Studying as exams get closer
Hi, I think there are probably other posts similar to this, but I'm really stuck and I don't know what to do. I have some important tests for all of my subjects containing the content from the the start of last year until our most recent content (so like a ton on content squished into separate tests for each subject). My tests start in around 2 weeks, and though I have made progress, its not enough, and I really need to focus these next few weeks to finish all the content. Some days are better than others, so I am able to be somewhat productive, and get work done, but recently, there have been many days where I just can't focus on studying. I've been having more and more trouble getting out of bed and actually starting my day (where I'm wasting hours), there's been a lack of appetite where I skip meals because I just don't feel like it, and less sleep overall. I really need to focus and get through my work, but it's been so hard and any time I actually manage to get up and try to do work, my mind just works against me and I end up just staring at my books and paper, and not do any actual work a lot of the time. Sometimes, I go to cafes when I have the courage to and when I really need to get off my butt to get work done, but when I went to the cafe the other day, I ended up doing very VERY little work, and definitely not nearly enough to make significant progress through my course and syllabus. Usually, as deadlines get closer, I find myself doing the work, but even the urgency in this case of the exams isn't motivating me. Any advice on how you increase your productivity quickly and tips to help me focus on my work? Any techniques you personally use to help motivate you especially when days are worse than usual?
Posted Jan 7, 2026, 3:08 PM UTC