How to Motivate Yourself and Get in the Mood for Studying

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Kick procrastination to the curb with these helpful tips
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When you have mountains of homework and studying ahead, getting started can seem like an impossible task. We’ll teach you how to get into the right frame of mind before you start studying and shake yourself out of a motivation slump. Read on to learn how to stop procrastinating, focus even when you're tired, and get into the mood for a great study session!

1

Start with your easiest task to get the ball rolling.

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    When you really don’t feel like getting started, it’s better to set yourself up for a quick win. [1] Start with your easiest and least time-consuming tasks, then work your way up to your hardest, most intense projects. Once you finish a small step or two, you’ll get an awesome sense of accomplishment that’ll make it easier to keep going!
    • Once you’ve decided what order to complete your tasks in, try writing them down somewhere. You can use an academic planner , or just jot them down on a spare piece of paper or sticky note.
    • Having this to-do list will lower the effort of making decisions, and you’ll find it easier to shift from one task to the next.
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2

Try the Pomodoro Technique.

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    Pick a single task to focus on, then set a timer for 25 minutes. Work on the task continuously until the timer goes off, then take a short 5-minute break. Repeat this process for four rounds, or until you finish your task. If you still aren’t done with your task after the fourth round, take a longer 20-30 minute break, then start the whole process over again. [2]
    • Each 25-minute block is called a Pomodoro. These study sessions go by quickly, and as you complete each one, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, which can motivate you to keep going.
    • You’ll also feel like you’re getting a fresh start with each new session, and research suggests that this can help you overcome a lack of motivation. [3]
    • For maximum effectiveness, do something productive during the 5-minute breaks between each Pomodoro, rather than scrolling on your phone or zoning out. Instead, try taking a walk, stretching, or making a nutritious snack. [4]
3

Break down your work into smaller pieces.

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    [5] This helps you make steady, measurable progress toward your goal. And, as you check each small task off of your to-do list, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that will propel you forward. Here are some examples of what this might look like:
    • Instead of trying to read a whole book for English class at once, set small daily goals. For instance, you could plan to read 1-2 chapters per day until you finish the book. [6]
    • When prepping for a test or final exam , start by reviewing your lecture notes from just the first week of the semester. Then, for your next study session, focus on your notes from the second week, and so on. This will help you dive into each specific topic without getting too overwhelmed.
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4

Schedule your study sessions for the times you’re most productive

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    “Some people really love getting up early, so they’re going to do better with an early start. Others really need some extra sleep, so they’re going to do better with a late start,” explains expert academic tutor Jai Flicker. “So I think the most important thing is finding the schedule that fits the individual, as opposed to thinking there’s one ideal schedule.” [7]
    • Think back to past study sessions to assess which factors help and hinder your progress.
    • For example, you might realize that your morning study sessions are always the most productive, while your evening study sessions are less fruitful because you’re groggier.
    • The more specific and intentional you can be about scheduling out your study tasks, the more success you’ll have with your studies and improve your time management .
5

Tidy up your workspace.

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    Research shows that a cluttered work environment causes increased stress and has a negative effect on your productivity. [8] A tidier workspace, on the other hand, helps you stay focused and motivated while you tackle your study goals. Whether you’re working at your dorm room desk or at a table in a coffee shop, clean up the area and get rid of any trash or clutter before hitting the books. [9]
    • Consider making your home study space warm and inviting, so you look forward to spending time there.
    • Decorate the walls with photos of you and your friends, place a cheerful house plant on your desk, and choose a comfy chair to sit in.
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6

Silence or shut off your cell phone.

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    “Put your phone on silent or Do Not Disturb, and turn off notifications on your computer,” suggests Flicker. [10] You don’t want to be fielding text messages from friends or scrolling through TikTok when you're trying to study. Let people know that you’ll be going off the grid for a while to focus, then put your phone somewhere out of reach, so you won’t be tempted to start scrolling when you get bored.
7

Reward yourself when you complete a task.

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    First, pick one task to focus on, and tell yourself that you will get a reward once you’ve completed it. Your reward could be a break to watch an episode of your favorite TV show or do a hobby you love. Or, it could be a yummy treat (like ice cream!). [11] When you have these fun rewards to look forward to, you’ll be more committed to completing your tasks in a timely manner.
    • If you decide to reward yourself with a quick break from studying, remember that you will eventually have to get back to work.
    • Set a reasonable time limit for your break, and don't listen to the voice in your head pleading for "just a few more minutes."
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8

Take a break to move around.

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    You deserve to take a break every once in a while, and a bit of movement can help you jolt yourself out of a procrastination slump. Get outside and go for a 10-minute stroll to get some fresh air and give your brain a much-needed break. [12] If you can’t go outside, try loosening up by doing jumping jacks or taking a dance break around your room to your favorite song.
    • These activities will give you a burst of energy and boost your mood. Plus, they’ll help get your brain into a receptive state, which will make your studying more effective. [13]
9

Stay hydrated and keep a snack on hand.

