How to Tackle a Study Block

Study block is the experience of not being able to study despite knowing that you need to. It can be likened to experiencing writer's block except your task is to review materials for a test or exam. Similar to writer's block, study block is caused by a number of reasons such as stress, anxiety or self-doubt. You can also think of it as a passive form of procrastination. Maybe you are dreading an upcoming exam so you put off studying for it and assume that if you don't deal with it right now, you won't have to worry about it.

To conquer study blocks, you should understand what is causing it in your situation. It may be due anxiety that leads to procrastination. According to Carl Pickhardt Ph.D., procrastination occurs in adolescents ages 13 to 18 when they experience trial independence. Adolescents subconsciously rebel against an authority telling them what to do even if that authority is their own person telling themselves to study. He also observes that adults purposely procrastinate to produce stress, which acts as a motivator. This explains why some individuals admit to studying better when under pressure.

Things You'll Need

  • Study materials
  • Writing devices
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine what is stopping you from studying. It is suggested that the most common causes of writer's block, which can be likened to study blocks, are anxiety and stress. Meditation, listening to calming music, and exercising regularly can help relieve stress.

    • 2

      Devise a plan on what and how to study. Taking on several chapters of material in one sitting can be overwhelming and can burn you out fast. Planning your study session in simple doable steps help you take it easy and do a bit of studying a time to accomplish your goal: being fully-prepared for your exam.

    • 3

      Personalize your study materials. It is difficult to spend hours studying boring materials and personalizing it can help make it more interesting. For example, if you are a visual learner, try illustrating the materials you study.

    • 4

      Offer yourself rewards. When a study block hits you in the middle of a study session, offering yourself a reward when you follow your plan through can become a motivator.

    • 5

      Get physical. Studying large amounts of materials at a time can become stressful on your mind and body. Doing simple exercises like stretching and walking will keep your blood flowing and keep you alert.

    • 6

      Take breaks. Study blocks can sometimes be the result of being burned out from too much work. Taking breaks will help you alleviate the stress. Preoccupying your mind with something else also helps you think more clearly the next time you pick up your books and notes.

    • 7

      Start sooner than you usually would if you cannot help having study blocks. Procrastination is a hard habit to break but if you begin to start sooner than you usually would a little at a time, you are gradually breaking the habit.

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