It’s easy for there to be a dip in students’ motivation. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and post-holiday fatigue combined with a long winter break from school all contribute to students losing focus in school. Here are some tips to stay focused and energized:
Set new goals: “SMART” goals (e.g. goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) are a good way to keep students’ goals manageable. Students can refresh their goals heading into the next semester.
Using a planner is a great way for students to manage their goals and stay on track. Although most students opt for a digital planner, this doesn’t work for every student, so exploring pen and paper options is a must. This can help students stay motivated by breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This could be anything from completing math homework in “chunks” of problems completed each night to studying for a test a few nights in advance to limit the amount of information entering the brain at once. Setting specific, achievable goals can help students feel on track and motivated.
Embrace consistent routines: A planner can help with this tip as well. Routine creates stability that students need to stay on track during the winter. Shorter days and cold, depressing weather can make losing track of time easy. Students should plan regular study time and incorporate short breaks along the way to make studying feel like a natural part of the day. Students should plan their routines around a time they are alert and have energy to get things done. If the student is a morning person, perhaps waking up early to study is better.
Use a tutor as a source of motivation: Tutors are excellent at giving consistent instruction, support, and motivation. They keep students on track during a session, hold students accountable for their own work, and can help them organize all the work they need to do. Tutors also help build students’ confidence in subjects with which they struggle (and therefore are unmotivated to tackle).
Stay active, social, and energized: It’s easy for symptoms of depression to hit; we want to curl up and stay warm inside. Staying physically active boosts energy levels and clears the mind. Use a study break to get some exercise (even a short walk or stretching) to help combat depressive symptoms and get your brain ready to get your work done.
Depressive symptoms can also be a result of isolation, which is easy to let happen when the weather is colder. Students should stay connected to friends and family. Students can try forming study groups, so they maintain their social lives while staying on task and motivated to complete schoolwork or to study—win-win!
Reflect and celebrate progress: Students should avoid focusing on what’s left to do, especially if they’re feeling a lack of motivation and falling behind. Students should take a moment to reflect on their progress during the school year, and use this as a way to reignite their motivation. This is the time for students to look back at their goals and what they;ve accomplished throughout the year so far. Celebrating these accomplishments by rewarding them keeps students motivated and helps them “push through” the winter season. The reward can be anything from some phone/screen time or video games to hanging out with friends or taking a night off from studying.
There’s an uphill battle with staying motivated during the winter, especially since it’s easier for depressive symptoms to loom. By maintaining and keeping a routine that is in line with goals while staying active and social, students can make it through the dreary winter season motivated and on track.
