How to reset and start studying part-way through the day:
(because we can still get things done even if we didn’t wake up at 6am with a matcha latte and a yoga session)
Notice what you’re doing and stop for a second. take 5 deep breaths
Get outside and have a stroll
Make it 5 minutes or 50 - the length is up to you
Listen to music, a meditation or your own thoughts, but not something you’ll get too invested in, like a podcast or audiobook
On your way back, imagine yourself going through the motions of all the things you do prior to sitting down at your desk (e.g. take shoes off, get a drink)
When you get home, go through the motions you went through in your head, in real life
At your desk, grab some paper and write a quick list of the things you want to do
Between noon and tea time (I find this one the trickiest) -
Notice what you’re doing and stop for a second. take 5 deep breaths
Take yourself to a quiet place, maybe your bedroom
Put on a meditation that is 15 to 30 minutes long (you can use, Spotify, YouTube or a meditation app for this, just search up, 30 minute meditation for beginners / before studying etc)
After the meditation is finished, if you feel ready to start work, go!
If not, just sit there for a minute more
imagine yourself going through the motions of all the things you do prior to sitting down at your desk (e.g. making a drink, getting school stuff out)
When you are ready, reenact the processes you went through in your head
At your desk, grab some paper and write a quick list of the things you want to do
Notice what you’re doing and stop for a second. take 5 deep breaths
Brush your teeth, even if you really wanted a cup of tea whilst you were studying, I promise, it will be okay with one (okay, that tip might have been for myself, specially)
Whilst you’re brushing your teeth, imagine yourself going through the motions of all the things you do prior to sitting down at your desk (e.g. getting some water or school stuff)
When you’ve finished brushing your teeth, reenact the processes you went through in your head
At your desk, grab some paper and write a quick list of the things you want to do
These are things that I have found are helpful for myself when I find myself feeling stuck and unable to start my work because my day hasn’t started well.
It doesn’t always work, but if you can take yourself out of whatever you are currently doing and give yourself space to think, without impulsively reaching for the next distraction, it’s usually a lot easier to begin your work.