I'm taking Organic Chemistry this summer along with sociology and ever since last semester ended I just can't seem to get myself back into school mode. I will literally spend hours after class just staring at my text book not being able to get myself to read the chapters. It's driving me crazy. The worst part is I can't stop stressing about it either. Any suggestions?
No motivation for summer classes?
- Thread starter afk94
- Start date
- Joined
- May 24, 2014
- Messages
- 267
- Reaction score
- 206
Commit to doing one problem. Tell yourself you can choose to do another or take a break after you complete that problem. Repeat as necessary, but I believe that if you just do the first problem you will likely finish a set before deciding to take a break. I usually go have a cup of coffee during my breaks. 👍
[EDIT] For reading the textbook: just follow the instructions above but substitute "one page" for "problem". [/EDIT]
[EDIT] For reading the textbook: just follow the instructions above but substitute "one page" for "problem". [/EDIT]
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2014
- Messages
- 24
- Reaction score
- 4
I've found the best way to ensure I'm going to have a long, productive study session is to:
1) Block out time
2) Minimize roommate or TV distraction by finding an appropriate study place
3) Make my room "study-conducive." This (for me) includes: everything organized, bed made, getting a cup of hot chocolate, and turning OFF the overhead lighting and turning ON some nice lamps. Sounds tacky but the lighting makes a huge difference! Fluorescent lighting will suck out any ounce of energy or motivation you had.
4) Do this routine consistently. That way even when there are days I don't have the motivation, I can go through the other rituals of getting ready that will at least help ease the transition.
One thing that really helped me for O-Chem is investing in a whiteboard and a pack of 12-color markers. Doing problems on the floor as a change of position is great, and you can easily make mistakes and erase. I found I was more apt to explore with arrows, etc. when I wasn't committing to paper.
