How to be motivated to study?

We are currently living in the most stressful period. Schools and universities have closed down until further notice. Exams cancelled. Graduations and proms suspended. I guess we can all agree that this is not we all planned our end of term to be like.

Everyone is at home and we have all a lot of free time to do all our school work, learn some new skills and many more. But, it can be very easy to lose motivation and we can end up binge watching TV.

How can we find motivation to do work and become the best?

We need to write down our goals that we to complete whilst on lockdown. Don't be too adventurous and have something which is unachievable. It can lead to demotivation and it can be hard to pick yourself off afterwards. Don't be vague with your goals, apply SMART into them.

Make a very long list of all the school work and admin work you need to complete this week. Once you have written everything down, write any events you have planned in the week. This way there is a less chance of you overworking.

Break down each larger task into smaller, more manageable tasks that way you don't feel overwhelmed and lose track.

Write a very small to do list as it will seem more manageable and once you have completed it, you can add more to it. For example, I always start with 3 tasks which are important and if I still feel motivated, I add 2 more. One step at a time. Science tells us that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them.

Whilst you are doing work, remember to include breaks. Your mental is more important. In your breaks, include some exercise, stretching even go outside to get some fresh air. Don't immediately go on your phone!

Change your study area. It can get boring if you study in the same area. Try moving downstairs or even go to your sister/brother's room.

Contact your friends and do a study session together either online or in a library. Although it can be distracting, it is nice to have someone working with you and you can both motivate each other.

If it is difficult to focus, put some music on or have something playing in the background. I recommend watching real time study with me's as they can boost your motivation a lot.

Don't compare yourself to other people because it can causes more stress. Comparing yourself is the worst thing you can do. Everyone is different and has their own goals. You are not gaining anything by comparing yourself at all.

Do not blame yourself if you procrastinate. Notice what is making you procastinate and try and swap it for something more productive. For example, if you start watching a TV series, try watching a documentary.

Make sure you include exercise into your to do lists because it can boost your focus levels. Exercise produces endorphins, chemicals that improve your mood and boost motivation. It also moves more oxygen to your brain, helping to chase away brain fog and lingering fatigue. Getting outside for even 30 minutes can boost your energy and lighten your mood.

If you begin to lose motivation, stop what are you doing and take an extended break. Whilst taking that break, ask yourself if you can continue work. If you can't then it is okay. Don't beat yourself up about not completing your to do lists.

Reward yourself. Yeah you heard me! You have completed a study session. You earned it! Give yourself a treat either by watching your favourite series or going out.

Everyone is in the same boat as you so don't hesitate to reach out to other people to help you. They can even be your source of motivation.

Thanks for reading xox