Studying is a crucial component of academic life, but let’s face it, not everyone’s a fan.
In fact, for many students, it can be a daunting task that they would rather avoid altogether. I, too, dreaded the thought of cracking open a textbook and would do anything to procrastinate.
If you’re in the same boat, remember that you aren’t alone. Many students share your sentiments.
The good news is that there are strategies to overcome this aversion and make studying more pleasant. In this article, I’ll share 8 tips to help you conquer the “I hate studying” mindset. Keep reading!
Table of Contents
1. Change Your Mindset
Identify the Root Cause of Your Hatred for Studying
If you’re struggling to muster enthusiasm for studying, the first step is to uncover the reason for your aversion.
Commonly held beliefs that might be holding you back include:
- The subject is too difficult.
- I’m not cut out for studying.
- I don’t see the value in studying.
- I’m too swamped with other commitments to study.
- I hate this subject.
I believed all of these and ended up shooting myself in the rear end — because none of them were true. I just wasted time turning these beliefs over in my head, when I should’ve channeled all that energy into properly getting to know the subject and learning good study methods.
Figure out your root cause/causes because that will help you tackle your challenges head-on and find a solution that works for you.
Related Post: Why Is Studying So Hard? 5 Main Reasons and How to Make it Easier
Change Your Perspective
Once you’ve figured out why you hate studying, it’s time to change your thinking about it. Here are a few ways to do that:
- Focus on the benefits: Instead of dwelling on your distaste for studying, try to focus on the benefits it will bring. Remember that studying is an investment in your future and can help you achieve your goals.
- Set achievable goals: Setting attainable goals will help you stay motivated and focused. Start with small goals and work your way up. For example, set goals to study for just 30 minutes a day. Soon, you’ll get used to it, and you can easily increase your study time.
- Reward yourself: Rewarding yourself after accomplishing a goal is a great motivator. It can be as simple as taking a break or painting your nails.
- Remember that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side: As an undergrad, I would look at other people my age enjoying their lives and think, “Why can’t I have fun like them? I have to study my brain away.” But really, those people just looked like that on the outside; everyone had their own struggles to deal with. So, be grateful that you have the power to get an education — that’s an opportunity only given to a lucky few, and you’re one of them.
2. Be Interested in Your Field of Study
How can you possibly love studying if you don’t love your subjects?
Now, I will be completely honest — I hated accounting in university (and that was my major!)
Talk about messed up.
But now I’m doing my post-grad in accounting, and I can’t say I’m madly in love with it, but the interest is there.
One of the reasons for this is that I’ve grown older and have fewer distractions now. But the biggest reason is that I learned to love it. Here’s how:
Associate the Subject with What Interests You
Because I’m passionate about business, I can easily fuse accounting into it. And there are so many modules in my course that are dedicated purely to running a business. So, I’ve found parallels between accounting and what I enjoy!
Let’s pray that one day I’ll be doing accounting for my own business.
You can do the same by connecting your subject with what interests you.
Learn More about the Subject in a Non-textbookish Way
Accounting was a snore fest to me because the textbooks had no color, the lecturers were lackluster, the tutors were too serious, the lecture hall smelled like the death of creativity, and my classmates acted like they knew it all.
But when I went into a business environment and experienced accounting in the flesh, I realized how important and not-boring it actually is.
So, get some real-world experience in your subject. I guarantee you’ll find it much more livelier than your textbook. And if you don’t, perhaps it’s time to move on to what you enjoy doing?
Figure Out What You Would Like to Study
People change majors and degrees all the time. It’s kind of taboo in the Indian community, but who cares about other people anyway? It’s your life, time, money, and energy!
Remember, by studying what you’re interested in, you’re more likely to stay engaged in your academic life. You’ll also better retain the information you’re learning because it’s easier to remember the details and connect concepts when you’re passionate about a subject.
And most importantly, you’ll have a fulfilling career!
3. Have a Good Study Environment
Creating a comfortable study environment is key to enjoying the learning process. Here are a few ways to create an environment that promotes productivity:
Create a Comfortable Study Space
- Choose a quiet, well-lit, comfortable area with enough space for your study materials.
- Invest in an ergonomic chair and desk that support good posture and reduce the risk of back pain and eye strain.
- Ensure that the temperature in the room is favorable for concentration.
- Personalize your study space with pictures, motivational quotes, or plants to make it more inviting.
Eliminate Distractions
Distractions can easily derail your study session and make it harder to focus.
- Turn off your phone or switch it to silent mode to avoid being interrupted by notifications.
- Use noise-canceling headphones to block out external noise or listen to white noise or instrumental music to help you focus.
- Inform your family or roommates that you are studying and ask them not to disturb you.
- Use website blockers or apps that limit your access to social media or other distracting websites.
- Clear your desk of all unnecessary things. I’ve found that having a clean desk can even boost my mood.
4. Use the Right Study Techniques
Study techniques that most students use are note-taking, highlighting, and re-reading.
The problem with these is that they’re “passive forms of learning.” They’re also a lot harder to maintain. Taking notes takes time, and so does re-reading, and they don’t help us remember information in the long-term.
So, you’re putting in more effort but getting fewer results. It’s no wonder you hate studying.
