Reading time: three minutes

With the end of the academic year approaching, a lot of students may struggle with maintaining motivation and studying for exams. Towards the end of the year, students are more likely to procrastinate, feel a lack of energy or face burnout. So, what’s the solution? Read on for some tips to help you ensure you keep on your best form all the way to the finish line. 

It’s important to preface that you should tailor these tips to work for you and ensure you maintain balance. 

1) Have other commitments 

This might be a surprising first tip and may seem contradictory − why should you have other commitments when your workload is hard to manage as it is? While this tip is not for everyone, only having your studies on your to-do list can make you complacent. For example, if you plan to dedicate a whole day to revision, you may find that there’s freedom to slack and become more likely to procrastinate. However, if you have other commitments throughout the day, you’re forced to be more efficient with your time. This leads to quality work over quantity. Of course, these do not need to be big commitments that add extra stress. Instead, you should find relaxing ways to break up the day. Some suggestions include going to the gym, for walks, cleaning, mindfulness or arranging a get together with friends. It’s important that you don’t stop these activities, even when revising, as you’ll naturally lose motivation if all you do is study. 

2) Limit screen time

Again, this isn’t for everyone. However, if you have a laptop-heavy style course, you may wish to consider limiting your screen time. This is because you already spend a lot of time looking at a screen when you are studying and then, like most of us, you may be looking at your phone straight after as a break. This can lead to being put off studying as you are spending so much time with screens that you get sick of it, especially as you are having to concentrate. Technological devices are also the easiest way to procrastinate, so you should reflect on how you are using it and if you can be stricter with yourself. I’d suggest using screen limiting features, deleting addictive apps and so on. It's believed that phone detoxes have multiple benefits − there’s no harm in trying it out! You can be disciplined, knowing it’s only for a short time. Remember you’re being strict with your device usage now but can enjoy it in the summer, and that your grades will thank you for it. 

3) Treat yourself 

The key to discipline is allowing wiggle room to maintain a balance. A reward system can be extremely beneficial in achieving your goals, ensuring a sustainable plan and maintaining discipline. This reward system will vary from person to person. I’d recommend setting yourself a goal and a reward for when you reach this target. A current viral trend is getting a ‘sweet treat’ after going into university. This is also known as habit-stacking, meaning that you associate working with something positive so you’re more likely to want to do it. Therefore, you may wish to walk to an aesthetic coffee shop or get the best library spot. What works for me, personally, is getting my work done in the day, motivated by knowing I have something fun lined up for the evening to relax as a reward for my hard work.

I hope you have found this blog helpful and give yourself grace if your discipline wavers. It’s important to remember that you’re not seeking perfection, just do the best you can. You do not need to be continuously disciplined to achieve your goals. Hopefully this blog helps you to implement sustainable productive habits.