Winter break is coming up, but that doesn’t mean you can slack off! Make sure you don’t lose momentum with these helpful tips from San Diego tutor Natalie S…
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and no matter which holidays you celebrate, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and lose focus of your academic goals. Check out the four easy steps below and learn how to avoid procrastination and stay productive during the holiday season!
1) Set a consistent study schedule and write down your goals for the day. Plan manageable goals to accomplish every day, even on the days you’re off from school. Schedule a few hours to work first thing in the morning when all of your friends are still sleeping, and this will guarantee you get your tasks accomplished, so they are not hanging over your head all day. If you like to sleep in, that’s okay too. Just find a time that works for you, and be consistent.
2) Give yourself breaks. No one wants to do math problem sets or memorize history timelines on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve. Give yourself a few solid days of rest with no schoolwork. You’ll get more done if you do a little bit of work everyday, but you’re also more likely to stick to your schedule if you take time off on the days that are most important to you.
3) Implement a reward system. Reward systems are spectacularly beneficial during the holiday season because there are so many unique activities and tasty treats to experience! If you get a certain amount of work done each day, reward yourself by hanging out with your friends, eating your favorite cookies, or going holiday shopping! If you set some goals and you work to accomplish them, you deserve to reward yourself and have fun.
4) Schedule a study party. While this may sound a little counterproductive, when executed correctly, study parties can motivate you to stop procrastinating and start studying. Make sure to have plenty of study snacks and push each other to work hard for a few hours. Set a timer and work until the buzzer rings, and then you’re free. Since all of your friends are already together, take this time to hang out and relax. If you really want to raise the stakes, create a reward system based on how much you get done. Finished reviewing an entire chapter? Take a quick ice cream break! Completed two chapters? Order a pizza!
These simple steps will help you learn how to avoid procrastination and keep your skills sharp during the holiday season. And don’t forget — if you need additional assistance catching up, the holiday break is also a great time to hire a tutor to help you get back on track.
Natalie S. tutors English, ESL, History, Phonics, Reading, and test prep in San Diego, as well as through online lessons. She received her BA in English Education at the University of Delaware, and her MA in English Literature at San Diego State University. Learn more about Natalie here!
Photo by StephhxBby
Suzy S.