Best Tips for Studying During the Holidays
The holiday season, with its festive decorations, joyful gatherings, and the promise of well-deserved relaxation, is a time many cherish. However, for university students, this period can also bring the stress of impending exams, assignments, and academic responsibilities.
Balancing the holidays’ festivities with studying may seem like a daunting task, but fear not—this blog is your guide to mastering the art of studying during the holidays without compromising on the fun.
Whether you’re preparing for end-of-term exams, completing assignments, or simply aiming to stay academically engaged, we’ve got you covered.
Plan ahead
Even though this sounds pretty simple, it is important to plan your study routine ahead of time so that you don’t get overwhelmed when you begin. Even before the holidays start, you should prioritize what tasks you want to complete and by when.
Once you have decided what all needs to be done, you can then split the amount of time that you will spend doing each of it based on difficulty and deadlines. Creating a schedule based on that can help you keep on track and not forget anything important.
Also, make sure to leave some room for flexibility, so that you can accommodate any unexpected plans and changes of events while still keeping on top of your routine.
Set a study environment
It is easy to get carried away with the holiday spirit and if you do not set aside a space for you to study, it will make the process so much harder. This doesn’t have to be fancy, this could just be a specific corner in your room, your desk, or elsewhere. Just make sure that the only time that you use this space is to study so that you don’t get carried away doing other things.
It is advisable to not make this your bed as you are likely to procrastinate and get into the mood of resting as opposed to studying.
Wake up early
As obvious as this might sound, the best way to make the most of your holidays while still maintaining your study routine is to start your day earlier. This doesn’t have to be 4 am every morning but at least a little bit earlier than when everybody else in your accommodation or your house wakes up so that you get some quiet time to concentrate and study.
You can utilise the time in the morning to study and use the time in the evening to get together with your friends and loved ones to relax. This will give you a better structure and you won’t feel like you are drowning in work all day.
Set time limits
It is best to set specific time limits for each study session so that you don’t get tired too early. So for every hour that you study, you can take a 15-minute break to rest and relax your mind. Splitting your study sessions into smaller sessions with breaks can help you concentrate a lot better and also will not make it seem endless and daunting.
Reward Yourself
The best way to keep yourself motivated while studying during the holidays is to reward yourself after a full study session or even every hour when you take a break. This can be something small like your favorite chocolate, or watching your favorite show at the end of the day.
Having something that you can look forward to will help you keep going especially when you want to give up.
Review your schedule
There is a good chance that after you start studying, you might need to rearrange your schedule or prioritise certain subjects over others if it needs more time. Do not stress out if your schedule isn’t going according to plan as it happens to all of us. This is why it is beneficial to regularly review your schedule and make any changes you need to ensure that you are able to finish your tasks on time.
Don’t feel demotivated if things take longer than anticipated as you are trying to balance a lot of other responsibilities while studying. So understand what works best for you , and take things at your own pace.
Stay Active
Sitting in one place all day while you are studying during the holidays can get tiring and exhausting after a while. It is important to stay active throughout so you don’t feel burnt out very soon.
Whether it be during your study breaks, after your study sessions, or in the morning, staying active can help clear your mind and also help you concentrate better. So always make sure to include any form of physical activity into your routine.
Group Study Sessions
When everyone around you is in the spirit of holidays, it can be harder to keep on track and stay motivated. This is why getting together with other students who are also trying to study during the holidays can give you the extra push you need while also keeping you motivated.
You can plan study sessions together so you can help each other out and also hold each other accountable.
Enjoy the holidays
Never forget that this break is for you to relax and enjoy the holidays with your friends and loved ones. While studying and maintaining your schedule is really important, it is also important to take some time off and relax. You can even use this time to set new goals for your next year or create a vision board!
There is so much that you can do during the holidays so make sure to set some aside for things that you love.
Studying during this festive time may present challenges, but with the right approach, you can not only maintain your academic progress but also enjoy the holidays to the fullest.
Remember that the holiday season is about joy, connection, and celebration. Don’t forget to savor the moments spent with loved ones, partake in cherished traditions, and immerse yourself in the spirit of the season.
By setting clear goals, managing your time wisely, and prioritizing self-care, you can strike the perfect balance between academic commitments and holiday festivities.