As the UK is enduring it’s third national lockdown, you’d think all students would be used to online lectures, getting assignments done and fitting in some daily exercise by now. But, the reality is, staying motivated during the winter lockdown is tricky. You’ve probably had days where you just can’t motivate yourself to get out of bed and make breakfast or to do that bit of reading you were set weeks ago.
However, if you’re struggling to stay sane in lockdown 3.0 – and you’re worried about the impact it could have on your studies – prepare to be inspired as we offer a few simple tips…
Stick to a routine
Getting yourself into the habit of waking up early (or at least before noon!) and eating breakfast is a sure-fire way to be productive. Although you might start to hate the sound of your alarm, it will add some structure to your day. After all, you’ll be up and ready to face the day ahead – meaning there’s no excuse to fall behind on your work.
Mix things up a little
Whilst you could sit in your room with your head inside a textbook for hours on end, trying your best to absorb it all in one go, it’s a good idea to break things up into small sections. For example, you could set yourself a target to read so many pages before moving onto the next task. Make it fun. Test yourself. Listen to podcasts. Watch videos.
Reward yourself
Studying at your student accommodation is no easy feat – but it helps if you’ve got something to look forward to. So, once you’ve completed a task, go and make yourself a cuppa and treat yourself to a couple of biscuits (that’s if your housemates haven’t already scoffed them all!). If you’ve finally submitted your assignment, why not order a takeaway as a reward?
Go outside
With the vast majority of courses moving to online learning and independent studying, you’re bound to be spending a lot more time in your room – a place that was previously reserved for sleeping and unwinding. Don’t think you have to stare at the same four walls day in, day out. Step outside and get some fresh air. It’s good for your health and can improve your overall mood.
Try to exercise
Do you feel lethargic and unmotivated to do anything? You’re not on your own and many students feel the same – but it’s nothing a bit of exercise won’t sort out. It could be a jog around the block, a cycle to the supermarket, an at-home workout or yoga. As we all know, exercise is beneficial for health and fitness, but it releases endorphins (the happy hormones) which instantly boost your mood too.
Stay connected
Keep in touch with those on your course to see how they are getting on with their uni work, and catch-up with friends and family back home via FaceTime or Zoom. You could also arrange social events for those within your bubble, like a games night or going for a walk together.
But more importantly, make sure that you’re looking after yourself and getting enough sleep each night to avoid feeling sluggish.
If you’re a student at Edge Hill University and staying with McComb Students, you needn’t worry about having a decent night’s sleep as they provide some of the best student accommodation Ormskirk has to offer. All of their rooms come with large ¾ or double beds and a host of fantastic amenities, including a desk, mini-fridge and flat-screen TV (perfect for binge-watching Netflix after a tough day of online learning!).