How to Stick to Your Study Plan During the Holidays

Learn the best ways to enjoy the holidays while staying on schedule with your online courses.

The upcoming holiday season should be a time of fun and family, parties and potlucks, shopping and baking—but what about studying? As an online student, it’s easy to become distracted this time of year as holiday gatherings and events are often more appealing than studying for your tests. But as the semester winds down, it’s important to stay on track.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney has a few tips to help you stay motivated and still enjoy the holidays with your friends and family. 

1. Schedule: Most online students already have hectic schedules without adding in office holiday gatherings, kids’ school programs, and shopping. This time of year, it’s important to keep your calendar up to date and set aside time to study. Whether you prefer a calendar you can carry with you or an online version, make sure you set specific study times and stick to them. Utilize notifications on your phone or other devices to remind yourself when it’s time to get back to studying.
   
   
2. Get Plenty of Sleep: Many people already do not get their recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night. When you mix in holiday schedules, that often becomes even more difficult. It may be more fun to stay up late wrapping gifts or enjoying another hour or two with your friends at holiday gatherings, but adequate sleep is crucial for learning and memory.
   
   
3. Be Efficient: Take advantage of your study time by shutting off your phone, turning off the TV, and closing any internet tabs you don’t need for your study session. Sit down with a clear study plan. Some students find it helpful to go to a local coffee shop or the library to avoid being distracted by people or things at home that may pull them away from studying. When your study time is limited, it’s important to be focused and productive.
   
   
4. Ask for Help: Your family and friends are all invested in your future and your education, so don’t be afraid to ask them for help. A simple request to pick your child up from a holiday recital practice or even walk the dogs for you will provide some extra time to study and more time to spend with them later.
   
   
5. Be an Early Riser: You may be saying, “but I’m not a morning person.” Many people find that waking up a few hours earlier allows them to start their study session with less interruptions and gives them the remainder of the day to enjoy events and time with family and friends. An earlier alarm clock can help alleviate the stress of having to study after the event or skipping the event altogether.
   
   
6. Take Breaks: Yes, your studying is very important, but you also want to enjoy the season. Pick one holiday party or must-see seasonal movie to enjoy time away from your books. This will help keep you motivated and avoid burn out.
   
   
7. Remember Your End Goal: The best form of motivation is simply knowing what you want to accomplish. Each time you want to set aside your coursework, think about your end goal. It may be to simply pass the course, or maybe it’s to earn your degree to obtain your dream job. Each student has a purpose, and that purpose can be very motivating and help you determine your priorities.

This time of year can be a difficult time to stay motivated and on task, but by using a few of the tips above, it’s possible to stay on track with your studies and enjoy the holiday season.

All of us at UNK Online hope you have a fantastic holiday season!