If you’re like me, after work, all you want to do is sit on the couch, watch TV, or play some video games.
Sometimes, I can get away with skipping a day of studying. However, on the days that I can’t, I have to find special ways to convince myself to do homework.
In this post you’ll learn some ways to get yourself to study when you’re drained from your job!
Just commit to ‘touching’ the material
The point of this is to lower the bar for yourself. A lot of times when I feel drained, I don’t do my homework because I feel like it will require too much effort. Lowering the bar makes me feel like I can actually accomplish something.
To do this, I like to drag myself to just ‘touch’ the material. What can this mean for you?
- Reading the assignment,
- Copy and pasting the assignment instructions into a document,
- Outlining a paper based on these instructions, and/or
- Writing a couple sentences for each portion of your paper.
- If you’re studying for an exam, this could mean:
- Rereading the class notes, even if you don’t do something active with them right away,
- Going through five flashcards on the topic, or
- Reading through 1 section of your textbook.
Whatever way you decide to engage with your homework or assignments, the commitment should be less than 2 minutes.
I find a groove when it comes to the work I need to complete. As a result, I often spend 15 minutes to an hour more on college assignments than I initially committed to.
It’s like negotiating with your brain to dip a toe into the water, and then your brain realizes it’s not so bad.
Pick one task that will take less than 2 minutes to complete. Even if you can’t go further than that, you at least did something.
Study with me videos
Study with me videos are an incredible find on YouTube. One simply consists of a person who films themselves studying, and puts a timer on the screen and some chill music in the background.
I have found these videos to be so useful!
Since my classes are all online, I don’t have as much access to study partners or a campus. These study with me videos are a great alternative, and help me feel less lonely.
In order to find these, you can look up “study with me” videos on YouTube.
Take a nap first
If you’re absolutely exhausted, you may need a bit of a body reset.
On certain occasions, taking a 20-30 minute nap can help. After I wake up, I find that I have more energy and willpower to make things happen.
Make sure your naps aren’t too long though. I have to be careful with this, because if I go over 40ish minutes, I’m really groggy when I wake up.
Try setting a timer for 15-20 minutes to nap, then try studying.
Study right when you get home from work
One thing I’ve discovered when going to school while working full time is this:
I can keep the momentum from my job if I start studying right when I get home. I mean right away…no snacks, no breaks.
Not sure of the science behind it, but my guess is that my brain hasn’t succumbed to the pleasure of relaxation yet.
As a result, I’m able to knock out a good 30 minutes to an hour of required readings and assignments.
If you’re struggling with completing schoolwork when you get home, try this. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 haha.
Make it more bearable
During those days you really dread studying, have a snack like M and M’s, ice cream, or something else delicious while working on homework.
If you’ve got goals that involve not eating junk food, try playing some fun music in the background. I personally like EDM, Christian Rap, and even sermons (not music, but still entertaining).
This goes against common productivity advice like listening to classical music while studying, or listening to music without words. However, I would rather get something done at 60% concentration, compared to doing nothing at all.
If I really need to concentrate, I’ll just pause the music or sermon.
This has helped me knock out a final paper on a Saturday before it was due.
Whatever works, haha!
Give it a shot, and if you need to take 2 minutes for a mini-dance party, go for it.
Conclusion
In this post, we covered 5 ways to convince yourself to study after a long day at work. These tips are a bit unconventional, but most of them have worked for me.
Next time you need to grind out required readings or work on a paper, try these tips.
Now, I want you to join the NextLevelIRL list for more helpful tips for working students like us balancing college, work, and life! The sign up is down below.