5 Tips for Studying During the Holidays
The Holidays are here, and it can be overwhelming for you as a student. The pressure of making the most of this extra time to study often conflicts with the pressure to be a part of the celebrations, and leaves us feeling guilty no matter what we choose to prioritize.
However, there’s plenty of research that shows resting the brain can improve learning skills and productivity.
So how do you break away from your study time and let yourself enjoy the holiday festivities with family and friends? Studying during the holidays shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying them!
Here are a few tips to help you balance study time during the holidays, still enjoy the parties, and get the well-deserved rest and relaxation you need away from the classroom.
1. Be realistic about dividing your time.
If you must study, set realistic goal on how and when you will study. I suggest no more that 2 hours, three times a week.
Do not plan to study when the family have plans for a gathering. It will not be productive and may do more harm than good.
2. Intentionally schedule time for self-care.
Be selfish for a day. Yes, I said it!
Take care of you if only for one day during the holidays. Spend that time doing something you enjoy (Ie. shopping, the spa, bike riding, a walk in the park etc.). After all, you’ve earned it if you’re studying during the holidays.
3. Rest.
Time away from the classroom is a good time to get the well-deserved rest you need. Taking a compete mental and physical break from the everyone and everything (including studying) will bring clarity and motivation for when you began your study again.
4. Enjoy yourself...guilt-free.
There will be plenty of holiday activities to enjoy. Take time to enjoy the celebrations with family and friends. Not only is this is important for your social well-being and enhancing your self-esteem, but it’s also necessary so you can come back to your studies feeling refreshed and happy. Joy is part of the process, so try not to feel bad about prioritizing it over studying during the holidays!
5. Be prepared to adapt and be flexible.
During the holidays, you want to be flexible with your time.
If you plan to study 2 hours one day and you fall short, you can make up for it another day. Don’t beat yourself up. It is the holidays and they only come around once a year!
Remember that rest and recovery are just as important as activity. In order to return from the holiday break feeling refreshed and ready to excel in your nursing journey, it’s important to take this time of year to relax and enjoy yourself. If you do plan to study over the holidays, don’t go too crazy! A clear head is better than an exhausted one!
Learn more about study coaching for nursing students here.
