Cassie’s Studyblr

so i had a couple weeks where my motivation just… seemed to have taken time off. these 5 tips are those that helped me the most when i couldn’t seem to bring myself to start studying. i hope they’re helpful to others as well!

SO HERE ARE 5 TIPS FOR WHEN YOU DON’T WANT TO START STUDYING

have a ritual

i’ll bring myself as an example: before i study i always follow these steps, in this order: i clean the desk, even if the books i need are already there, i clean it; i take a glass of water and a small plate with some almonds and ½ chocolates; i get a timer for the pomodoro technique (i’ll talk about this later); i brain dump (i’ll talk about this too); start a playlist; take a deep breath, sit down, and actually start. now, this is mine, it doesn’t have to be yours, but it was to help you understand. when you’re on the couch with your phone and you just don’t want to start an afternoon of studying, just… try the first step. clean that desk. then get the glass of water. and from then on it will be easier and easier to actually get to it. the important thing is to start.

start small (the pomodoro technique)

if you feel that your brain just… refuses to focus on that textbook, don’t strain it. start small. if you’ve never heard about the pomodoro method, i suggest you look it up online, i’ll try to explain it briefly: all you need is a timer; you study for 25/30 minutes, get a 5/10 minutes break in which you get up, go to the bathroom, drink, do a mini-workout… then you start again. it really helps if the idea of sitting at your desk for ours makes you want to vomit. if even 25 minutes seems too much, don’t worry. study for 5 minutes. have a break. try studying for 10 minutes. but maybe you won’t even need to do that: like i said before the important thing is to start. just that will set your brain in motion, and it will actually be harder to stop.

brain dumping

this simple tip has really helped, maybe more than all the others i name here. you have a lot of thoughts rushing through your mind that you just can’t lock away so you can start focusing on that homework? brain. dump. just grab your planner, your bujo, a random piece of paper, and write down what’s on your mind without worrying about the form. just write. write until your mind is blank. then try to start again.

give yourself a reward (if…then)

it can be a small thing like “if i finish this maths equation i’ll eat a candy” or a larger-scale thing like “if i study this chapter i’ll watch another episode of my favourite tv show”. our brain tends to choose the path that requires less effort and gives a bigger reward. but facing a task knowing there’s a reward at the end might help make it seem more effortless.

just don’t wait to “feel like it”

hi! here are some ways to keep you things organized and easy to find. 

binders

pros: vvv helpful for keeping up with class work, all you papers in one place, everythings is easy to divide, best way to transfer things from a folder, binder covers (best thing ever, super easy to make) 

cons: bulky, can rip if too many things in it, hole-punching most things, take up a lot of room, stuffing everything in the front pocket

★ get plastic dividers with pockets!! & buy a hole puncher 

folders

pros: good for loose paper or homework/worksheets, for one subject (math, history, music)

cons: rip/break if too many things are in it, crumpled papers

★  don’t get paper ones! + color code for your classes!

file folder

pros: good for seperating classes, comes in different sizes & pocket numbers, already divided and sometimes color coded

cons: take up a lot of room if there’s too many things, can get heavy fast, shoving things in = crumpled things

★  keep it at home to transfer things or keep if your locker (if you have one)

pencil cases

great way to organize pens, pencils, markers, etc

★ only bring a limited amount to school! you don’t need all your supplies

care bag

items: pads/tampons, cramp meds, wipes, hair ties, bobby pins, travel size deodorant, hand sanitizer, kleenx/tissue, lip balm, mints, whatever you want

bags: makeup bag or a bath & body works bag

laptop

useful for typing notes and storing them incase the physical copy gets ruined or lost

folders for each subject (color coded if you like) 

planner

good for keeping track of homework, assignments, tests, etc.

you can use a bujo, regular planner, google calender, or an app

useful masterposts: 

organizing systems for school by @tbhstudying

organization by @noteology

how to become organized by @chemistri

tips for organization by @thechemistrynerd

the little study/organization guide for lazy students by @smartspo

🌙

Self Care is one of the most important things there is. Taking care of yourself should come before everything including school, studying, hobbies and other commitments. There are infinite ways to take care of yourself but I’m going to talk about different ways to make yourself feel better when you’re stressed, tired, or just generally overwhelmed or unmotivated.

Clean/de-clutter even a small section of your room. It seems like a chore but a clean space makes you feel so much better

Take a shower/a bubble bath

Go for a walk - even inside if you don’t want to face the outside world

Take a nap. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sometimes a nap can really help to clear your head.

Make your bed. It just makes everything look tidier

Do at least one small task. If you have a ton to do, do one small, simple thing such as reply to an e-mail. This usually motivates me to do more when I complete a tiny thing.

Play with a pet. Pets are stress relievers and a lot of the time their energy and positivity rubs off on us

Paint your nails.

Eat something nourishing. IF you don’t eat or eat junk food, you will only feel worse.

Drink some water

Write. Either write down your feelings/thoughts, make up a story or just write.

Plan. Having a plan can make things seem more organised and make you realise that it is possible.

Listen to some happy tunes. 

Create an uplifting playlist. Fill it with motivation and dance tunes and just fun songs to get you going.

Have a dance party in your room. Stick on some of those happy tunes and just let go.

Netflix/movie marathon. Grab some popcorn and let yourself watch some stuff to take your mind off of things.

Stretch. I don’t know if this is because I’m a dancer or not, but I love to have a good stretch when I feel bad.

Go outside and cloud watch.

Burn a candle. A nice smelling candle can really relax you.

Create something. Whether you draw, paint, craft, build, just make something.

Make a list of all the things you’re grateful for or nice things that have happened.

Hug someone. Hugs are instant mood lifters and stress relievers.

Make a mug of tea. This always instantly calms me and it also hydrates you.

Take your medication. If you take any, then make sure you take it. You will feel better.

Put on comfy clothes. 

Read a nice book. Preferably one that has nothing to do with your studying or work.

soothe yourself | self care

stationery  

printables

helpful sites

music for studying | more music

note taking methods  | another one

studying methods

english | physics | chemistry | biology | maths | languages 

how to learn a language

ultimate guide for writing | writing resources | writing helps | tips for writers

how to write a kickass essay | write a great essay | stuff you need to write essays | essay tips | essay checklist | grade your essay

how do I study for…

bullet journals | a guide to bullet journals

the testing effect

everything you need to succeed in school

time management

organisation

how to annotate | another one

guide to aesthetically pleasing notes | improve your handwriting

create a study guide

resources | helpful websites | there’s an app for that

get more out of google 

productivity resources | 14 apps to become productive | how to stay productive

lazy night owl school survival guide

apps for a better life | useful websites for students

masterpost of studying tips

social media citation guide

college masterpost | another one | starting college on the right foot | packing for college | how to survive in college

how to ace that college interview

food to stay motivated | motivation guide

how to stay awake in class

balancing a healthy lifestyle

studying on your period

huge masterpost for the semester

a very long list to help you survive school

not enough time to finish an assignment?

100 delicious cheap recipes 

53 posts for students

high school cheat sheet

STUDYBLR PHOTO CHALLENGE - November 1st, 2018 - INTRODUCTION

Hi, this is me. Was unsure whether to post this selfie or not, but I mean it’s nice to put a face to the blog right? So I’ve had this blog since dec 2014 and been known under a few different names, but I’m gonna stick to this one (hopefully). My other usernames were: dutchstudyblr, legallyplanned and littlenerdworld. 

I am currently doing online studies, but primarily just working part-time. As today is November 1st, I’ve also started NaNoWriMo today and even though it’s only 4PM in the afternoon, I’ve already written close to 2,5K and I’m freaking proud hahah