Do you find yourself procrastinating your studies? It’s a common problem! With so many distractions around us in the form of technology, like our iPhone apps and constant incoming text from our friends, it can be easy to procrastinate.
But procrastination can turn into a larger issue, if it’s not managed. You may put off that essay too long, and miss your deadline, or get seriously behind on coursework.
So, how can you stop procrastinating? We’ve compiled our top tips below…
- Improve your time management
Map out your study time throughout the day and set goals for yourself. This could look like:
10:00am – 11:00am – Write essay for Youth Work
11:00am – 11:30am -Have a mid-morning snack and relax
11:30am – 12:00pm – Read your assigned textbook reading
12:00pm – 12:30pm – Lunch break
It’s important to understand what is achievable for you. If you struggle to focus on a task for over an hour, work your schedule around it. Adapt the timings to suit you. And always focus on 1 task if possible – don’t try and multitask!
- Work when you feel like it
Don’t force yourself to study when you’re not up to it! If you feel your brain works better in the morning, make sure to set aside time for studying then. Or, if you feel like you function better in the afternoon, that’s when you should give it a go!
- Make your space functional and inspirational
No one wants to work in a dreary old space. You want to feel inspired and ready to achieve something! Consider whether your study space allows for inspiration. Minimise clutter and put away the distractions (phones, etc), and add bright, warm colours to the space. Maybe a potted succulent or two.
And make sure your space is comfy and ergonomic – that way you’ll be ready to study AND keep great posture too!
- Celebrate your wins
It may be hard to get the hang of your new schedule, but you’ll get there! And when you’ve started ticking off things on your to-do list, remember to reward yourself. Go outside and enjoy the sun, watch an episode of your favourite TV show, or indulge in a nutritional snack.
- Don’t be hard on yourself
Everyone procrastinates from time to time. It’s completely normal! No one is perfect. If you find yourself procrastinating for half-hour, make it up another time. You’ll be okay!
We hope these tips helped!
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