The recent somber and dark weather conditions, in addition to the isolating lockdowns, have resulted in many students having difficulties with staying focused and finding motivation.
Read on to find some advice for getting ahead of the weather and succeeding in your academic trials!
Written by Sawsan Al Rabadi
Lighting up your surroundings
It’s extremely common for us to get tired when the weather gets darker. According to Stack, “Winter is a dark time, so our bodies produce more melatonin in response. This leads to excessive feelings of fatigue and tiredness.” Turn on your lamps and room lights, and don’t stay away from any source of brightness around you. Without the bright sun giving you natural energy, use all resources of artificial light around you. Consider investing in lamps specifically designed as therapy lights, which can help with this exact goal!
Staying organized
It’s easier to get overwhelmed by discouraging thoughts and hopelessness when our world is naturally darker. Staying organized will give you a sense of control over your tasks, as they’ll feel more within your reach of capabilities by taking them one at a time. Using digital software applications (e.g.Notion and OneNote) or physical planners (printed calendars and journals) to create to-do lists and prioritize your tasks chronologically can be very significant in combating stress. The monstrous and giant worklist that you need to complete is much more manageable than you think. Keep your tasks organized, and you’ve got this!
The Pomodoro technique & stretching
While it’s important to finish all your schoolwork promptly, it’s also vital to take breaks and allow your mind to rest now and then. The Pomodoro technique recommends that you break down your work into 25-minute intervals, taking 5-minute breaks between them. During those 5 minutes, you should stretch and relax your likely tensed body. It’s been proven that stretching can lessen immediate fatigue and vastly increase concentration. Remember to never overwork yourself or you’ll become burnt out very quickly.
Conclusion
Remember that it’s okay to have days when you’re feeling down or aren’t as productive as usual - accept the inevitable and move ahead with clarity and focus. The weather may be dull, but your future is bright!
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