Looking for Serious Motivation

Student Lounge College Life
1

Hi everyone,

I’m currently a Pre-Nursing student. I am taking Anatomy, Chemistry, and Psychology and currently maintaining A averages in all of them which I am very proud of. I have a 100 in Chemistry, a 95 in Anatomy, and a 106% in Psychology because I did extra credit for Psychology. Every day I come home and study constant hours to make sure I get that A. However, it has taken a toll on my health - I have lost sleep, feel sad and depressed, and mostly under anxiety. Additionally, all I do is study which makes me miserable haha.

I have two big exams this week that can make or break me. I have worked very hard up to this point and now I have that, “who cares,” attitude. I never get a break to be honest. Every week for one class I always have quizzes for and have done really well on them but the problem is I NEVER get a break. I have noticed since this semester started most of my exams fall on the same week. It makes me stressed and tired, but I have done well so far. Since this semester began, I never have taken a day off. My weekends all I do is study, along with weekdays.

Anyone have advice for motivation when taking a rigorous or stressful course load? I need to push through. I know I can do this, but with all of the work I have done I want a break but I know I can’t have one because these two exams cover A LOT of material.

Every response is greatly appreciated.

2

There’s no magic solution. Taking breaks and having time to relax is essential to avoid burnout, which is what I think you’re experiencing at the moment. If you know anyone who’s also a pre-Nursing student, ask them whether they’re also constantly studying. Because I know my freshman year, 80% of the reason why I was studying all the time was because I wanted good grades to the point of being afraid of getting anything less than an A. This could be the case for you as well. I get that you’d have to study a lot when there are upcoming exams with a lot of material, but why the constant studying for weekly quizzes, for example?

3

I worked almost full time to put myself through college and took a max load. When I would feel burned out, I would fantasize about the European vacation I would take when I graduated. It took me until two years after I finished law school, but I took that trip and 30 years later, every second I spent working towards my degrees was worth it.