Navigating the Holiday Hurdle: Tips for Studying During the Festive Season

For many people, the holidays are a season of joy, fun and quality time spent with loved ones. It may also be a time filled with homework and studying and the well-known cliche of cramming the night before the final exam. Balancing the fun times with the need to buckle down and focus can be difficult and the added pressure of finals can mean missing out on the enjoyment of the season. 

While navigating both academic commitments and holiday festivities can be challenging, it’s not impossible. We've compiled some tips specially tailored to help you stay on top of your studies without sacrificing any of your holiday spirit.

Prioritize Self-Care

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays, don't neglect your well-being. Prioritize self-care by ensuring you get enough rest, maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular exercise. These healthy habits contribute to your overall well-being, keeping you focused, energized and successful in your academic pursuits. It’s also important to acknowledge that the holiday season, while joyful, can also bring about feelings of sadness or loneliness. Cold weather and dark days may impact your motivation, so don't hesitate to reach out to others and take the necessary breaks along the way.

Maintain a Positive Mindset

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all.

• Approach your studies with an optimistic mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
• Embrace a "can-do" attitude, reminding yourself of past successes and your ability to overcome obstacles.
• Surround yourself with positive influences to create an environment that promotes growth and encourages learning.

By utilizing a mindset focused on accomplishments, you not only enhance your academic performance but also ensure that you’re becoming the best version of yourself.

Set Realistic Goals

As the new year approaches, it becomes normal to reflect on our goals and resolutions, whether personal, professional or academic. A great guideline for not just setting, but achieving these resolutions is by making them SMART goals. They aren’t just smart in theory but in practice! SMART goals stand for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These principles provide a practical framework, ensuring that your objectives are well-defined and attainable, while also maintaining motivation and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Much like a New Year’s resolution, SMART goals allow us to grow from our past and set sights on improving our future.

Create a Study Schedule

Rather than rely on your usual study routine, consider creating a specific schedule for the holiday season. Identify times when you will be able to give your full attention to your tasks, without risk of distraction. Whether you’re studying or completing coursework, locate the moments between festivities to prioritize your studies. This proactive approach gives you a better chance of success by maximizing the effectiveness of the time you can study, all while elevating your confidence that you will hit all your deadlines with minimal stress.

Stay Connected

The holiday season is a time for connecting with others, including family, friends and even your university’s support system! Stay in touch with your classmates, professors and counselors throughout the break to maximize your resources and expand your community. Create study groups or utilize online platforms to stay connected virtually. Sharing resources and discussing coursework with peers can provide valuable insights and alleviate any stress during such a busy time.

Incorporate Study into Holiday Traditions

Who said learning can’t be fun and festive? Transform your seasonal celebrations into study opportunities by reviewing your study guide while waiting for dinner to cook or taking a practice test in between decorating. Stuck near campus? Organize celebrations with your classmates and integrate study time in between the games and camaraderie. By integrating studying into your festive activities, you’ll make it both effective and enjoyable, ensuring that you make every moment count.

With the right preparation and attitude, you won’t need holiday magic to succeed during this festive time of year. Herzing University is proud to support students in their pursuit of impactful degrees across a variety of fields. From our family to yours, we wish you a safe, happy and successful holiday season!