The festive period is upon us, a time that’s often associated with joy, celebrations, and a break from the routine. Whether you like it or loathe it, one thing we all have in common is going through the process of experiencing ‘Crimbo Limbo’.
If you’re not familiar with the term, it’s the period between Christmas and New Year when people quite frankly don’t know what to do with themselves… or even what day it is! Well, we are here to help you manage your time and find that sense of purpose again through your studies. Trust us, it’ll help curb the boredom that leads to the blur of too much cheese, leftovers, and constant snacking…
Read on for tips from us and our learndirect: Community Hub members on how to beat the Crimbo Limbo!
Set Realistic Goals
The holiday season might not be the ideal time for intense study sessions, but that doesn't mean you have to put your studies on hold entirely. Set realistic and achievable goals for yourself. Break down your coursework into manageable tasks and create a study schedule that accommodates your holiday plans and commitments. This way, you can maintain a sense of accomplishment without overwhelming yourself.
Create a Dedicated Study Space
To combat the Christmas limbo, establish a dedicated study space. This can be particularly helpful if your usual study environment is disrupted by holiday decorations or gatherings. Having a designated area will signal to your brain that it's time to focus, creating a conducive atmosphere for effective studying.
Utilise Productive Breaks
The holiday season often involves breaks and downtime. Instead of letting these moments turn into unproductive stretches, use them wisely. Take short study breaks during family gatherings or utilise quiet mornings to review your notes. By making the most of these pockets of time, you can strike a balance between holiday festivities and academic responsibilities.
Connect with Supportive Networks
The holiday season can be emotionally challenging for some people. If you're facing difficulties like grief or personal issues, don't hesitate to reach out to supportive networks. Connect with friends, classmates, or online communities like our learndirect: Community Hub to share your feelings and seek encouragement. A sense of community can provide emotional support and motivation during challenging times.
Practice Self-Care
Balancing studies and the holidays requires a commitment to self-care. Take time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it's a walk in the crisp winter air, reading a book, or enjoying a favourite holiday treat, self-care is essential for maintaining mental wellbeing.
Reflect and Plan for the Future
Use the holiday season as a time for reflection and planning. Consider your academic goals for the upcoming year and outline a strategy to achieve them. This forward-thinking approach can provide a sense of purpose and motivation, helping you navigate the holiday limbo with a positive mindset.
Tips From Our Community Members
Hear what our learners had to say about how they plan to navigate studying during the holiday season:
“I’m lucky (in a way) that I still work through Christmas/New Year, so I get to keep that normality/routine. I’m off all of the big Christmas dates in exchange for working all the NY dates, and totally plan on not even thinking about my course the 24th, 25th and 26th but otherwise I’m still planning on keeping my routine.” – Maxine
“I have a deadline for the 30th Dec, so I'm planning of getting my official submission done by mid-December so I can enjoy my first Christmas living with the other half without stressing about deadlines. I'll also make sure I'm kind to myself and if studying doesn't happen as I plan, it's OK, it's not the end of the world. A few days off isn't going to mean failure. I'm keeping my current deadline in mind so that I can have the mindset of ‘it's ok’. Preparation for the inevitable feelings of failure, when actually making memories definitely isn't failing!” – Ebzy
“For me, I intend to use a bit of the downtime in between Christmas and New Year to study. It's always such a crash for me after the frantic run up to Christmas - I'll be leaning on this community for support because it'll be the hardest thing to open up my laptop and study, but I know using the time productively will make me feel better.” – Sarah-Jane
Keep Your Structure Through Studying This Christmas
Whether you don't particularly enjoy the holiday season or find it difficult due to personal reasons like grief, maintaining a sense of structure and purpose can be crucial. By planning ahead, you can adopt strategies that will enable you to use your studies as a way to bypass this challenging period with ease.
For those planning on embracing the festivities in full, keeping on top of your studies through the holidays doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. With the above tips, you can strike a balance between academic responsibilities and the festive season. Remember, the key is to find a rhythm that works for you and allows you to enjoy the holiday season while staying on track with your course.
For more study tips and advice, head over to our blog.
