Let’s be real — staying motivated in the long run is a problem most students face.
We’ve all had those days when the mere thought of opening a textbook feels like a herculean task. Distractions lurk around every corner, and the gravitational pull of procrastination can be irresistible.
You’re not alone in this battle against the temptation to Netflix binge instead of learning.
So, how do you overcome this “stuck-in-the-mud” feeling? How do you push yourself when you don’t feel like studying?
Here’s the lowdown on 12 actionable strategies to help you curb procrastination and reclaim your focus. From setting clear goals to finding your study sweet spot, these tips will get you back on track when the studying blues hit. Let’s jump in!
Table of Contents
Common Reasons Students Don’t Feel Like Studying
1. Lack of Interest in the Subject
Not every subject is going to captivate you. Your eyes might gloss over, your head might slump forward, and your mind might take a lengthy walk when faced with concepts you’re disinterested in.
However, there are ways to turn the mundane into something mildly interesting.
- Break tough topics into bite-sized, digestible pieces: Break it down, simplify it, and suddenly, it’s not as intimidating. Also, make it relatable, like explaining to a friend who’s not in the class.
- Find real-life applications of the material: How does what you’re learning show up in real life? Are there any practical scenarios where this theory comes into play? Find those connections, and the subject becomes easier to learn.
2. Overwhelm and Stress
Studying might be one of the most overwhelming and stressful things you’ll ever experience. And when you’re overwhelmed, it’s the body’s natural response to take a step back.
Here’s how you can overcome these feelings:
- Break down tasks into manageable steps. Instead of facing a towering mountain of tasks, split your subjects, modules, and chapters into tiny steps.
- Incorporate stress-relief techniques into your routine: Take a quick walk around the block, a few deep breaths, or even a short meditation session. These small breaks can make a world of difference in keeping stress at bay.
Related Post: 8 Tips That Helped Me Overcome the “I Hate Studying” Mentality
3. Distractions
We’re fortunate enough to be a part of the digital era; however, this also comes with perpetual distractions and information overload.
Here are a couple of practical tactics to keep your focus intact.
- Identify and minimize distractions: What are the culprits? Is it your phone, the tempting allure of social media, or the never-ending rabbit hole of online content? Once spotted, minimize their impact. Put your phone on silent or use internet blockers during study hours.
- Create a focused study environment: Make your space scream “focus.” Clear the clutter, set up your desk in a quiet corner, and eliminate anything that might distract your attention from the task.
4. Burnout
If you constantly don’t feel like studying, you might be burnt out and not know it. This has happened to me multiple times during my student life.
Here’s what to do:
- Recognize the signs of burnout: Keep an eye out for telltale signs like persistent fatigue, dwindling interest in your studies, and overwhelming exhaustion. Basically, if you feel like even your reserve tank has run out of fuel, you’re burnt out.
- Emphasize self-care and take breaks: Taking breaks doesn’t mean you’re lazy, and they aren’t a sign of weakness. Take a brisk walk, a power nap, or zone out for a bit. These breaks will recharge your mental batteries.
Related Post: The Complete Guide to Dealing With College Burnout (16 Tips)
12 Things to Do When You Don’t Feel Like Studying
1. Take a Nap
Taking a 20-30-minute power nap is one of the best ways to reset your brain when you’re feeling tired or unmotivated. However, set an alarm so you don’t sleep too long.
I used to think taking naps meant you were lazy, but I’ve learned that humans are supposed to be “biphasic.” This means that our bodies are naturally inclined to have two sleep cycles every day — one long sleep cycle at night and a short 30-60-minute cycle during the day.
So, find a comfy place to lie down, get cozy, and let yourself doze off. When you wake up feeling recharged, you’ll be surprised at how much more focus and motivation you have.
2. Get Some Exercise
Even 10-15 minutes of exercise can boost your mood, especially outdoors. Moving your body gets your blood pumping so more oxygen reaches the brain.
Take a brisk walk around the block while listening to upbeat music, do some jumping jacks or jog in place, take the stairs a few times, or try a YouTube workout like yoga or HIIT training.
Notice the study productivity high that comes after working out.
3. Fuel Up
The foods you eat directly impact energy and concentration.
Complex carbs like oats give you steady energy, while foods high in protein (eggs, nuts) boost focus. Also, pair them with veggies and fruit (avocado, berries) for a nutritional boost. And make sure to avoid heavy foods that make you lethargic. Plus, stay hydrated with water!
