Spring is officially here, which means (if the weather decides to cooperate) it’s time to put away your combat boots and parkas and break out your Sperry’s and capris. However, with the sun shinning and flowers blooming, you may begin to abandon your school responsibilities and take in the joys that spring has to offer. As enticing as this sounds, getting your schoolwork done and keeping that GPA up is still essential. I mean Meredith Grey didn’t become a surgeon by marrying Dr. McDreamy by not studying, right? So instead of falling victim to the spring procrastination craze, here are some tips on how to stay focused when the weather finally decides to break.
1. Read OutsideWe all know how hard it is to read for class on a normal day, but when it’s sunny and warm outside it’s nearly impossible to read the 100 pages you need to read for class. So, instead of torturing yourself by trying to do your reading inside, go outside! The sun shining on your pale skin and the mere idea of not being trapped in a room will inspire you to get your reading done in no time!
2. Reward yourself with time outside.Okay, so not everyone is able to get work done outside and need the bland walls of the library in order to do their homework. If you’re one of these people, never fear! There are still ways for you to get your studying done and enjoy spring. When you start to study or do your homework, make goals to achieve and set hourly deadlines. Once you hit them, reward yourself with 20 minutes of outside time. According to a 2011 University of Illinois study, ”brief diversions from a task can dramatically improve one’s ability to focus on the task for prolonged periods.” So, going outside for a break will actually help in your quest to get your homework done!
3. Grab yourself an iced coffee.Spring means that you can hold an iced coffee in your hand without the fear of having to cut it off due to frostbite. With that being said, gear up for a studying adventure with an iced coffee. This icy cup of goodness will keep you energized and focused on the task at hand, but it will also remind you that spring is here and winter is finally over, which should automatically make you smile and inspire you to do anything, including homework.
4. Study some place new.Instead of studying in the same old study room, venture somewhere new. It’s finally warm enough that the walk downtown doesn’t seem like you’re staring in a real life remake of The Day After Tomorrow. A recent study shows that “changing your environment while trying to learn helps you retain knowledge.” So, on your walk, take in all the sights spring has to offer and find a new place to call your study home.
5. Know that the end is near.Spring means that there is less than two months until we are done with school and free to binge watch as much Orange is the New Black on Netflix as we want! We’ve already made it this far, so just keep going strong into the homestretch and try to beat the urge to procrastinate. You can do it!