Top 10 Tips to Regain Positive Study Energy After the Pandemic

Studying doesn't have to be as boring and challenging as you might think if you find the right interest in it. Every subject and field of study contains its own intriguing logic. Once you answer the question: 'Why do I enjoy learning this?', you’re ready to adopt the most effective study methods. Begin by creating an inspiring study environment, with plenty of space, peace, and a well-organized schedule.

In his book "I Am Gifted, So Are You!" author Adam Khoo introduces the concept of the "Mind Map", which helps you memorize vast amounts of knowledge in the shortest time. This mind map is a great suggestion to help you absorb even the most complex and hard-to-remember topics after a long break from studying. The "Mind Map" essentially involves breaking down large amounts of information into smaller ideas (similar to branches of a tree) using arrows that connect them. To study effectively, you need to understand the issue, summarize it, memorize it, and revise related knowledge. Be persistent in self-study, ask your friends and teachers for help, and boost your study energy positively!

Recharging and maintaining positive study energy is just as important as knowing how to generate it in the first place. Treat yourself to your favorite snacks, enjoy some calming music, or simply take a good nap after a long day of studying and working hard. This is a simple way to let your body rest, relax, and enhance your positive mindset. However, be wise when choosing your relaxation activities—avoid falling into time-wasting habits like video games, pointless social gatherings, or sharing irrelevant information.

If you find yourself unable to focus on your studies, with your mind feeling dull and your energy low, take a break. Spend time doing things you enjoy, such as watching a movie, dining with someone you like, or reading a book. Doing what you love is the best way to refresh your mind, boost your mood, and encourage a positive attitude that will bring back your study motivation and concentration.

However, limit your break to just 5-10 minutes, and avoid getting too carried away. During your study sessions, reward yourself for your efforts and achievements by taking time for leisure activities you enjoy, according to your preferences.

Books are a vast treasure of knowledge for humanity. Sometimes, you can find incredible energy from the small words written on pages. Maintaining the habit of reading daily not only provides useful information on various topics but also enhances your vocabulary and understanding. Choose books that interest you, read them slowly, and savor the fascinating insights within. By doing this, you open the door for positive energy to flood your mind.

Carrying a book with you is also a great way to relax. Pick a book that you enjoy and can easily comprehend, making it more accessible for you to absorb its content. Make it a habit to read regularly and take notes on useful information to further expand your knowledge.

Even when you're on your way to work, school, or having fun, you can still create positive energy. Simply observing a beautiful road, a tree, a house, or anyone who catches your attention can stimulate your brain to produce positive energy. So, take advantage of your daily commute to seek and regenerate your energy. Whether you're traveling by personal or public transportation, use that time to listen to the sounds and stories of life to enrich your knowledge!

It's important to also maintain a calm state of mind. While this can be challenging, especially with the stress and anxiety many students face before exams, you need to explore ways to relieve tension and reignite your enthusiasm for studying to ease your thoughts. Utilize your travel time to prepare your mind and relax before heading to class.

When you return to studying after a break, it's easy to lose focus. During times when you're not feeling your most concentrated or motivated, it's best to start with the subjects that are easier to grasp before tackling the more challenging ones. This approach allows you to keep progressing effectively while gradually regaining your enthusiasm. So, if you're struggling with a tough topic, set it aside and focus on something simpler instead.

Once you've regained your motivation, move on to more difficult subjects. Remember, it's not a good idea to stick with one subject for too long—mix things up by studying 3 to 4 different subjects. This strategy will help maintain your energy and prevent boredom, keeping your interest alive throughout your studies.

To stay motivated in your studies, it's helpful to list what inspires you to work harder. These motivations could include both external and internal factors. For example:

• External factors like receiving a scholarship, praise from your parents, or rewards from school or family.
• Internal factors such as gaining a deeper understanding of a subject, increasing your knowledge, or achieving high exam scores.

Consider these motivations as goals to strive for. Track your progress in a notebook, noting what you've accomplished and how you've been rewarded, along with specific dates, to see how far you've come.

During your studies, distractions may arise from external factors, such as friends calling or asking you to hang out, or background noise from a TV or others talking. These factors can be hard to control. Therefore, it's important to clearly define your goals and focus on them when you find yourself losing concentration, allowing you to resume studying effectively after the long break.

Studying is a long journey, often lasting a lifetime. The source of inspiration for studying is limitless, and it's our duty to tap into it. Many believe that by creating a productive mindset, we can push ourselves to study harder. While no one can deny this, pressure may drive you to immerse yourself in books, but it can also become a double-edged sword that can break your spirit at any moment.

Today, especially among young people, mental health issues like depression and social withdrawal often stem from the pressure and expectations tied to academic performance. Therefore, always maintain a relaxed and calm mindset when it comes to studying. Even though the pandemic may have delayed your study plans and affected your goals, don’t let the pressure overwhelm you. It's natural to feel this pressure as you restart after the break, but understand that it is an external factor, and you should stay calm and determined to continue with your academic plans. A positive mindset will help you study more effectively than if you let stress take control.

"Health is wealth" – you cannot study effectively if your body is always tired and weak. According to scientists, good health helps to keep the mind sharp and enables quicker, more accurate decision-making. To maintain good health, you need to have a workout plan and make it a daily habit that you can't skip.

Depending on your available time, you should choose exercises like walking, sports, or any physical activity that boosts your fitness and endurance. After a long period of staying inactive during the pandemic, your body might have gotten used to a slow, relaxed pace. Start working on your health right away to restore the positive energy. Along with exercising, you should also avoid harmful habits like eating too much spicy food, staying up too late, or abusing stimulants.

How much time do you spend on social media and entertainment every day? If you want to generate positive energy, it's time to step away from these smart devices! Studies have shown that people who spend one hour looking at their phone screens before bedtime often suffer from visual strain, disrupted sleep (shallow sleep, tossing and turning, waking up tired), and slower concentration compared to those who don’t have this habit.

Everyone only has 24 hours in a day to accomplish everything, so don’t waste time on trivial things or mindless entertainment. People with positive energy know how to use their smart devices in the most productive way. For example, instead of scrolling through Facebook, liking posts, or reading sensational, pointless news, choose to read blogs and magazines that are related to your studies. Save those useful sources and use them in the smartest way possible.

Before leaving home in the morning, make it a habit to note down the tasks for the day in a notebook and review your progress before going to bed. The human brain isn’t a machine, and sometimes we can't remember every little task for the day. A well-structured schedule helps you balance your time, prioritize important tasks, and track your progress.

When it comes to studying, a balanced schedule becomes even more crucial. Besides the time spent with teachers and classmates, set aside some study time at home to deepen your understanding. The moment you find enjoyment in learning is when your positive energy is at its peak. Experts advise that the human brain functions at its best around 4-6 AM, so make sure to get to bed before 11 PM to recharge for the next day.