With winter vacations now over, it is time to get back into the swing of things at school. Even though readjusting to the routine might be challenging, there are many strategies to rekindle your enthusiasm for school and ease the transition. In this article, we will explore 5 fun ideas that can help you avoid academic burnout after the winter break and make it easier for you to return to your studies with fresh vigor!
1. Refresh your study space
A clean desk can help increase your overall productivity. Go through all your notes and worksheets and place them in a manner that they stay approachable and organized. You can also keep fragrant candles or plants nearby for added pleasure. You’ll maintain focus and learn more efficiently in this way. Studies have shown that associating certain objects and scents with the knowledge we’re attempting to get can boost our learning speed and eventually help us get back to the grind.
2. Set fun yet realistic expectations
It can be challenging to stay on your chosen path at times. However, there is an 80% chance that you will get your spirits back if you set the right expectations for yourself. You can dream big and take risks, but make sure you are able to benefit from them in the long run.
To make sure your goals are realistic, ask yourself these five questions.Â
Your goal should be:
- Clearly outlined: What do you really want to do?
- Measurable: How will you know when you’ve done it?
- Achievable: Can you realistically pull it off?
- Applicable: Does the goal relate to important things in your life?
- Timely: When do you want to achieve it?
3. Challenge yourself every day with 3 categories of tasks
Studies have shown that instead of working like a maniac for longer periods and doing everything at once, prioritizing at least 3 main goals for the day can help increase productivity and avoid burnout. A more effective way to reduce stress levels is to use the 1-3-5 rule; 1 major task, 3 medium tasks, and 5 small tasks. For individuals who can’t handle the burden yet wish to properly manage their time, this approach works well.
4. Reward yourself after a study session
After you’ve managed to stay focused for some time, try rewarding yourself for your hard efforts with a small treat. That way, you’ll subconsciously be able to study for longer periods, knowing the value of your effort.
"Students can use positive reinforcement to their advantage, by rewarding themselves whenever they feel they have met a goal, completed a project well, or simply when they feel that they have tried their hardest on a task. Connecting a reward to a period of effective study not only gives you a mental break but will motivate you to want to study effectively the next time."
5. Self-quizzing and reflecting on your mistakes
We all are trying our best to ace everything we do, but at some point we come to believe that our efforts are in vain.
“It’s important to be willing to make mistakes. The worst thing that can happen is you become memorable.”
Sara Blakely, Founder, and CEO of Spanx
Having a diary to track our mistakes and reviewing it on a daily basis can help your grades improve significantly. Another way to rebuild our enthusiasm is to quiz ourselves on a daily basis, whether it’s just 3 or 5 questions of any topic you feel you’re weak at. A wise piece of advice would be to complete this task just before going to bed at night or shortly after waking up in the morning, when neuron productivity is at its highest.
In conclusion, disciplining yourself can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. With these five suggestions, you can rekindle your love of studying and establish a productive routine and avoid procrastination. Also, remember that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind, so eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and make sure to rest for 8 hours a day to retain the information you study. Value the importance of daily commitment even if it’s for something simple because, in the end, your determination is the sole key to achieving your goals!
Fareeha Rehman
