If you’re like me, studying is your least favorite part of being in uni. Sitting down in an uncomfortable seat for multiple hours in a cold room while your brain is filled with information just doesn’t do it for me. Yet doing this doesn’t mean you can skip doing homework (yeah I’m talking to you). Therefore, as a fellow procrastinator, I’ve come up with three tips to get you to hit the book without feeling like you’re going to pass away.
check in with yourself
The first thing I discovered when I turned around my studying life was that acknowledging when I didn’t feel like sitting down and doing homework really changed the game. Once I recognized how my body was feeling, I could act accordingly. For example, let’s say you don’t feel up to reading a chapter due for class in two days. Instead of checking in with your body to see how you truly feel about it, you most likely end up sitting down and forcing yourself to read. You might have sped through half the chapter, you didn’t absorb anything, and now you’re doom scrolling on TikTok because you’re bored. Checking in with your body and mental state, on the other hand, allows you to really understand your productivity level for the day, which can help lighten your load and complete more at a comfortable rate.
So instead of jumping straight into your work, try meditating for five minutes. You may only have the energy to read a couple of pages today, and finishing them off tomorrow or watching a video on the subject will prep you better than jumping straight in. Ensuring you’ve created a relaxed environment will benefit your productivity.
put it down!
Speaking of peaceful environments, my next tip is to PUT THE PHONE DOWN! I understand you’re waiting for that cute guy in your humanities class to text you back, but I promise it’s not as important as getting your degree.
But if you do have something more pressing that you need to get done, like answering a phone call from that internship you’ve been dying to get, your priorities may shift. So if you do need to have your phone close to you, it’s good practice to either set an alarm for your event or put on do not disturb with breaks in between to keep up with your latest notifications. Having your phone close by is one of the biggest temptations when it comes to distractions from work. So put it aside and be mindful of the time if you do need to use it. Other than that, you’ll be much better without it.
reward yourself
I’m not sure if it’s because we’re adults, but we need to bring reward systems back! One way I’m able to stay focused on my work is by remembering the cool thing I’m giving myself after completing the task. And it doesn’t have to be after a stressful study session; it could be anytime.
So set up that nail appointment after or stop at your favorite café for a celebratory drink. Make time to thank yourself for putting your future needs first and for trying your best. Once your academic efforts become a routine of self-love rather than torture, your reality will start to shift as well.
So, try breathing, putting your phone away, or celebrating the little wins to be a productive student and human. And remember there is a world of possibilities on the other side of procrastination.