By Student Champion, Emily.
It goes without saying that not everyone is a fan of studying. It’s hard to endure hours of focus (and often fidgeting) and procrastination seems to be just as inviting as a cosy bed. But then the guilt sinks in and your cosy sheets morph from paradise to a prison and that is when you realise, studying has just got to be done.
I myself struggle with focus and motivation, but there are ways to combat days where you do not feel up to anything productive. A good place to start is by making a list. A list that consists of everything you need to achieve in the day, for example, brushing your teeth, going to Senate House, or what work you need to do. Positivity is increased when you see a list of tasks you have already accomplished, it is also better for organising your day in general.
Now you may think studying consists of hours of unwavering attention, but this is wrong. You should take a 10–20-minute break every hour, unwind, drink water, and enjoy a snack. Allowing time for your brain to refresh is important, by scheduling breaks you can focus better and allow your concentration to flow instead of taking random disruptive 5-minute breaks every time you feel like it. If your task is to write an essay, schedule your break before you read through it, often a fresh pair of eyes and a clear mind are better for checking your work.
When it comes to exams, repetition never fails never fails! Putting information and facts down in your own words and reading them aloud helps your brain to absorb information, and if you have a willing friend (or a good enough imagination), teaching them what you are studying can help you understand the content and is a fun way to change up your studying technique!
Lastly, studying all day and night may seem productive, but your brain will not retain the information, nor will it run efficiently on coffee alone. Do not burn yourself out before your exams even begin. A solid night of sleep and plenty of water will cultivate a more absorbent brain. As a uni student, you’re most likely to have studying rituals you rigidly stand by, but a lot of students forget that what they are foremost is human. So, my final piece of advice is no matter what you achieve be proud of yourself for all that you have accomplished and get yourself a cake.
Emily😊