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    Drink plenty of water and bring along a water bottle so you don’t get thirsty while you’re working. Keep a small stash of nuts, granola bars, or fresh fruit around, so you can fend off a grumbling stomach and stay energized while you study. [14]
    • Although it’s important to eat energizing snacks, avoid studying right after a big meal; you’ll just feel drowsy and will want to relax.
    • Try to avoid overly sugary snacks—these foods will give you a short energy rush that quickly turns into sleepiness.
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10

Look up podcasts or videos on the topics you're studying.

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    They provide you with a fresh perspective and additional information about whatever you’re studying, which can help you understand your coursework better. Take 20 minutes to watch an informative YouTube video that breaks the topic into simpler terms, or check out an educational podcast related to your studies. Each source will likely explain the topic in a different way, so don’t be afraid to explore until you find one that clicks. [15]
    • For example, if you’re having a hard time with your math homework, try searching for an explanatory video on YouTube. You’ll likely be able to find several videos that break down example problems step-by-step.
    • Or, say that you’re writing an essay about a historical period, and you want to take a deep dive into the era. There are likely a ton of podcasts on the topics you’re interested in—check them out for some fascinating info!
11

Crank up your favorite study tunes.

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    In fact, research shows that enjoyable background music has a positive effect on focus and concentration. [16] You can make your own personalized study playlist, or search for pre-made ones on Spotify or Apple Music if you prefer. It’s completely up to you!
    • If you find songs with lyrics to be a bit too distracting, try listening to classical music, instrumental movie scores, piano covers of your favorite songs, or music ina. foreign language.
    • You can also try playing nature sounds or ambient noise if music is too distracting in general. [17]
    • You may also want to try "body-doubling" (working alongside someone else who is also working & letting their presence calm you) with the Lo-Fi Girl YouTube stream.
      • This livestream shows an animated girl working on something at her desk, and it plays ambient music in the background.
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12

Work with your friends or a tutor.

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    Find a study buddy or form a study group , so you can collaborate with your peers. [18] Set goals together and check in along the way–either in-person or with text updates. If group studying doesn’t work for you, try finding a tutor to help you work through your assignments.
    • In a study group, each person can volunteer to tackle a different sub-topic, and then you can all share your study materials with each other. This saves everyone time and promotes teamwork! [19]
    • You can also reserve a study room, bring snacks, or gamify your studying to make the work more enjoyable.
    • If you’re hoping to find a tutor, try asking around at school or consulting a private tutoring agency.
13

Create visual aids for a fun, efficient study tool.

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    Try creating a mind map or making a Venn diagram to organize the topics you need to study. You can also try color-coordinating your notes to help you associate topics and ideas. [20] This is an especially good idea if you’re a visual learner!
    • For example, rather than re-reading vocab words from your textbook, try making a handwritten, color-coded study sheet with the words and their definitions.
    • Writing the information down in your own handwriting will help you retain the information better, and you’ll also have a great, visually appealing study sheet to review in the future.
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14

Use classic study tricks to memorize facts.

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    Mnemonic devices are simple word-based hacks that can help jog your memory. For example, if you’re studying a list of words or facts, you could create an acronym to help you remember the information. [21] You can even write a jingle or rap to help you lock significant names, dates, or ideas into your memory. [22]
    • For example, you may be familiar with the acronym PEMDAS, or the expression “Please excuse my dear Aunt Sally.”
    • These mnemonic devices represent the order of operations in math (parentheses, exponents, multiply, divide, add, and subtract). [23]
    • If you’re having trouble coming up with your own mnemonic devices, try searching “how to remember [subject]” online for some inspiration.
15

Motivate yourself by making a personal connection to your work.

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    Doing that algebra worksheet or making those flashcards might not feel important now, but think about what you’ll achieve by studying. Imagine yourself getting a good score on a test, receiving praise from your teacher, or feeling proud of your end-of-term grades. Let these good feelings wash over you as you reframe your perspective on studying and find a deeper meaning in your tasks. [24]
    • If you’re hoping to attend college or earn a scholarship, think about how each small study session will get you one step closer to your dreams.
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16

Try freewriting or journaling to identify why you procrastinate.

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    Usually, procrastination is an emotional issue, rather than a time management issue. [25] Are you worried you’re not going to do well on an assignment? Are you feeling stressed about an upcoming test? Writing down what you’re feeling will help you process it and let it go.
    • Once you’ve gotten these stressors out of your system, take a deep breath and tell yourself it’s time to shift your frame of mind and get to work. You got this!
17

Be kind to yourself about your procrastination habits.

