Studying all day can be tiresome and, especially on weekends, frustrating. Personally, I’d often rather rest or enjoy a day out. But I did choose my own fate when I signed up for that degree, so here I am.
To catch up or get ahead of the next few days, I like to use Sundays as an entire day to work on uni stuff at my own pace. This often means that I start studying after brekkie and don’t finish before dinner. But that doesn’t mean I can’t make it a relaxing Sunday, too.
My solution to the problem? Selfcare Study Sundays. On Selfcare Study Sundays, I both get a lot done and also use my breaks to essentially turn it into a spa experience.
Here’s how to have your own Seflcare Study Sunday (obviously any day of the week works, though):
1. Plan your to dos
First things first, make a realistic (!) plan of what you’d like to study and get done on that day. Write it down and divide it into blocks that suit your activities and concentration phases. For example, if I’m memorising information, I plan 45 min sessions. When writing an assignment, it’s more like 90 minute sessions.
2. Add the fun
Now that you know how many to do blocks you have ahead of you, it’s time to fill the breaks with things to look forward to. What would you like to do for yourself today?
It can be anything that you consider selfcare. I don’t mean the glamorous, insta-worthy type, but things that really make you look forward to the day and allow you to rest and enjoy.
Here are some ideas:
- read a fun book
- face mask
- nap
- have a relaxing coffee break
- workout
- do your nails
- everything shower
3. Think out of the box
Whenever possible, I like to switch up my studies a little. Instead of studying your flashcards at the desk, hop on the treadmill or take a walk while reviewing them. It may feel silly at first, but you get your steps in AND even memorise things a lot faster.
Try to think of your to dos and whether you can switch anything up a little.
4. Write out your final plan and have the best study day ever
Now that you know everything you’re going to study and your Selfcare activities, write down your final time plan. It’ll help you to just execute instead of trying to remember what’s the next step again.
Here’s an example of my most recent Selfcare Study Sunday plan:
You’re ready to have the best study day ever! Remember to take it easy. Yes, you want to be productive, but try to enjoy the day, too, and look forward to your selfcare breaks. Have fun!
Also, you obviously can do this on any day of the week. I just enjoy it on Sundays, as I work full time during the week. On my Selfcare Study Sundays, I feel like I have the peace to really dive into my studies while also doing something for myself.
Let me know how you like this approach!
Love,
Carola
