Introduction

You’d be forgiven for thinking that winter is the perfect time to hit the books and power through your coursework, but not everyone finds this to be the case. If this is you, here are a few ideas to try to defrost your brain and attempt to make a decent dent in your assignments during the winter.

Expend energy

Studying from home, you can feel like you’re not getting much exercise. You might, for example, go from your bed to your desk and the couch and back again during a day of intensive work, but not go anywhere else.

When this is the case, it’s no wonder you might find sustaining concentration challenging. Your body will probably have unexpended energy that needs to be burned off. Why not wrap up and go for a jog or walk before starting work? And a bonus is that the boost of endorphins will also improve your mood.

Discover power via connection

Winter is commonly perceived as a time for solitude when the world hibernates. But just because it’s quiet outdoors, it doesn’t mean it has to be so lonely indoors.

Reach out and connect with others who are also studying at the same time as you. We have recently added virtual welcome meetings to the support we offer where you can connect with other students who are undertaking similar courses. Remember that you can also connect with others via our award-winning private Facebook groups. If you hit an issue or even just a slump in motivation, please drop us an email or why not give our friendly tutorial team a call? We are always happy to explain tricky concepts and even deliver pep talks! And each time you reach a goal, consider treating yourself afterwards. Which leads on to our next point…

Incentivise with small rewards

While staying inside during winter is appealing, it can be tedious. If your only reprieve from tackling an assignment is an occasional coffee, slow progress is understandable. That’s why we recommend scheduling some small rewards to motivate yourself.

Your reward doesn’t have to be large or costly. But try ensuring it’s something outside of the home. Your favourite drink or pastry from a local café could hit the spot. Or maybe you’d prefer a trip to the cinema or a concert?

Motivational quotes

One final idea is to look below at our list of motivational quotes and choose the one which resonates the most, write it on a post-it and stick it on your laptop screen or desk for a tough day.

• There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. 
• Genius is 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration.
• The expert in anything was once a beginner.
• You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
• Wake up with determination, go to bed with satisfaction.
• If you really want something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.