Student life comes with various challenges and excitement. Starting with studying abroad to long hectic study sessions, there’s beauty in every aspect of student life. Not only this, if you are living in student accommodation, hostel or student dorm life offers all kinds of experiences.
One of which is studying for extended periods. Don’t you as a student feel that it is like you are running a marathon? However, the most motivated individuals also feel their enthusiasm fading away after hours of continuous studies. Now, how do you stay motivated during long study sessions? Well, there is no right or wrong answer to it but there are ways. As a result, we are here again with another blog, revolving around practical strategies you can follow to stay motivated. Let’s get into these strategies and ensure maximum productivity and much more!
Tips for Stay Motivated During Long Study Sessions
1. Set Achievable and Realistic Goals
The very first thing you have to do is set realistic and achievable goals. Well, there is nothing you cannot achieve if you do hard work. However, setting realistic goals is important. Let us explain to you with an example, saying I’ll study for six hours can be your goal but completing this with manageable chunks would be the right trick to follow. In this, you can aim to complete chapters or any other specific task.
Further, here are some key points when it comes to setting goals:
- Use the SMART Criteria: SMART Criteria simply means make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- Make a checklist or to-do list: This is a very useful trick when it comes to knowing your progress. Make a checklist and tick them off as you complete each one.
2. Plan Break Wisely
You cannot study for straight 6 to 8 hours. Breaks are as important as studies. This is where the Pomodoro technique comes in handy. You might be wondering about the Pomodoro Technique. Well, the Pomodoro technique simply means to study for 25 minutes and take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a long break of 15 to 30 minutes. This particular method helps you to keep your mind fresh and focused. Consequently, while you study late at night in your student housing, this can help you boost your motivation and productivity.
3. Create a Conducive Environment in Student Accommodation
The study corner in your long-term or short-term student accommodation plays a crucial role. Simply put, your study environment is important when it comes to maintaining motivation. You can create a distraction free space in your student rooms to enhance concentration. Plus, you can even reduce the risk of procrastination while optimizing your space. Some of the key tips to make your space stress free include:
- Ensure good lighting and a comfortable chair.
- Remove distractions like your phone or clutter.
- Keep essential items (books, stationery, water) within reach
4. Leverage Small Rewards
Giving yourself a break or rewards can be a good way to keep yourself motivated. You can simply reward yourself in a way to get a psychological boost. These rewards can be small yet useful and satisfying to keep you moving. For instance, buying chocolate, watching something, or scrolling down on Instagram for a few minutes. Some key and effective strategies include:
- Pair rewards with specific milestones like achieving a goal or finishing a chapter.
- Always avoid overindulging in rewards. As good small rewards sound, it sometimes disrupts your momentum.
5. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
The next on our list is staying hydrated and nourished. Simply put, just like your hunger needs food, your mind needs proper fuel to function effectively. You cannot be cooped up in your student accommodation for studies and not focus on dehydration. Always keep healthy snacks around you that you eat while studying. Some good snack ideas include nuts, seeds, fresh fruits, whole-grain crackers, and much more.
6. Use Active Learning Techniques
Reading and writing can sometimes become monotonous which leads to loss of motivation. Hence, always make sure to use active learning strategies while studying. This helps you keep studies interesting and effective. Some of the most used active learning techniques include:
- Create flashcards for key terms and quiz yourself.
- Teach the material to a friend or imaginary audience.
- Use diagrams, charts, or mind maps to visualize concepts.
7. Seek Inspiration and Visualize Success
Sometimes, a little inspiration can go a long way and achieve success. Hence, seek inspiration from your role models, and success stories and manifest your success. Some of the top sources for inspiration sources include:
- Watch TED Talks or interviews with successful individuals in your field.
- Read books or articles about overcoming challenges.
- Join online communities where peers share study tips and achievements.
In addition, you can also use the following manifestation techniques:
- Close your eyes and picture yourself succeeding.
- Write down affirmations like “I am capable of achieving my goals.”
To sum up, we know staying motivated during long study sessions requires patience and self-awareness. You can simply achieve this by setting clear goals, learning in new ways, and prioritizing self-care. And, always remember consistency is key to getting results in the long run. So, the next time you face difficulties during those long study sessions in student accommodation, follow our tips.
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