At this time of year there can be a tendency to put things off till January. However, the festive season offers great opportunities for quality study time if you can find the motivation.
If you’re currently studying for a new qualification here are a few tips for making the most of your time this Christmas:
1) Don’t overheat your brain
As December is one of the coldest months of the year you are bound to want to crank up the central heating. However, be careful you don’t turn the thermostat up too high, as too much warmth can make you feel sleepy and lose concentration. Try opening a window or turning the heating down a little to help keep the room at a good average temperature so you can study at your best.
2) Add some brain food to your Christmas Dinner
People often over-indulge during the festive season but there are many things you can do to make your Christmas dinner more brain-boosting. In fact, you may already be planning to eat brain stimulating favourites such as:
• Smoked salmon and prawn cocktail – You’ve probably been told enough times that fish give you brains and those who told you would be right, as these Christmas favourites are chocked full of brain power boosting Omega 3.
• Cranberries – Packed full of Vitamin C and E and antioxidants, which will help to reduce the effects that too much Christmas drink and food will have on your body.
• Sprouts and other green vegetables – Whether you love them or hate them, the humble Brussel sprout is full of folic acid and Vitamin C, which are both great for boosting your concentration.
• Chestnuts – Whether raw or roasting on an open fire chestnuts are very low in fat and are superb for raising your energy levels.
3) Put peace and quiet on your Christmas list
Christmas is an important time to catch up with friends and family. However if you want to get on with a bit of study during the holidays ask your relatives and friends to give you a helping hand. There are lots of ways to do this from arranging for your parents or siblings to take the kids out to a pantomime, to getting an hour or so of study whilst the family sits down to watch the Christmas Bond movie. These short study sessions will consist of quality quiet time when you can get your best work done.
4) Organise time for work and time for play
With parties to go to, family events to attend and presents to buy, December always feels hectic. However, you may regret dropping your studies completely over the Christmas period when you sit back down in January to begin work again. Be careful to plan ahead for your parties and alter your study schedule accordingly, setting time aside when you know you aren’t too busy. That way you can keep your studies going, whilst making the most of the celebrations.