what to do when you're not in the mood to study ?

[mardr2b]

what to do when you're not in the mood to study ? Do you guys push thru or do you take that day off ? I'm so tired the last few days that it seems that everything I do is going against me. i tried switching topics, took power nap even shopped online. Still have no energy or will to study. I have been trying to start QR prep for days and just fall asleep every time I open the book. Help with suggestions or experience please!!!

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[Triflate]

I felt like that 7 days before my test. The way I dealt with it was I would constantly remind myself about the bigger picture - my family, my future kids, etc. Also, I failed early on in life, so I always carried that chip on my shoulder. Everyone has different ways to deal with this - some people rest, some people push on through and shut everyone else out, some people talked to their loved ones, etc. My advice to you would be to take whatever motivates/drives you and exploit it to the best of your ability. Eat well, eat your vegetables, take vitamins (make sure you're well nourished), and exercise!

Also, a change of scenery helps. If you've been studying in the same place for the last 50 days, try studying somewhere else. Maybe a building with nice architecture or a nice view to the outdoors. That helped me a lot.

 

[ziggy1104]

Yup, going through it right this second, which is why I'm wasting time on wonderful SDN 🙂
For me, it depends. I tend to be either 100% hyper-focused and study straight for 8 hours at a time, or a I lack any ambition whatsoever and cannot concentration for 1 minute. I take full advantage of those times when I am super focused and in study mode, and when I just cannot bring myself to focus, I take a break and see if I can get back into it later. As Triflate said, I will switch up my study place a lot and go to one that helps me get my study juices flowing going lol. Also, STARBUCKS!!! 🙂 Does the trick every time.
My test is coming up fairly quickly though, and I tend to work well under pressure, so I know I need to get in gear and stay there. I've been putting in 9 hour days M-Sat. Can feel the burnout creeping in....

 

[mardr2b]

Thank you Triflate for your advise I'm also in a similar situation as where I didn't do well early and now I'm doing this with a family of my own.

Ziggy I totally hear you. I also work better under pressure. Thank you for your advice and experience. good luck since you're taking the test soon.

 

[PinkZinfandel]

Ziggy, do you take a day or half day off? I have putting in the same amount of hours studying and worried about getting burned out.

 

[ziggy1104]

Yes, I take Sundays off. I never take anymore than one day off though, b/c if I get out of study mode it takes a ridiculous effort to get back in study mode!

 

[customx]

Take a break, get outside, exercise, watch TV, go have a drink with a friend of necessary. There is nothing wrong with unwinding, but make sure those half day or whole day breaks are few and far between. Keep trudging along and eventually all the hard work will pay off.

 

[bzahedi]

honestly like the first response said, u gotta look at the bigger picture. you have your whole life ahead of you and no one is rushing you but yourself. this is just a process your going through and you will get through it. its temporary. the fact that your putting time and studying is a step in the right direction. don't let it overwhelm you bc really life is more than this stupid DAT exam. so what if you don't get through it this cycle, theres always a next one and the only one rushing yourself and giving you negative feedback is yourself... damn i should b telling myself this lol. currently frustrated trying to feel confident in the orgo and math section.... good luck man i know how much you want this. i feel you

 

[BrotherAli]

This seems to work for me during the semester. Visualize how great it will be to demolish the exam. Think about getting your scores back and celebrating, I hold off on things I enjoy until after the exam for motivation. I also visualize how ****ty it would be to have to take the exam again or getting my scores back and it being close but not good enough.

Basically negative and positive motivation