How to Keep Your Study Program in check During the Holidays

Kristie Overstreet Ph.D., LPCC, LMHC, LPC, CST

The idea of having to study for your exam during the holidays can be depressing. People around you are enjoying the holiday festivities, and you feel the pressure of the exam. You can stick to your study schedule and enjoy the holidays. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the holiday but not give up on your study program.

Remind yourself that this is temporary

The pressure and stress you are feeling are only temporary. You are in a period of your life that requires you to sacrifice and work extremely hard. When you pass your exam and move one step closer to getting your license, it will all be worth it. Remembering that you won’t feel like this forever can help you power through.

Plan ahead

Begin to review your study plan before the holiday. Anticipate any issues that may arise especially around travel or family gatherings. Be flexible with your exam prep during this time and build in accountability.

Take a few days off

Since it is the holiday and you deserve a break, plan to take a few days off from studying. Maybe it’s a few days or longer depending on your holiday events. By preparing ahead of time, you will look forward to the break and enjoy it more. Don’t study during your break but remain firm on your return to study date.

Have a defined start and end time

Studying can feel endless and any moment you aren’t studying can make you feel guilty. During your studying, have a start and end time. This definable time is crucial to effective studying. You will also feel more productive and structured. For example, if you have two hours to study start at 10:00 am and stop at 12:00 pm.

Build in breaks

You already know how important it is to build breaks into your study schedule. However, during the holiday season, this is more important because you may have more distractions. Don’t try to study for an hour and a half. Study for 50 minutes then take a 10-minute break. This will keep you focused and feeling more productive.

The holidays are a time of celebration and just because you have to study doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the season. Keeping a structured schedule, taking a few days off, and implementing these tips will allow your progress to stay on track. You won’t get this holiday season back so remember to enjoy it.