Study Tips: Motivation, Avoiding Procrastination, and Staying on Task

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Procrastination can interfere with students' study time. We all do it, either to avoid an assignment we're dreading or we just don't have the motivation to sit down and get cracking. Procrastination doesn't necessarily relate to time management- you can schedule yourself study time but still procrastinate when it comes time to study. However, there are ways to motivate yourself to study and put an end to procrastination or at least minimize it.

1. Set goals for yourself. If it helps, break those goals into smaller tasks. For example, suppose you are to read three chapters for your class the next day. Instead of looking at it as three chapters and getting overwhelmed, break it down into individual chapters. Read one when you first get home, one after dinner, and one later in the evening, or whatever works for you.

2. Reward yourself. I had a friend in nursing school who loved M&Ms. This friend allowed herself to eat two M&Ms for each chapter sub-section she finished. The bag typically lasted for a full chapter. Yes, it's a small reward, but it's still a reward.

3. Limit distractions. Shut down your computer if you don't need it. If you do, turn off your email application. If you won't need internet access, turn off the wifi. Don't have the television on in the background- often, we end up paying more attention to what's on the screen than we do on what we're studying. Ask your family to respect your study time and not interrupt unless there is an emergency.

4. Join a study group. Members of a study group can help spread the work between many, and the members can also hold each other accountable to complete their portion of the workload.

5. Take breaks when they're needed. Sometimes, we suffer information overload, and the brain simply cannot absorb more. When I completed my masters program, I would take a break when I felt overloaded and take my dog for a quick ten minute walk.

6. Have a study area that is comfortable. This would include one that is available when needed, free of distractions, has adequate space, and has enough light to read without straining. My study space moved around a bit when I was in school- on those beautiful days, I'd study on my back deck. When it was cold or rainy, I'd study at my desk, which has a chair that is fully adjustable.