Here are some study techniques that will help you retain more information and make studying more pleasurable:
Break Down the Material into Smaller Chunks
Breaking down your study material into smaller, more manageable chunks can make learning less overwhelming.
Start by identifying the key concepts and breaking them down into smaller subtopics. This will help you focus on one thing at a time and avoid feeling swamped.
Actively Recall
Active recall involves forcing yourself to remember information without looking at your notes. It sounds torturous, but it can help you retain information more effectively.
To actively recall, you can test yourself on key concepts or explain them to someone else. Or try a flashcard app like Anki.
Use Spaced Repetition
Instead of cramming all your studying into one session, review the material in shorter study sessions over a longer period of time.
5. Find a Study Buddy
Studying with a friend or a group can help you stay motivated and accountable. You can motivate each other to stay on track and help each other understand complex concepts. Plus, studying with others can make the process less daunting.
I disliked studying with other people because I thought it distracted me. But later, I found out that it’s the quickest way to understand a difficult section! All I had to do was ask my smartass friends for help, and they were always ready to assist me.
Don’t isolate yourself during your academic journey. It’s a lonely one and can be hard to conquer without people who are all working towards the same goal.
6. Manage Your Time Well
Mastering the art of time management can help you overcome your dislike of studying. When you organize your time efficiently, you can reduce stress, enhance productivity, and attain your objectives more effectively.
Create a Study Schedule
To stay on top of your game and strike a healthy balance between your academic and personal life, make a study schedule. This will help you allocate your time wisely and give adequate attention to all areas of your life.
Here are a few key steps to creating an efficient study schedule:
- Identify your priorities: Establish realistic goals and prioritize them based on their level of importance.
- Create a schedule: Design a schedule that accommodates all your classes, study time, and other commitments. Make sure to allow yourself breaks and downtime for relaxation and socializing.
- Choose a scheduling tool: Use a digital calendar or a paper planner to keep track of your schedule and stay on top of your commitments.
- Be flexible: Life is unpredictable, so be prepared to adapt your schedule as needed.
To learn more about creating a study plan that works for you, read my other article.
7. Adopt Healthy Habits
Developing healthy habits can go a long way in making studying enjoyable. In fact, neglecting your physical and mental health can make studying even harder to bear. Here are some healthy habits you can adopt to study better:
Prioritize Sleep
Lack of sleep can lead to decreased concentration and motivation, making studying even more difficult. You should aim for about 7-9 hours of sleep per night and try to establish a consistent sleep schedule to regulate your body’s internal clock.
I got about 5 hours of sleep per night in university — I dozed off in most of my lectures, and when I got home, the last thing I wanted to do was study. So, from experience, if you don’t prioritize your sleep, you’re going to be a miserable student.
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost cognitive function. It can also increase energy levels and improve sleep quality, allowing you to feel more alert and focused during your study sessions.
Remember, you don’t need to engage in intense workouts to reap the benefits of exercise; even a short walk or stretching routine can help.
Moreover, finding an enjoyable activity, like dancing or swimming, can make your exercise routine feel less like a chore and more like a fun way to boost your mental and physical health.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating well fuels your brain with the nutrients it needs to function at its best. So, make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet.
Also, avoid skipping meals or relying on unhealthy snacks to get you through the day. It can be tempting to reach for a bag of chips or a candy bar, but these foods can leave you feeling sluggish. I ate junk in and out of lectures, and they didn’t help me stay awake.
Make Time for Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is just as important as studying itself.
Prioritize activities that make you happy, such as reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, or spending time with loved ones.
And don’t forget to take breaks when needed, whether it’s a short walk outside or a longer vacation.
Related Post: 7 Effective Study Habits to Develop That Will Make You a Better Student
8. Seek Help
Feeling like you aren’t making progress can make studying seem like an uphill battle. But don’t worry, you don’t have to do it alone.
Ask for Help When Needed
It’s okay to admit that you need help. Sometimes, you might be struggling with a particular topic and need some guidance to understand it better.
Don’t be afraid to ask your tutor or professor for help. They are there to support you and want you to succeed. You can also ask a classmate who might be able to explain things in a way that makes more sense to you.
Join a Study Group
Studying with others is a great way to stay motivated and learn from each other. It can also keep you on track and get feedback on your work.
Look for study groups in your school or community, or start your own with classmates who are also struggling with studying.
Consider a Tutor
If you’re really struggling with a subject, you might want to consider hiring a tutor. A tutor can provide one-on-one support and help you understand difficult concepts. They can also help you develop good study habits and strategies that work for you.
Look for tutors in your school or community, or consider online tutoring options.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Final Thoughts
Feeling like you hate studying is a common problem that many students face. But you can change your perspective with the help of the tips in this article.
Remember to take one step at a time in your studies. Don’t try to accomplish miracles in a day.
It’s also important to take care of yourself. Take breaks when needed, and don’t push yourself too hard.
Some other articles you might like are:
- I Took a Long Break from Studying – Here’s Why You Should Too
- The Complete Guide to Dealing With College Burnout (16 Tips)
2 comments
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Thanks
Thanks for reading! Glad you enjoyed the post!
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