When it’s hot outside, I don’t concentrate very well. All I want to do is sit back and relax in the sun, preferably with an iced beverage in my hand. But, summer also means exams, and as much as it pains me to say it, we can’t spend all our time just chilling in the sunshine. So I’ve compiled some advice for all of you, like me, who can’t study well in summer. I’ve decided there are three main problems: concentration, keeping cool, and motivation. Here are my tips:
Take advantage of the bright mornings and get up early to do some work. This should be before the full heat of the day kicks in so you should be less distracted.
Remove all other distractions.
Don’t face a window when you’re working. Otherwise you’ll spend the whole day staring out at the beautiful weather wishing you were enjoying it.
Give yourself little rewards for staying focussed for so long. Step outside for a quick jaunt around the garden, or make a smoothie. If you get distracted, you’re not allowed.
Try and stick to any normal study routine that you already have. Don’t change what you’re doing just because it’s sunny outside.
I get restless when it’s sunny, so try and take advantage of that. Rather than spending all morning on one topic, change things up a bit, and vary your studying strategies.
People who are exposed to temperatures higher than what they’re used to tend to be less productive. Keeping cool therefore is essential to getting your work done quickly so you can go outside!
Keep a bottle of iced water beside you at all times. You could try this trick of filling up your water bottle half way, putting it in the freezer overnight, then in the morning filling up the bottle with water.
Eat lots of fruit, vegetables, and other foods with a high percentage of water. My favourite thing to do is to freeze grapes - refreshing and energising!
My preference would be that you study inside, because if it’s really hot you might be in danger of sun burn, or even heat stroke. It might be tempting to sit outside and do work, but you’ll be a lot more productive indoors.
Keep the window open to tempt in any breeze! It’s very refreshing. You could wet a t-shirt and wear it if it gets uncomfortably hot.
If it gets really hot, just stop working. Don’t over strain yourself. Be safe.
Give yourself rewards for working so hard! For instance, promise yourself that after you do 4 hours work, you can spend the rest of the day enjoying the weather.
Remind yourself that once exams are over, you can relax. You’ve got to keep on pushing and then it’ll be over.
Write little motivational messages on post it notes and put them on your wall. Every time you look up, you’ll read the message to yourself and know that you can do it!
Look at motivational quotes and messages every time you feel distracted. Here’s my motivation tag on my blog.
TRUST YOURSELF AND YOUR ABILITY, YOU CAN DO IT!
titsay
