurt, or hummus. If you crave a caffeinated drink, limit yourself to one or two cups or one can of soda, so as not to overexcite the nervous system.

2. Boost your concentration through physical activity

In 10-15 minutes of exercise or walking, you will relieve stress and increase the level of endorphins in the body. After that, it will be easier to focus and memorize information. You can even try combining workout and study. Grab your notes to the gym and read them while you work out on the treadmill. Both the brain and the body will be grateful to you.

3. Find a place where nothing will distract you

If you find yourself constantly shifting to other things at home, look for a new place to study. For example, in a library or cafe. If you are studying for exams with friends, but they do not allow you to concentrate, agree on the rules for studying together. Ideally, you want to avoid distracting visual and auditory stimuli.

Also keep a blank piece of paper handy. Whenever you think of something other than school, write it down and return to the assignment.

4. Disconnect all electronic devices that are not needed for study

Do not turn on the TV as a background. Leave your smartphone in another room or in your bag. If using it as a timer, set the flight mode so as not to be distracted by notifications. Or use special applications that restrict Internet access. For example, Freedom, AppDetox. With their help, you can temporarily block access to selected sites and applications.

5. Practice with music

Especially if you are in a public place. Music in your headphones will help you drown out ambient sounds and help you stay focused. Instrumental compositions are best suited for this. If music distracts you, try playing nature sounds or white noise.