#winter studying

✧・゜: winter focus study guide :・゜✧

hey lovely! ✧

omg your message just made me smile so big! knowing that something i've shared has actually helped you get back into your study flow is literally the best feeling ever. (sometimes i wonder if anyone's really reading these late night rambles of mine so this means the world!)

winter studying in the southern hemisphere sounds so dreamy to me right now while i'm melting in this summer heat! (besides these horrible floods and rainy days) it's so magical studying during the colder months, that perfect excuse to stay cozy inside with books and hot drinks while the world gets all moody and atmospheric outside.

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ embrace the cozy season ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

winter studying has this special energy that summer just doesn't. lean all the way into creating the most ridiculously cozy study nest possible:

invest in the softest throw blanket you can find (i have this chunky knit one that's basically my study partner at this point)

fingerless gloves changed my life for cold morning study sessions when my hands get too stiff to type properly

warming up your favorite mug before pouring your tea/coffee keeps it hot so much longer (i literally microwave the empty mug for 30 seconds first)

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ light as self-care ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

winter's shorter days can seriously mess with your focus and motivation (i literally turn into a sad little potato when it gets dark too early). some things that actually help:

study near natural light whenever possible, move your desk by the window if you can

fairy lights aren't just for aesthetics! the warm glow genuinely improves my mood when i'm struggling through difficult material

consider a happy lamp if winter seriously affects your energy (i resisted buying one forever thinking it was overpriced nonsense but it's been life-changing for my 6am study sessions)

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ winter-proof your routine ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

cold weather requires different routines than summer studying:

the 45-10 method works better for me in winter than the traditional 25-5 pomodoro. longer focus sessions mean less getting up and getting cold!

morning studying becomes more challenging when your bed is warm and the room is not, so prepare everything the night before (i set up my desk completely, even putting my slippers right where my feet will land when i get up)

batch-prepare warm drinks in a thermos so you don't break focus running to the kitchen

winter afternoons get dark early, so front-load your hardest work earlier in the day when possible

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ seasonal motivation hacks ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

winter studying requires different motivation strategies:

create a "sunshine study fund". put aside a tiny amount of money each time you complete a study session, then use it for something bright and cheerful mid-winter

use scent anchors for focus. i have a specific winter study perfume (warm vanilla) that i only wear when studying, and it immediately puts my brain in work mode

winter playlists hit different. i have one called "study like you're in a cabin in the woods" that makes even statistics feel magical

reward yourself with warm treats instead of cold ones. hot chocolate as a study reward just hits different than summer's iced coffee

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ movement matters more ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

winter studying makes me want to become one with my chair and never move again, but that's actually the worst for productivity:

do 2-minute stretch breaks between subjects (i set specific stretch alarms)

keep a small space heater near your study area so moving doesn't mean getting cold

try "chapter walks", bundle up and take a quick 5-minute walk after completing each chapter or major section

winter studying has its own special magic that summer doesn't, lean into that cozy, contemplative energy and it might become your favorite study season!

sending you the warmest wishes for a productive winter study season! i'd love to hear which tips end up working best for you!

xoxo, mindy 🤍

p.s. don't forget to moisturize your hands during winter study sessions! dry skin from heaters and cold air makes page-turning and typing so uncomfortable (speaking from painful experience here).

4 pieces of advice to make studying in winter feel better 🧸ྀི

❄︎ Soft warm clothes: I think that feeling comfortable during long study sessions is the number 1 priority. Everything has to be calm for you to be able to focus on studying and studying only.

❄ Emotional support hot drink: sometimes I bring a hot drink without even drinking it during the actual study session, but having that cup on my desk keeps me company somehow. It can be coffe, cappuccino, tea, hot chocolate or whatever else you like.

❄ Candles: if you are at home consider lighting a couple of candles to make the room feel more cozy and warm, those little flames always create a romantic and relaxing atmosphere.

Date: 2 Dec 2023

The way I am bunking classes to make my own notes from YouTube lectures is surprising and it's only been a month of classes

The warden has allowed girls to go out and I use every opportunity to study in the open. Seems good

Some people are literally snakes and I found them, but as long as they are good to me, I am good to them

I did not want to go for practice, but I am reading this book which was about persistence and I still went in to do some light abhinaya practice instead of going all the way in. That made me feel good too so a little progress works.

Also my thoughts are with those affected by freezing temps out in TX. My fam is in TX, but luckily waaaay out west so they weren’t affected. Hope other families are finding strength, food, and a place to stay warm.

21.12.19.