Trying to refocus after a particularly lazy Christmas break? We've all been there. Read on for our best study tips.
January's rolled around all too quickly, and now you're faced with a mountain of work ahead of you. The second half of the school year can be a daunting time, especially if you're sitting exams, but there's no need to worry.
Instead, think of January as the perfect time to start fresh. Put aside the procrastination of 2024, and hello productivity!
Reflect on your study habits
The best refocusing starts with good reflection on your personal study habits.
Here's just a couple examples of what to reflect on:
Consider what your biggest distraction in 2024 was — maybe it was your phone, or bingeing Superstore on Netflix. Whatever it is, note it down. You don't have to eliminate it entirely in the New Year, but consider how you might minimise its impact on your academic life.
Consider what study conditions you found made for good work last year. Do you work best at night, or right after a workout? Maybe you work best with music, or without? Make a list of the things that help you work effectively, and try to make it a checklist every time you study in 2025.
Refresh your space to refocus
New Year, new you! Starting fresh after the holidays begins with your environment and routine.
Declutter your study space to remove distractions and create calm. You don't need to overhaul your whole working space, but studies show that making regular changes to a workspace (and keeping it clean) can 'trick' your brain into recharging. Maybe put in a new plant, or change up a poster, or just move around some things on your desk (if you have one).
Plan your year
Set goals. Think of them like academic versions of your New Year's Resolution — how many words of your coursework do you want to write by the end of January? How many mock tests do you want to do in February?
It all depends on your goals; just don't be overambitious, and keep it realistic.
Organise your revision
Organise the notes and work you've done in the last few months. Make clear folders for each thing; don't have scattered paper lying about.
Not only will it distract you, but it won't be useful come May when you'll need them to revise from!
Get organised from a broader view first. Make a list of all the important deadlines, and from there you can make a list of all the hardest topics you definitely need to revise. That's when you can get into the nitty gritty of making a detailed revision plan (we've got a blog coming on this soon, so stay tuned).
Ease into studying
Slowly start to reintroduce structure. There's no point going from lazing about on the living room sofa all day to aiming for 8+ hours of focused work at your desk — it just won't happen (or if it does, you'll burn out quick)! Instead, plan to gradually increase the amount you're working per day. Make breaks generous to begin with, and start times late. Get stricter on yourself as the term progresses.
Also, acknowledge that you won't be able to jump straight into the hard stuff. Leave off exam practise for the first few days, and just take baby steps back into the slightly easier parts of your subjects.
After a holiday break, it's essential to ease back into studying with a balanced approach.
By reflecting on past habits (good and bad), refreshing your study environment, and setting clear, manageable goals, you'll stay on track.
You've got this—make 2025 a year of success with Avalon today!
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