You set a studying schedule, you prepare all your studying material and you find the perfect time to study, but when you are actually about to start, you find yourself lacking the motivation to do so. The urge to check your phone or browse the internet becomes overwhelming, and you are stuck within that loop for the whole studying period.

Lacking motivation and focus when studying can become frustrating, but it is a completely normal feeling, we all go through such periods of time from time to time. People often lack the ability to stay motivated throughout the whole day, and the same goes for studying. All you need is a little help – so here are some tips from Abwaab to help you get into the habit of staying motivated to study.

1. Find a good studying spot

If you do not have a specific studying spot and you tend to study while laying down on your bed or on the couch in front of the TV, this is your sign to stop doing so. Try to find yourself a comfortable environment, away from all distractions, that’s dedicated only to studying. Finding such an environment will set the tone to your study session and over time, you will find yourself linking that area to productivity which will in turn enhance your performance and keep you motivated.

Try to declutter your desk of any items that are unnecessary and try to only keep the stationary you need to complete your tasks. It is also important to eliminate all distractions, so keep your phone away from your study area. If you are using a device to study online, try to clear out any unnecessary tabs and close any applications that you will not be using during your study session.

Tip: Keep a piece of paper handy to jot down the thoughts that distract you while you study. Let’s say you suddenly remember you need to do something – write it down. Doing so ensures that you remember the thought after your study session, and prevents you from diverting your attention from the task you are focusing on.

2. Break down bigger tasks into smaller tasks

We usually overestimate what we can accomplish within a very short period of time, and as a result, we entrust ourselves with multiple large tasks that take longer to complete than expected. This, in turn, makes us feel defeated and frustrated when we do not successfully complete all the tasks we hoped to. This may cost you your motivation and enthusiasm to study.

To avoid such feelings, it is important to be realistic and to break down your larger tasks into smaller sub-tasks that can be completed within a shorter period of time. By doing so, you will not only maintain your momentum and your motivation to study, but you will also be able to focus better and to master the task at hand.

3. Try to understand your studying style

Your current studying style may be one of the reasons why you are losing the motivation. It is a good idea to re-evaluate your approach to studying every now and then and to assess what works for you and what doesn’t. One of the most effective study techniques to overcome procrastination is the Pomodoro technique.

The Pomodoro technique is a time management strategy. Due to its short time intervals, this method eliminates procrastination and improves focus. The technique is based on working in repetitive 25-minute intervals. Here’s an example of how you can use the technique in your studies:

• Set a timer for 25 minutes
  • During this interval, make sure to focus on one task at a time
• Take a five minute break
• Repeat this four times
• After repeating it four times, take a longer break – rest for an hour

4. Exercise or go for a walk

When you exercise or go for a walk, you are not only improving your health, but you are also experiencing a much-needed change in environment. When you go for a walk, or exercise in general, endorphins are pumped into your bloodstream! This hormone eliminates constant fatigue and brain fog, and helps rejuvenate your focus and improve your mood – all which help you perform better!

Exercise also stimulates the production of hormones that increases our ability to learn and to retain information in a better manner. Therefore, a 30-minute walk may be what you need to freshen up and focus on studying. It pushes you in the right direction, and gives you the head start to jump onto the productivity path.

5. Reward yourself

It is important that you reward yourself with something you love every now and then after completing a big task. You can treat yourself to something you enjoy doing – perhaps you can watch your favorite videos, or you could treat yourself with your favorite meal when you successfully finish a difficult topic.

Remember that a little self-esteem push can do great wonders! So, don’t forget to reward yourself every time you complete a task!

Remember that the most important thing is to take care of yourself and to take a proper break when needed. And remember that not being able to focus while studying can be very frustrating, but it is absolutely normal and does not diminish your intelligence nor does it lessen your competence.

What do you do to push yourself when you lack the motivation to study? Share in the comments below!