When was the last time you sat down to study without complaining? And actually understood everything you studied properly? Chances are, not very recently.
But fear not, we got you! This article will feature tips and tricks which will help you romanticise studying and make it a little more enjoyable.
What does romanticising mean?
Romanticising something means making it seem better or more appealing than it actually is. Doing this helps you find the motivation to complete boring or unattractive tasks. It gives you a better mindset and changes the whole perspective of what you need to do.
In the case of studying, romanticising your academics can help you beat procrastination, meet deadlines, score good grades, and understand your subjects better. After all, any task gives you 100 times the result if you perform it with the right mindset and actually ENJOY what you do.
Here are the steps you can use to channel your inner Hermione Granger or Rory Gilmore!
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1. Find the right environment
The right environment makes studying more appealing, amplifies your focus, and helps you retain information better. Here are some things you need to keep in mind while finding the right place to study-
- Lighting and temperature- Make sure your study area is well-lit and well-ventilated, and the temperature is comfortable for you.
- Keep it organised- It doesn't have to be spotless. Make sure you have space for all your books and stationery and you can access the materials you need without searching through a tower of random books, papers, and snack wrappers.
- Decorate- Model your space into one that actually motivates you to study. Whether that's putting up some motivational quotes or adding a study lamp and some indoor plants to your space, use your creativity to create the perfect study environment.
- Eliminate distractions- Yes, the most difficult part. Find a quiet and calm place. GET RID OF YOUR PHONE. Keep it in another room or give it to one of your family members until you're done. If you need to access material online, use your device with caution. We don't want to end up scrolling and wondering where the past hour went.
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You can also use websites like Flocus which provide you with a virtual study environment, without actually having to change anything about your physical space.
2. Invest in good supplies
By investing in good quality supplies, studying becomes a whole lot more exciting! Personally, I believe writing things down on paper is much more effective. If that's the case with you, consider getting some good notebooks and pens.
These attractive supplies will make the idea of studying more appealing. They don't need to be the most high-end. If they're good quality and colourful or attractive, that's more than enough. Find what works for you and your budget.
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If you prefer taking notes online, then using the right websites can make a world of difference. Microsoft OneNote, Notion, and Notability are some apps you can use to take effective and useful notes online.
3. Music and background noise
A lot of times, the thought of listening to a playlist while studying is more exciting than the actual studying! Find a certain genre of music you like, and listen to it only while studying. Classical music, instrumentals, lo-fi, or nature sounds are some good options. If music is too distracting, listen to some background noise you can find on YouTube, like ocean sounds or jungle sounds.
If any noise overall seems to affect your focus, studying in silence is also great! Keep in mind that your mood and focus will vary with the content you are learning, so adjust your background according to your needs.
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4. Incorporate rituals and habits
Try forming certain positive habits before and after you start studying. These habits will soon make studying seem positive too!
These can be making a cup of coffee and a snack before you start, taking deep breaths, and relaxing after you're done. It could also be saying affirmations before and after your study session. Whatever they are, your study rituals can boost your mental image of the task itself and make it easier.
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5. Change your mindset
So far, these are all things to change in your physical environment. Next, it's time to change your mindset and your approach to studying. Try remembering these things the next time you don't feel like studying.
It is a privilege to learn
Yes, it is. We often underestimate how lucky we are that we get to learn new things every day and unlock our potential. There are many who do not have this privilege.
So instead of complaining and thinking that studying is a task that needs to be completed, think of it as a gift. It's a gift that we have been given, and it's up to us to use it in the right way and make our lives and of those around us better in so many ways.
Education is a weapon
I know it sounds cheesy but it's true. Education equips you to navigate challenges, build relationships, make decisions, and analyse situations. Imagine where you would be if you couldn't read or write!
It provides you with opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. Every single one of us is capable of achieving wonderful things, but it's simply not possible without a proper education. By believing in yourself and in the power of knowledge, you automatically understand why you need to study. There's no more need for external motivation!
Do a cost-benefit analysis
The cost- putting in a few hours every day to study, even though you don't enjoy it.
The benefit- your dream future.
Everything that you have planned for your future is made possible by your studies and your hard work. There's no better feeling than the feeling of success. By excelling academically, you can get into your dream college and later get a great job.
You will make your loved ones and yourself proud. You can travel the world and help other people who are in need. It's only by studying that you can get what you want. Trust me, you don't want to regret not studying later in life when it's too late.
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It's up to you how you move forward. Your mindset and your attitude are what determine your results, along with the effort you choose to put in. You will not always be motivated, so you must choose to be disciplined instead.
