Our Motivation Tips For Studying

As the exam season approaches you might be thinking about how you can get the most for your study sessions, sometimes it can be difficult to get stuck in but that’s ok, we’ve put together some tools and tips to help you balance your mindset and maximise your revision.

Goal Setting

Numerous studies have shown that students who set both short and long term goals are more motivated. Think about the light at the end of the tunnel, you may not be enjoying writing up an assignment or reading endless literature but research from Andriessen et al (2010) showed that having distant future goals enhanced motivation and learning. So write that dream career on a post-it note, put it on your wall and keep pushing.

Learning and motivation is always a balancing act. Sure, work hard but remember to give yourself with some love too. If you make a mistake, treat yourself as you would a friend. Research shows that people who aren’t too hard on themselves can become more motivated to succeed next time around (Breines & Chen, 2012).

Exercise

Research and case studies prove that exercising reduces depression (Harvey et al, 2o17), whilst simultaneously improving your memory and self-esteem (Abou Elmagd, 2016), two tools that can be of great use to your performance.

Going for a walk or run, lifting some weights at the gym or playing your favourite sport releases endorphins that benefit your overall mood and sleep. Sometime it’s difficult to get started but once you’ve experienced the benefits, those 20 minutes on the treadmill will look less like a chore. An added benefit to those at university is that gyms, such as PureGym, offer discounted student memberships, so you can watch the pennies as well as the lbs.

Communication

With 24/7 helplines and hundreds of caring communities dedicated to discussing mental health, including organisations such as TalkHealth and StudentMinds, there’s always someone to speak to if you need an outside perspective.

Writing in ‘Engagement and Therapeutic Communication in Mental Health Nursing’, Sandra Walker says:

‘Research has consistently shown that it is the human relationships we develop that have the biggest impact on recovery in mental health.’

The question is, how can this apply to you? Well, this statement reinforces the importance of speaking to your friends and family about your wellbeing. Whatever emotions you are feeling, being upfront and honest about them with those you trust can feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders and reactivate that inner drive.

Take a Break

It probably sounds like the worst idea imaginable to lay the textbook aside and put the pen down, but hear us out! Taking a deserved break from the sticky note scribbling, assignment reading and YouTube tutorials can refresh your brain and help you hit the ground running when you return to your studies.

Coolminds have done a great article on the specific benefits of taking a break, see it here.

It is widely acknowledged by education institutes that taking a break increases the long-term efficiency of your revision and helps you retain information. Whether it’s a challenging hike, a fancy meal or a short trip to the shop; finding peace of mind is a valuable asset and in achieving it you can reach the highest level of productivity. After a comforting break, use that clear head space and channel energy back into your studies. As that old phrase goes, what you put in is what you get out.

We hope you stay positive through your exams, managing commitments and stress is never easy, but using these tips can elevate your mindset, help ground you and propel you to your full potential. Best of luck.