How I Overcame Procrastination (Study Hacks)

1. Pomodoro Technique

 

One of the best work techniques that is quite popular for its effectiveness is the Pomodoro technique. There are many focus apps that have this feature and it's the one that helped me tho most. It's simple and highly motivating.

Basically, you set the timer for 25 minutes, eliminate all your sources of distraction and then dedicate those 25 minutes to whatever work you plan to do. It can be adjusted to more or less than that but 25 minutes is the ideally recommended duration here.

This is a screenshot of the app I use. It's called Focus To-Do and it's a pretty great app. Another popular focus app I would recommend is the Forest app. Both have their differences and similarities so feel free to experiment.

set the timer for 25 minutes.

put away your phone or enable airplane mode or turn off notifications while you work during these 25 minutes to make sure there are no distractions.

when time's up, take a 5 minute break and then get back to work for 25 minutes (which will be your second Pomodoro) and repeat the cycle for as long as required.

2. Organise apps into affirmations.

This was a life hack that I came across on Instagram and it was said to be followed by many successful people. You basically create groups on your phone's home screen and assign them with titles that are positive affirmations, instead of using 'Work', 'Games', 'Social Media', etc.

That was my home screen and ever since I did that, something definitely changed about my phone experience. I also have the Screen Time widget on the same screen which is constant reminder of my goal to minimise screentime. That has improved my problems with procrastination and overusing my phone. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who seeks a productive life.

3. Romanticise your studies/work.

To romanticise something, you make it seem better or more appealing than it really is. When you romanticise your studies or the habit of learning, then you won't need to push yourself to do them. You'll automatically be drawn towards them. Isn't that cool?

Romanticising the subjects that you hate or get really bored of, might sound like a challenge. But once you figure out the way to do it, you'll love studying those subjects too! There are many videos available on YouTube and other online platforms that can teach you or show you how to do this. Go on, do your research! :)

Having a workspace that looks and feels attractive aesthetically can add another dimension to your study sessions. Being organised does not mean perfection; it means arranging things according to your comfort. You don't need to spend hours decorating your workspace. Just do the bare minimum like  tidying up the desk, stacking up the necessary books and clearing out the rest, arranging your stationery items, etc. can really make a difference.

Decluttering your room or workspace can feel almost like decluttering your mind. It can be therapeutic too.

I found my ways to romanticise my studies by connecting with an aesthetic that I admired for a long time but never realised until recently. Dark Academia. Finding this taught me several things and  bonus advantage was that it motivated me to study. That's just what I needed and wanted.

You can find yours too. Keep exploring! 🤎

4. Digital Notes

While the habit of using actual paper to study and take notes is the best way, sometimes it can also be nice to use digital Notes. It saves paper and you can pick different kinds of brushes and colours that you might not own, physically. It's fun to write this way sometimes too!

5. Celebrating the small wins

We're often most anxious about the biggest goals and tasks but in the process, we tend to forget or overlook the relatively smaller achievements. Celebrating them can be great boosts of self confidence and motivation to improve. 

To-Do lists make life much easier and simpler. The most satisfying part of using them is the last step - striking out the completed goals/tasks. This helped me set my priorities right and be more motivated.

After years of experience, these are the 5 things which I found to be the most helpful for me. I still use them everyday! Hope they help you too.

P. S. Here is a guide that I made on Instagram for study motivation. Click here to check it out <3

Good luck! :)