Sometimes your workload will pile up, and you completely run out of time to finish an assignment, despite your best efforts to stay on top of everything. When it all becomes too much, try your best to plan ahead and schedule that all-nighter to make the most of an unfortunate situation.
1. Outline your study plan.
Once you realize you’re a bit in over your head, schedule a few goals you want to achieve and the general time you think you should meet them. It’ll give you an idea of how you’re progressing as the night goes on, and break up the project so it’s not as daunting. Often the hardest part of anything is starting, so write down a schedule and stick to it the best you can. If anything, the study outline is a good transition from procrastination to productivity.
2. Don’t drink too much caffeine.
One cup of coffee should do the trick. Too much caffeine on top of the stress of pulling an all-nighter will make you shaky and easily distracted. You’ll also feel even worse the next day. Be sure to also drink water. Keeping hydrated will increase your ability to focus.
While it’s not the best practice to reward yourself with food, in this case, it works. You read to page 25? Here’s an M&M. Completed a math problem? You get a Goldfish. When you’ve lost all motivation to keep studying, snacks will get you through.
4. Take naps.
When it’s hard to keep your eyes open, a 30-minute nap will help you recharge. You might wake up more tired than you were before, but you’ll probably be able to focus better than you would have without that nap. Fair warning, you may accidentally hit snooze in your sleep-deprived state; set a backup alarm in case you hit “off” and end up waking up right before your class with an assignment that is only half-finished.
5. Don’t take too many breaks.
You’re already waiting to the last minute to get something done. Don’t prolong it any longer than you need to. A five-minute break can easily turn into a wasted hour when a quick scroll through Instagram turns into an endless chain of hashtag searches. If you end up scrolling through One Direction fan confessions, you’ve gone too far.
6. Eliminate distractions.
Every distraction gets you further away from finishing your assignment. Get an app to block Facebook and keep your phone far away from you. Clear off your desk, so you are only focused on the task at hand. If you need absolute quiet, go to the library, or your dorm’s study room.
7. Lie to yourself.
“I'm not tired. I’m fine. I got this.” When the sun starts to rise and the birds start chirping, there's no point in stressing out. You're not tired. You're fine. You got this.
But proofread if you have time.
If worse comes to worse, maybe have that second cup of coffee.
