by Sarah Mahl It’s wintertime in Seattle, which means cloudy skies, a nearly constant stream of rain, the occasional snowstorm, and a lot of coffee. With the sun setting at 4PM, it can be extremely difficult to stay motivated in your schoolwork, especially when you have to write a lengthy paper. Below are some tips to help, and while many of them are good study tips to follow year-round, they can be especially helpful in the winter. First, find a new workspace! If you find yourself stuck in the dorms, this can be as simple as moving from your bed to your desk. Studies show that studying where you sleep decreases your level of productivity and material retention as well as making it harder to sleep later on. It may also be helpful to clear your desk of distractions to prevent procrastination. Next, make a snack or a hot cup of tea! It may not be necessary to a successful study session, but having a snack to eat or something warm to drink can help you focus! Plus, it’s an easy way to make your homework more enjoyable. Once you’ve found a new workspace, made sure it was free of distractions, and sat down to work, don’t forget to take study breaks. Setting up time intervals for working and for taking a break can help tremendously with staying motivated. They also prevent procrastination and help you get more work done in a shorter amount of time! If you’ve found yourself at an impassable road block and it feels impossible to focus, it could help to get some fresh air or to take a meditation break. Taking a walk, whether it’s in the rain or snow, does wonders for clearing your mind. Opening a window and meditating for ten minutes can also help. You don’t need a structured meditation routine—you can even just close your eyes and focus on your breathing for a few minutes—but if you have trouble with meditation, there are plenty of free exercises to choose from online. Study with friends! This may seem counterproductive—studying with others can be distracting—but if they are also struggling with their work, you can help each other focus. If your schedule allows it, take a break to get coffee with a friend! If you find that you have too much work for even a small break, make an appointment with a consultant here at the Writing Center! Bad weather in the wintertime can be isolating, especially if there’s a snowstorm, but braving the cold can make all the difference. Lastly, don’t forget to stay warm. Not only is it hard to focus when you’re cold, but the cold can also put you in a bad mood and make your quarter miserable. Above all, it’s important to listen to your body and your mind. Self-care is crucial in every quarter, but especially in the winter when there’s a lack of sunshine. It can not only help your work, but also help you stay happy and healthy in the colder months. Good luck this quarter!
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January 2024
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