This year will be my first time in over seven years that I will not have any January exams,
I can’t say I’m overtly distraught about that, but I’ve had quite a few years of trying my very best to be content
And festive while having a stack of books round my head, and yes – I did the un-imaginable; One year I even studied on Christmas day.
However, to be honest I can’t say it was un-enjoyable , there are ways you can make sure you have a fabulous Christmas while still in study-mode – here are some of my best Festive-Study-Tips.
1. Plan , depending on the intensity of the exam, figure out how many days exactly you’d like to take off, and how many you’d want to spend doing un interrupted work. (tip : the more intense your exam season is , the less days you should take off)
2. Mornings are the best kept secret. – Its true what they say about 5AM risers , it can be the most productive time of the day, now I’m not saying you get up at 4:59 and caffeine-your-way into some form of awake-ness but it might be an idea to get up an hour or two before the rest of your family, find a quiet spot and get some tasks knocked off before you get too distracted with the bustle of the day , plus it could mean you get to spend an extra hour with your family when it really counts.
3. Deck the Halls – One of my favourite Christmases over the past few years was when I purposefully decorated my desk and study space with Christmas lights, candy-canes and tinsel. Beside the desk lamp, Adding some sparkle to the mix completely tricks your brain and can make any challenging piece of work a tiny bit more magical.
4. Music – Whether you like Bublé , Sinatra, The Gaithers or plain festive Jazz, Christmas music instantly changes the atmosphere – and coupled with the décor, can make any room a mini-grotto.
5. Get out a little – Now might not be the perfect time to take a ski-trip or travel to the continent for a Christmas get-away. But certainly don’t lock yourself in a room, catch up with some friends, attend a church carol concert, your local light display , grab some roasted chestnuts (although I’ve honestly never tried them!) and find a way to reward yourself after every few days of hard-working.
6. Don’t leave it till after Christmas : January come like a lightning-bolt , and before you know it, it’s the new year and your sitting down in an exam hall . Don’t allow yourself to get too caught up that you forget what’s coming !
7. Enjoy it : Christmas does come round every year, and exams don’t. Find that fine line for yourself where you are able to enjoy the season, take note of its true meaning, but also get your head down. – you don’t want to start off the new year with any regrets !