how to you study constantly, genuinely need some tips
now this is a little embarrassing to answer because i haven't been studying that much lately (i didn't even pick up my books yesterdayy π)
i'm assuming you're asking about the consistency bit? or maybe the study time too. i'll try to answer both of those questions a little bit.
okay, so it definitely varies from day to day. there are some days when i'm actually looking forward to studying, and then there are some days when there's nothing else i dread more than that.
β for me, starting to study is definitely the most difficult part. things get much smoother once i'm in the flow. most days, my first study session begins when my classes start, so i'm kind of forced to study. as much as i hate it, i really try to sit down for at least 30 minutes. i get dressed, make coffee, clean up my study space a little, sit down to study, and before i know it, i'm in the "zone". on days when i don't have classes, i try to start with the subjects that i like the most. these days, i've been looking forward to studying physics, so i usually begin with that, whether it's learning something new or solving practice questions. so yes try to start your study sessions at the same time every day to build a habit, and begin with the subject you enjoy the most. you might have to force yourself a lot in the beginning (i have to as well, every single day), but once you build momentum, it becomes much easier.
β having a long-term goal (along with tiny short term goals) helps me a lot. there are moments when i just want to quit everything yk. i don't want to study, i want to delete this blog and just... not do anything. but those are the times when i have to remind myself of where i am right now and where i want to be. i try to think about the college life i'll get to have and how amazing that would be. every single day counts. if studying consistently can influence the kind of college i get into, then i want to do everything in my power to achieve the best college within my capability. nobody knows what's going to happen in the future, what kind of job you'll get, or where you'll end up settling down. as terrifying as that is, it's equally exciting. maybe everything will go down the drain, but maybe everything will turn out wonderful. you might just end up getting into your dream college. so why not give yourself the best chance possible?
β tracking my progress is very motivating for me. ngl, having this blog has definitely helped me get back on track whenever i find myself slacking off. planning my month, week, and every single day also helps me stay accountable. it's extremely satisfying crossing tasks off my list as the day progresses. and on the days when i doubt myself, i try to look back at my previous posts or my completed to-do lists. that gives me proof that i'm getting better with time. it reminds me that i started this for a reason, and i have to keep going.
β knowing when you need to step back is extremely important. i suck at this, but i'm trying to improve. it's simply not possible to study for long hours every single day. i have a lottt of bad days where i'm just mentally drained. tbh i'm probably not in the best mental space right now either. i struggle with anxiety a lot, and some days it makes it difficult to do anything productive. mental breakdowns push me to the edge somedays and i'm left sitting there, contemplating my life. those are the days when you should take a step back. there's nothing shameful about taking breaks. remind yourself that life is worth much more than these exams. at the end of the day, it's just an exam and colleges are just colleges. go out somewhere, or sleep in. watch something nice, eat something nice, and seriously recharge yourself. and once you feel ready, get back to the grind.
β patience is super important, especially when you're trying to get back into studying after being in a slump. it's impossible to suddenly jump to long study hours. anything is better than nothing, so it's completely okay if you only manage to study for 30 minutes in the beginning. just try to do a little better than the day before. maybe aim for half an hour more the next day. and even if you aren't able to, try to do at least those same 30 minutes. please free yourself from unrealistic expectations and start small. just do something every day. you really need to be non judgmental with yourself in the beginning. you are your own "partner" in this journey. be kind to yourself, and things will slowly start to look better.
also productivity matters a lot more than study hours. 2 hours of focused studying is much better than 7-8 hours of distracted and unfocused studying.
i would also like to mention that i've taken a year off to prepare for a couple of exams. so most of my friends are already getting into colleges this year, while i'm kind of left behind. that leaves me with no other choice. it's lonely, and it's pressurizing. i'm trying to stay positive about it but yeah, i really don't have another option. i need to do my best to make sure that i end up in a good place.
lmk if this answered your question. otherwise, i'll try to squeeze some more tips out of my brain π
