Procrastinating to start studying again

Getting back into a study routine after a break can be tough, but you're not alone. Start by setting clear goals and creating a schedule that works for you. Take small steps and ease into studying, focusing on topics you find interesting or easier. Use active learning techniques like solving practice questions and taking regular breaks to keep your mind fresh. You've got this!

@Achali Hi,  I'm really sorry to hear about your exam results; that must be tough. It sounds like you're feeling disappointed and finding it challenging to get back into a study routine after a break. It's completely understandable to feel this way. One way to start might be by setting small, achievable goals to gradually build up your study habits again. Creating a daily schedule with dedicated study times and breaks can also help. Remember to be kind to yourself and take it one step at a time. You’ve already shown great resilience by planning to attempt again in November. It might feel hard to get started, but once you start to do, your inner strength will help you go much further than you expect. You've got this!

@Achali

I’ve been there before myself. Granted it wasn’t a medical exam but studies are studies and if you get off of studying or anything else for that matter and stay off of it for a week or a month or longer, it’ll be hard to get back on it. How hard it is ultimately depends on how long you’ve been off of it. 

If you have any distractions, unplug them from your life temporarily. If it’s any devices, turn/leave them off. If it’s your phone I’d be courteous enough to tell my friends and other people that I care about that you’re gonna keep your phone off for (insert amount of time depending upon how much time you decided to keep it off each day you study) so you won’t have any distractions from your phone while you study. If it’s your tv or your personal computer, keep them off or turn them off and then unplug them. If it’s noise, you can keep your door and/or window closed or wear earplugs or buy them if you don’t have them. Things like this cover distractions. 

If you need to get motivated again after being away from studying for 4 months, then tell yourself why you need to study and all the positive ways it’ll benefit you and write them down and hang them up next to your bed and in your study environment like on the wall where you can see it while you’re sitting at your desk studying. 

If you need to get back on track, then start. Once you start, the pieces of the puzzle as they say will eventually fall into the right place so don’t get frustrated or stressed out if you’re not back on the focus track yet in the beginning. Be gentle and patient and kind with yourself. You’ll eventually get back there if you keep at it and never give up.

@Achali

Hi Achali! I understand how getting back to a routine can be challenging. I admire your persistence in trying again. For me, what helps me to set new study routines or approaching difficult tasks is breaking it into smaller pieces. Doing a to-do or a normal list with everything you need to study, organizing a space for you to study, turning your phone off and starting small, like 10 minutes on the first, and gradually increasing. Small steps make a huge path! Great look on your journey, and feel free to reach out if you need support.

@Achali Hey, I can totally understand how tough it must feel to get back into studying after some time off, especially after all the effort you put into the medical entrance exam. It's completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at the thought of jumping back into it.

The first step is just to take it one day at a time. Start small, maybe set aside short periods of time to study each day and gradually increase it as you get back into the routine. Don’t be too hard on yourself if it feels a bit slow at first. It’s all about easing back into it at your own pace. Also, it might help to create a study plan, breaking things down into manageable chunks so it doesn’t feel too daunting. And remember, it’s okay to take breaks when you need them, and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way. You’ve already proven you’ve got the dedication to keep pushing, and I’m sure you’ll find your groove again soon. You’ve got this, and we're all here rooting for you!💪✨💛

@Achali During the four months you were off school, what changed for you – about yourself, about how you view exams? I think if you find that “deep personal reason” why you want to be a doctor, that will be a strong motivation for you to restart your studies, not just for the grades, but for the future you dream of. Wacky Flip

@Achali

Hi Achali! I'm sorry to hear that you did not get selected. I understand how disappointing it must be - rejection is hard and I also know that firsthand. I think the best place to start is to simply get your foot in the door. Try taking a few minutes out of your day to simply review notes, etc. As a student, I've found that it's easier to study after you simply start. I wish you nothing but the best of luck for your exam in November - you got this!

@Achali

Hey, thank you for sharing how you’re feeling, it’s totally normal to find it tough to jump back into studying after a break, especially with something as important as a medical entrance exam.

It can be important to remember to start small and build momentum gradually rather than trying to dive in full force right away. For example, set a very manageable goal for your first day or week, create a simple, realistic daily routine that you can stick to consistently. Consistency beats intensity at first, try to study at the same time each day to build a habit and break your material into smaller chunks so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

Also, it can help to reflect on what made your previous routine work well (if any parts did) and what got in the way. That can help you design a plan that suits you better this time.

What motivates you about becoming a doctor? Holding onto that “why” can be a powerful way to keep going when it feels tough.

How do you usually like to study; alone, with friends, using videos, flashcards? Knowing what works best for you can make starting easier too.

You’ve already proven resilience by preparing for this exam once, this time, you can build on that experience. You’ve got this! <3