So lately I've been feeling very unmotivated. Like if I was left to my own devices, I would sit on Twitter and eat Thin Mints ALL DAY. I go through this phase a few times a year, but most noticeably around midterms. The projects and assignments are all piling up and all my professors seem to have a knack for picking the same due date. Being in a slump and not wanting to do anything, let alone schoolwork, is not exactly the perfect recipe for good grades. So, I have taken it upon myself to share my best tips for how to get re-motivated and beat the slump.
1. Make a Schedule
This is just a good life tip in general, but especially for when you don't want to do things. If you have a plan laid out for what you need to get done and when it needs to happen, you are much less likely to spend the day eating French Toast Crunch on your bed in your bathrobe. Trust me.
2. Go Somewhere New
Change up your surroundings! If you are used to sitting at your desk at home every time you need to write a paper, your desk is going to turn into your least favorite place. Try studying in the library or finding a nice place outside to read a boring textbook. Even going off campus is worth a shot if you find the perfect coffeeshop. With free wifi and caffeine, how can you go wrong?
3. Do Your Least Favorite Thing First
I know that seems counterintuitive, but I promise it works. When you leave the worst assignment for last, you end up taking more time on the easy ones. Then, by the time you get to the horrible assignment, you aren't going to want to do it after everything you just did. So, you decide to take a nap and you accidentally sleep until tomorrow. Do you want that to happen?
4. Study With Friends
Sometimes studying with friends isn't the best idea, but it helps when you're in a slump. Having someone else in the room working makes me want to be working as much as they are. Plus, someone's there to shame you for looking at Facebook instead of writing a research paper.
5. Take Structured Breaks
Breaks are important so you don't get burnt out while you work. However, don't fall into the break trap where you never actually stop taking a break. Give yourself limits and stick to them. If you tell yourself that you're going to watch one episode of Scrubs, you DO NOT click 'Next Episode'.
Finally, know when to stop. If you are just stressed out and aren't getting anything productive done, then be done for the night. Turn your laptop off, take a bath, and start again in the morning.
