Whether you’re putting off working on your assignment until later tonight, or you’re rushing to start and finish a research paper by tomorrow, every student, at every level, has experienced procrastination at some level. Rather than stressing yourself out, find ways to boost your focus and get the tasks at hand done. Try some of these options to get back on track and get those assignments and projects done!
- Focus on your sleep. This is an essential step in order to have optimal energy throughout your day. Studies show that getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night can help improve focus throughout your day. If you’re not getting the recommended amount of sleep per night, try scheduling out your day to where you’re in bed at a reasonable time. Power naps in 20-minute increments are also a good way to catch up on any sleep you may have missed overnight!
2. Now it’s time to get organized. If you don’t already have a planner or calendar, it’s a great tool to have, in fact, it’s essential to most successful students. Start by making a list of things you want to get done by the end of the day. Try filling your to-do list with small, easy to handle goals, and then move on to your due dates and assignments. This will help you visually see when assignments are due, and help you manage your time.
3. Caffeinate yourself! A single cup of coffee before or while you are studying may give you the extra burst of energy and focus that you’re needing. Over caffeinate, and you may be too jittery to concentrate so remember moderation is key.
4. Meet goals, get rewarded: Make a checklist of goals you would like to accomplish along with a way to reward yourself for meeting those goals. This could be a 30-minute study break to watch an episode of your favorite show, or even just your favorite snack. You’ve earned this!
5. Get moving: Taking breaks is a critical part of staying motivated. Depending on the weather, you can take a quick walk around your neighborhood, or even just around your house. Even just four or five minutes of walking will help clear your head and give your eyes a break. Make sure you keep your walk under 30 minutes in order to avoid further procrastination.
6. Exercise is another great way to take a break from your academic tasks. A short fifteen to thirty-minute workout will get your blood flowing and clear your mind. You may even feel you can concentrate better!
7. Don’t forget to breathe. Meditation, breathwork, and reflection are all non-physical ways to improve your concentration and help relieve any fears or stressors in your mind. Take the time to research some of these methods, so you know what to do in times when stress becomes overwhelming.
8. Make a great playlist! This can contain any music you want. Music that relaxes you or music that pumps you up is always great options. If you’re unsure of how to go about doing this, many streaming platforms and even youtube have music playlists dedicated to specific moods. A quick search and you’re sure to find something that works great for you!
9. Change location: If you’ve made a special spot to study that you love, by all means, stick with it! However, if your go-to study space is somewhere you dread visiting, switch it up. Move to a spot by a window, a new coffee shop with great ambiance, or even your local library. Whatever works best for you is what you should stick with, until you find a new spot that you like even better! Make it interesting!
10. Give yourself a time limit! If you’re someone who works better under pressure, setting a timed goal to finish assignments may be a great option for you! Remember this may not work for everyone, so definitely don’t continue this method if it causes any stress.
11. Attitude is everything: Manage your stress, and avoid getting down on yourself. A positive attitude can make a huge difference in your motivation when it comes to school. If you find your confidence wavering, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends for support.
12. Surround yourself with positive people! A group of friends or family members that pushes you to succeed in a positive way is great for motivation. Surrounding yourself with other motivated people will encourage you to achieve your goals. Communicate with those around you and tell them about your goals. This communication will help them recognize when you need to be picked up and pushed along.
The end of a semester can always be stressful. Don’t let this stress overwhelm you to the point of not completing your assignments. Use some of the tips above to find what works for you. Get those assignments turned in and good luck on your finals!