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    Don’t try to give yourself punishments as a form of motivation—this just messes with your confidence and hinders your study session even more. Instead, be gentle with yourself when you’re having a hard time, and focus on positive reinforcements (rewarding yourself when you complete a task on time, for example). [26]
    • Avoid comparing yourself to other classmates who seem to be doing well. Everyone learns and works differently, so focus on your own needs and capabilities!
    • Use positive self-talk to help you develop a growth mindset when it comes to studying.
      • Instead of thinking, “I can’t believe I procrastinated so much. I’m the worst student ever,” try reframing this in a more positive way.
      • For example, you could think: “I have a lot to do, but I’ll persevere until I finish it all. I’m doing the best I can, and I should be proud of that.”
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Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Do you want to make your studying more efficient, learn more quickly, and remember more information? Check out these expert articles.
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4
Create Good Study Habits for Exams
5
Learn Without Forgetting
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I avoid getting distracted when studying?
    Jai Flicker
    Academic Tutor
    Jai Flicker is an Academic Tutor and the CEO and Founder of Lifeworks Learning Center, a San Francisco Bay Area-based business focused on providing tutoring, parental support, test preparation, college essay writing help, and psychoeducational evaluations to help students transform their attitude toward learning. Jai has over 20 years of experience in the education management industry. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego.
    Jai Flicker
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    The first step when you are feeling distracted is to identify what kind of distractions are occurring. There are a few types of distractions, including digital distractions, internal distractions, and human distractions. Digital distractions can be handled by putting your phone on silent or Do Not Disturb. Internal distractions are commonly stress-related. Try to put aside your stress for the moment and finish your work or attend to what is causing the stress enough so that you can come back to your work. Human distractions can be dealt with by communicating the need for some space and finding a quiet part of the house to study.
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  • Question
    How can I get more energy and motivation?
    Jai Flicker
    Academic Tutor
    Jai Flicker is an Academic Tutor and the CEO and Founder of Lifeworks Learning Center, a San Francisco Bay Area-based business focused on providing tutoring, parental support, test preparation, college essay writing help, and psychoeducational evaluations to help students transform their attitude toward learning. Jai has over 20 years of experience in the education management industry. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego.
    Jai Flicker
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    If you are struggling with motivation, try to do one simple thing a day to modify your environment. Whether that's making your bed or cleaning your desk off or putting up some posters, shaping your environment can help fuel motivation.
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  • Question
    How can I remember my goals everywhere?
    Community Answer
    Set your phone's background to a picture related to your goal. Set alarms to go off every couple of hours on your phone with reminders. You can even find apps that will send them to you at random times. Put a Post-it note by your bedside so that it's the last thing you see at night and the first thing you see in the morning.
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      Tips

      • Make an effort to take good notes during class and keep them in an organized notebook or binder. Use these to help you with homework, projects, and upcoming exams.
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      • Sometimes it can be about changing your perspective—try framing your thoughts as you get to study, rather than you have to study.
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      • If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask your teacher or professor. Visit during their office hours or ask if you can set up a time to speak with them about the subject. Make sure you ask questions in class, too. If you ask questions, it will show that you’re motivated and want to do well in their class.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Sometimes, motivation can come after you've already started studying. If you don't feel like studying, just try doing it for five minutes, and check in with how you're feeling after that.
      • Be sure to get a good night's sleep to help you retain the information you’ve studied. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://graduate.rice.edu/news/six-strategies-staying-motivated-during-covid-19-pandemic
      2. ↑ https://www.asundergrad.pitt.edu/study-lab/study-skills-tools-resources/pomodoro-technique
      3. ↑ https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/abs/10.1287/mnsc.2014.1901
      4. ↑ https://www.asundergrad.pitt.edu/study-lab/study-skills-tools-resources/pomodoro-technique
      5. ↑ https://help.open.ac.uk/study-goals
      6. ↑ ​​ https://hbr.org/2020/08/your-to-do-list-is-in-fact-too-long
      7. ↑ Jai Flicker. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
      8. ↑ https://hbr.org/2019/03/the-case-for-finally-cleaning-your-desk
      9. ↑ https://www.edology.com/blog/study-and-careers-advice/effective-study-space/
      1. ↑ Jai Flicker. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
      2. ↑ https://cps.unh.edu/blog/2018/10/self-care-tips-increase-your-student-bandwidth
      3. ↑ https://health.cornell.edu/about/news/study-breaks-stress-busters
      4. ↑ https://healthybrains.org/pillar-physical/
      5. ↑ https://share.upmc.com/2019/08/healthy-snacks-to-power-studying/
      6. ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/tips-studying-motivation.html
      7. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21508527/
      8. ↑ https://www.vaughn.edu/blog/best-study-music-and-benefits/
      9. ↑ https://www.imc.edu.au/news-archive/8-benefits-of-studying-with-friends
      10. ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/tips-studying-motivation.html
      11. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5256450/
      12. ↑ https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02522/full
      13. ↑ https://opentextbc.ca/studentsuccess/chapter/memory-techniques/
      14. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/memory-and-mnemonic-devices#examples
      15. ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/why-wait-the-science-behind-procrastination
      16. ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/why-wait-the-science-behind-procrastination
      17. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-rewarding-yourself-with-treats

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you’re having trouble getting motivated to study, find a quiet place where you won’t be distracted, and turn your phone on silent or place it out of sight so you won’t be tempted to look at it. Set concrete goals for each study session, like learning how to solve a specific math problem or reading and comprehending a complete chapter in your textbook. Reward yourself with a snack or a break when you meet your goal. For tips on making a study schedule, keep reading!

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