Simple Lifestyle Changes That Boost Student Motivation and Academic Success

It’s difficult to stay on top of your assignments, exams, and extracurriculars. The good news is that small, intentional lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on your motivation and your academic success. Here are eight minor changes you can make right now to help you stay focused, energized, and ready to study.

Set Clear and Achievable Goals

Goals are a great way to keep yourself motivated and give yourself something to work towards, as long as they’re realistic and achievable. Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of a goal of ‘achieve A’s in all exams’, maybe set a goal of ‘make study notes for my literature test’ or ‘revise for a history exam’. Achieving smaller goals gives you the momentum to tackle larger ones.

Establish a Routine

One of the main factors contributing to motivation is the regularity of a daily routine. A regular and well-established routine allows a person to predict what will follow. For instance, if you know that you will be studying every day at 6 pm for the next month, your brain will have an easier time getting into “the zone,” and you will have a head-start on a productive day. Make a schedule for your study hours, when you will take breaks, when you will eat meals, and when you will exercise. A routine will make studying easier, and with continued effort, it will become second nature.

Prioritize Sleep

One of the main reasons why you have the ability to focus and remember all you have learned while studying is because of sleep. Nonetheless, students are neglecting their rest hours just to cram for examinations and finish an assignment, which eventually leads to the student being burnt out and having low motivation. Students who fail to prepare their assignments on time often think, “Is there a safe service to write my paper?”. They’d be glad to know that there is one great provider they can always rely on, and it’s Academized. However, working with such a service does not mean you can play games at night instead of studying. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and your brain will be sharp, focused, and ready for academic challenges.

Stay Physically Active

Working out keeps you healthy, but it also makes you stay mentally sharp by improving your concentration and focus. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that make it easier for you to handle stress and keep your mood up. This is important because both stress and mood affect your performance in school. Regular exercise can keep you energized and motivated to keep going.

Here are five simple ways to stay physically active during busy school days:

• Walk or bike to class instead of driving or taking public transport.
• Join a campus fitness class like yoga, Zumba, or spinning.
• Take short breaks between study sessions to stretch or do light exercises.
• Use fitness apps that provide guided workouts you can do in your room.
• Stand while studying, using a standing desk or any flat surface at home.

A little physical activity – even one short walk – throughout the day can make the difference between feeling groggy and being able to concentrate.

Eat a Balanced Diet

What you put into your body can affect how you perform. Energy crashes from skipping meals or eating junk food can make it hard to stay on task or feel motivated. Try to eat well-rounded meals that include protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and keep healthy snacks nearby (such as nuts, yogurt, or fruit) to help you stay alert without leaving your desk.

Create a Study Environment That Works for You

While it might seem obvious, the environment in which you study is critical to your motivation and attentiveness. A cluttered and noisy room makes it much harder to concentrate. Thus, if you have a room in your house that can be used exclusively as a study space, try to make it as quiet, tidy, and distraction-free as possible. Personalizing this space by introducing a plant, good lighting, and a comfy chair can be a great way to make it a place where you feel like working. If you don’t feel like studying, however, it may signal that you have overworked. If so, take a break and look here to find a writing provider that can pick up your slack while you take care of your needs. With some help, you’ll be able to bounce back into your regular study routine.

Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management

Stress is the biggest stumbling block to motivation and achievement. Try implementing mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling in order to reduce stress and improve focus. Clearing your mind can make a real difference in maintaining equilibrium and staying motivated. There are apps such as Headspace or Calm that allow students to do guided meditations to help with stress and focus.

Reward Yourself for Achievements

Don’t forget to celebrate your successes along the way, no matter how small they may be. Rewarding yourself for reaching your goals can help you stay motivated.

Treating yourself to a favorite snack, indulging in a show after a productive study session, or spending time at a social event will make the hard work feel rewarding.

Small Changes, Big Results

You don’t have to stop drinking coffee, exercise like crazy, or go on a diet to increase your motivation and school grades. Just make small changes to your lifestyle, stick to a schedule, take care of your body and mind, and you can be on the path to success for the long haul. Remember, little steps make a big difference. Try out our tips, and your motivation and school grades will skyrocket in no time!