Do you waste time when you should be studying? These habits will help you stress less
Sometimes when we’ve got a big task to tackle, it’s hard to know where to begin!
Do you put off starting or completing tasks? Procrastination is a very common habit in uni students. The problem is it can end up making your life more stressful because assessments still need to be done, but now you have less time to do it. Unsurprisingly, when you do finally get around to completing the task, it’s likely not your best work, plus the stress of the last-minute rush can have adverse effects on your mental health.
Interestingly, procrastination is rarely about laziness or time management. It’s usually more likely due to anxiety, not feeling motivated in your course, perfectionism, believing the task is too difficult or boring, and/or fear of failure. Ultimately, procrastination is closely tied to how you feel about work and/or yourself.
How you can establish effective study habits
In recognising that procrastination is a choice or unhelpful habit, we can get better at creating study routines which limit our tendency to put off what needs doing. Here’s some practical ways you can better focus on your study.
Start early
Take some quick notes, begin a draft or track down some initial readings as soon as you get an assignment. Assignments typically feel more surmountable when you allow yourself ample time and you can just finesse a draft you’ve already begun. Adopt an attitude of ‘eating the frog‘: get the most difficult or least pleasant aspects out of the way early!
Focus on the finish line
Whenever you find your resolve to study waning, remember that the reward and relief of finishing an assignment you’re proud of will feel way better than the quick fix you get from procrastinating. Remember to reward yourself by doing something you love after completing each task (instead of doing it beforehand!).
Plan ahead
Set realistic goals – don’t fool yourself that you’ll create a good assignment in one night!
- Break down your work into smaller, more achievable tasks as per the SMART technique, and try to complete them one at a time.
- The Pomodoro Technique is also a great time management tool that chunks your tasks into smaller pieces – see the Pomodoro Timer in the DeakinWELLBEING app.
- Deakin’s online study planner is also useful for plotting when you can work on parts of your assignment up until the due date.
Find some study pals
If you prefer unpacking ideas verbally and bouncing ideas off others, studying with your classmates can make study more fun and may even help you understand more difficult concepts by giving you a fresh perspective.
Minimise distractions
Step away from your phone and the TV! Perhaps head to your local library to reduce these distractions.
You should also avoid checking your emails and keep your study space quiet.
Learn how to tackle procrastination in our upcoming session
Check out our dedicated THRIVE workshop on Overcoming procrastination, to be held on Wednesday 11 December (Week 6) from 10.30–11.30am online. We’ll cover the emotions behind procrastination and ways you can overcome the habit.
Need advice?
These free services are available to all Deakin students:
- Make a Zoom appointment with a Deakin Language and Learning Adviser to discuss your approach to work and learn how to complete your assignments on time.
- Check out the DeakinWELLBEING app, which includes interactive tools, videos and podcasts that can enhance relaxation, focus, energy, mood and productivity in minutes.
- Have a confidential chat with one of our student mental health experts from Deakin’s Counselling and Psychological Support service. If you’re based at GIFT City, see how you can book counselling appointments online.