Doesn’t the cold make you want to snuggle up with a cozy blanket and rewatch your favorite TV shows? The winter season can be tough on motivation and productivity, especially for students with winter break on the horizon. Luckily, there are many study hacks to combat those winter blues and keep your mind sharp during the colder months.
Staying Focused Is All About Balance
The best way to keep focused is to balance work and relaxation. You don’t have to completely cut out your Netflix binge sessions—this just leads to burnout and makes studying even harder.
Instead, schedule specific times to focus on self-care. Plan a movie night with your favorite hot drink, a day exploring your college town, or a holiday baking session with friends. By giving yourself designated breaks, you’ll find it easier to concentrate during study sessions and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
8 Amazing Study Hacks for the Winter Season
Finding that perfect balance isn’t always easy, so here are 8 study hacks to help you stay motivated and productive this year.
1. Use the Cold to Your Advantage
Instead of seeing the cold weather as a hindrance, use it to your advantage. Research has shown that cooler temperatures can actually improve focus and concentration. When you feel like banging your head against the desk, take a break to step outside and embrace the cold air. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your assignments!
2. Don’t Forget About Vitamin D
With shorter days and less sunlight, it’s common for people to experience a drop in Vitamin D levels during the winter. This can lead to decreased energy and mood swings, making studying more difficult. You can combat this in many different ways:
- Get your sunlight in the morning by going for a quick walk outside or sitting on your porch
- Take Vitamin D supplements (with the guidance of a healthcare professional)
- Incorporate foods high in Vitamin D, such as salmon, eggs, and mushrooms, into your meals
- Avoid seasonal depression using sun lamp treatment
3. Use Science to Increase Your Focus
Are those words becoming a blur on the page? Try this neat study hack: find a spot on the wall and focus on it for five minutes. This visual exercise can improve your concentration (and attention span) during long study sessions.
4. Try a Change of Environment
Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery to get your mental cogs turning. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, take a quick study break and move to a new location. This could be a different room in your house, a coffee shop, or even outside (if the weather allows). You could even hop in the shower—a temperature change might be all you need to clear your mind.
5. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Staying up late and sleeping in on weekends might seem like a great idea, but it can actually throw off your body’s natural sleep cycle. This can lead to fatigue and difficulty concentrating during the day. Here’s a not-so-secret study hack: stick to a consistent sleep schedule to maintain your energy levels and mental clarity (yes, even on weekends).
6. Stay Physically Active
Regular physical activity has been linked to increased focus and productivity, as well as reduced stress and anxiety levels. Plus, staying active can help combat any winter sluggishness and keep your mind and body feeling sharp.
Between each subject or every 30 minutes, get up and do a quick stretch, take a walk around the block, or try some simple at-home exercises. Your body and mind will thank you.
7. Eat Brain-Boosting Food
What we eat can have a big impact on our mental performance. Incorporate brain-boosting foods into your diet, such as blueberries, nuts, and dark chocolate. These foods have been shown to improve cognitive function and memory.
8. Create a Cozy Study Spot
For many students, motivation comes from your study environment. Create a cozy and inviting spot that you enjoy spending time in. Add some fairy lights, hang up your favorite posters or motivational quotes, and thrift some extra-cozy seating. When you feel comfortable, studying becomes a much more enjoyable experience.
Bonus study hack: only use your study space for studying. This will train your brain to associate that area with productivity so you’ll get in the zone quicker.
Find Your Perfect Study Haven with Wharton Rentals
Struggling to find a space that feels like home while you’re juggling school? Wharton Rentals has you covered with cozy off-campus housing near Ohio University. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet to focus or a place to unwind after a study session, our downtown Athens properties have everything you need!
Visit our website today to learn more about our student-friendly offerings.