Lastly, having healthy snacks on hand stops you from grabbing mindless junk when studying. Keep a container of mixed nuts handy for easy fuel.
4. Switch Locations
Sometimes, simply relocating to a new study spot tricks your brain into hitting the reset button. Try moving to a different room at home, head to the library, student union, café, or outdoors if the weather permits.
Public spaces also help avoid distractions and procrastination traps that you have at home, like Netflix, your bed, etc.
Research has shown that exposure to new environments keeps the brain engaged. So, notice how a location shift helps you zone in. Remember to bring headphones in case audible distractions pop up.
5. Set a Timer
Working in focused bursts with timed breaks boosts motivation and recall. Use an online timer or phone app to set short 15-25 minute study sessions with 5-10 minute breaks in between.
The timed sessions work in cycles with your natural attention span. In addition, with a timer, you’re not tempted to keep checking the clock either.
I love using the Pomodoro technique to study because it reminds me to take a break, and completing mini-goals gives me a sense of progress, which keeps me determined not to break my study streak.
6. Take a Break
Disengage completely from studying for a short while. Let your mind relax, decompress, and wander freely.
A screen break is important to rest your eyes, too. Do an enjoyable hobby, connect with friends, get a snack, play with a pet, and listen to music. Then, when you come back, you’ll have made space to focus better.
7. Organize/Declutter
Clutter competes for mental bandwidth that could be used for studying, while organization helps maximize focus and efficiency.
Straighten up your physical study area and materials first, and keep just the essentials close by. Use binder dividers, folders, shelves, and drawers to categorize notes, supplies, tech accessories, etc. Next, tackle computer files: create subject-specific folders, back up notes, delete old drafts, etc.
It’s amazing how refreshed you’ll feel getting organized.
8. Study With a Friend
I could never study with other people in uni. However, that’s where I went wrong. My classmates were a lot smarter than me and would’ve been open to helping me understand certain concepts.
Learning alongside a classmate makes studying less tedious and helps motivation. Meet up in real life or hop on a Zoom/FaceTime call to feel accountable without distraction. Quiz each other, work practice problems aloud, and discuss concepts recently covered.
You’ll also gain new study insights compared to reviewing alone.
9. Make a To-Do List
Seeing all the study tasks needed to prepare for your next quiz or test is so overwhelming! Instead, break larger goals down into specific, bite-sized daily to-do’s.
List things like “Read chapter 3: sections 1-2”, “Watch video lecture on Photosynthesis,” and “Complete 15 Calculus practice problems.” Detail it out in small, actionable pieces.
To-do lists are my favorite way of staying productive. There’s something so immensely satisfying about checking things off your list.
Related Post: How to Create a Study Plan That Works for You (12 Steps)
10. Listen to Music
Instead of using music as a way to avoid studying, use music to boost your study session.
Music activates both hemispheres of the brain, which boosts creativity, focus, and problem-solving abilities.
You can create playlists with lyric-less classical or instrumental music to avoid words interfering with reading or writing retention. Plus, upbeat melodies around 60-70 bpm enhance concentration best.
11. Reward Yourself
Rewards are a form of positive reinforcement that conditions your brain to associate studying with something pleasurable afterward. That dopamine rush of anticipation keeps you motivated!
And the best part is that rewards can be completely customized to what makes you happy. Small rewards keep you going short term (chocolate, YouTube video) while bigger rewards (movie night, dinner out) complete a larger goal.
To stay on track, determine your rewards ahead of time so you have something specific to look forward to.
12. Be Gentle With Yourself
What drains motivation most is self-criticism. Speak to yourself with kindness and encouragement through the ups and downs of your studying journey. Remember that progress ebbs and flows naturally.
Also, appreciate small accomplishments and avoid judgmental labels if you don’t meet your expectations. Recognize you’re doing the best you can — and that’s good enough.
Final Thoughts
Feeling like you don’t want to study is exactly what it sounds like – a feeling. And if it’s a feeling, then it will pass. It’s the nature of the Universe for all phases to come and go.
So, stop thinking you’re lazy and stupid and that your student life is over. Things will return to normal, but for now, you just need a break.
The next time you don’t feel like studying, try a few methods from this list to get back on track.
Using even one or two strategies can spark the motivation and momentum you need to succeed in your studies!