Whether you’ve taken a break from studying or just trying to get back into a normal routine, getting back on track after the holidays is easier said than done. You’ve had a taste of that sweet freedom and now you’re staring at a mountain of tasks that need to get done. Check out the tips below to help you bounce back and get back on the study train.
Start Small and Slow
Getting back into study mode is easier when you ease yourself into it. You wouldn’t go from hanging out on the couch to running a marathon overnight and you certainly don’t want to that with studying either. Set yourself up for success and start with smaller, simpler tasks, -- before you know, you’ll build the momentum needed to run that EPPP marathon in no time. What are these smaller and simpler tasks? That’s up to you! You know yourself best, so it might be taking a short quiz, listening to an audio lecture, running though some flashcards, or even reading 5 pages. Whatever it is, commit to something small & manageable and soon you’ll find yourself saying, “That’s it? I can do another 5 pages, or take another quiz, or do another set of flashcards.” Use the Pomodoro Technique to help budget your time in smaller increments.
Make a To-Do List
Dive back into your study plan to get a sense of where you are and where you need to be, and then create a to-do list for each day – remember the first tip though. Ease into it, you don’t want your to-do list to say “tackle abnormal this week.” Be specific and make sure it’s achievable. Check out this video on 5 Smarter Ways to Organize your To-Do List and find a style that suits your needs!
Start with Something Enjoyable
The goal is to build momentum and a good way to do that is start with something that you actually enjoy or want to spend time on. If you have Stats on your schedule, but you absolutely hate it and can’t even fathom wrapping your mind around it, you’re more likely to put it off, and find reasons to do other things. Soon enough, you won’t be studying and you’ll be dealing with the guilt of not studying -- no one has the time or emotional space for that. Shed some of that weight and choose a task or topic that you look forward to completing and harness some of that excitement to build your motivation and keep going!