I have 4 assignments due before the end of semester and I am stressing out about getting them done on time. I have given myself blocks of time to study in the days when I am not at uni but find I do other things instead eg I clean up my room, take naps, pay bills etc. I have even started watching crappy daytime TV shows. How can I get back on track?
You are experiencing a very common end of year phenomenon among students. That last push up assignment hill, can feel tough. It is so easy to get caught up in transient thoughts and feelings that lead to avoiding doing study and many of us go through this dilemma.
Have a look at some tips from other students on improving motivation, modifying environment; attitudes; managing emotions. You can check out other links there on time management.
Perhaps studying at home provides too many distractions and you might consider other options like using the library. Also don’t expect to sit down and do four hours straight study. It is necessary to take short breaks each hour to move about and give your body and brain a breather. Try 50 mins study, then a 10min break and don’t try to do this for longer than three hours at a go. It is also important to reward yourself AFTER you have done a part of the assignment, or finished an allocated time. Remember to reward yourself as this will encourage you to carry on and stay motivated.
Remind yourself why you chose to be at uni and do the course you are in. It can be useful to ask yourself “What do I value about my course or my achievement in doing the work?”<
Other useful questions to ask yourself are:
- Does this course allow me to get into a career I want?
- In what way will my life be better as a result of having the satisfaction of knowing I was able to apply myself and finish something I started?
- How will I feel if I let this opportunity slip through my fingers and is this what I want?
Make sure you are feeding your brain correctly with a variety of healthy food such as fish and vegetables, and also getting regular exercise to stay active. The fact that you are looking at ways to get back on track now is helpful and gives you a great head start.
