For many college students, the prospect of going back to school after a week of vacation can be difficult, and especially with just a few weeks of school left to go. These students are often distracted by the thought of summer vacation, and even the responsible ones can find themselves losing steam near the end. Here are 10 tips to help you and your classmates to stay motivated and finish off the school year strong.
1. Get the Sleep You Need
The majority of college students tend to keep very irregular hours over the holidays, all of which can leave them feeling irascible and out of sorts when returning to school. The sooner you readjust to your old sleeping schedule of going to bed at a reasonable time and getting up earlier, the sooner you will stop singing the post-holiday blues and be ready to get back to your studies.
2. Set Goals and Rewards
It is important to set goals for what you would like to accomplish and reward yourself as soon as you reach them. You will find yourself much happier when you are rewarded because it will give you hope and a stronger sense of motivation. Whether it is a new pair of jeans or a 30-minute Netflix break from your homework, rewards can give you a mini-break from all of your hard work.
3. Use a Planner
Some college students still use paper planners and calendars, but the majority choose digital ones. There are several useful planner apps that you can get for your smartphone, but make sure to use just one planner to avoid creating any unnecessary confusion. It can help to track your activities, classes and set any reminders at any time.
4. Work Off-Campus
Every once in a while, it is necessary to go outside, especially off-campus. It can be a joyful and exciting experience to dive yourself into a new environment while still putting in work on complicated assignments. Try to find a quiet place where you are more relaxed and calm. Working off-campus clears the mind of chaos and confusion from on-campus tasks.
5. Snack Smart
Eating brain foods like avocado, blueberries, salmon, walnuts, dark chocolate will not only help you to stay focused on your work. It will also aid you to feel much more energized to be able to complete the assignments you have to get done. Staying hydrated reduces headaches and helps to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Water will be your savior through the next few weeks!
6. Do Some Exercise
Try to take thirty minutes a day to exercise. Even if exercising does not seem like a top priority considering all the studying you have to do, you will be surprised how much stress it can relieve. It is preferable to get some fresh air and exercise outside, but doing a quick session at home or your local gym can be just as valuable.
7. Eliminate Distractions
In order to avoid distractions from Instagram, Whatapp or even calls from your granny, put your smartphone on flight mode when you really need to buckle down and study. Also, if you find yourself scrolling your Facebook feed when you should be writing your essay, download a browser app like Stayfocusd or Forest. It will help to set up a schedule to block specific websites for any period of time.
8. Create a Support Network
One of the best ways to beat the post-spring break blues is to have a support network. Keep in mind that you are not alone. Other college students are also in the same situation that you are in now. Use your friends and classmates as a sounding board to vent, swap notes, study together and be there to help each other to stay motivated.
9. Take Short Breaks
Short breaks throughout the day are important. Psychologists say college students can only concentrate properly for 30-45 minutes. There are lots of apps that can aid you to take study breaks. Pop outside for some fresh air, have a quick tidy, make a cup of tea or just do something else away from your study space.
10. Stay Positive
It is easy to get dragged down thinking about all the work that is ahead of you and staring you in the face. Even if you’re feeling down, thinking of the best possible scenario will encourage you to accomplish your goals. So keep up the positive attitude and you will see how quickly the semester flies!
