Getting motivated

[Deleted User]

Hi everyone,

I've just had almost 2 weeks off uni (well it will be when I go back on Monady) due to a broken wrist. Although It isn't the hand that I write with due to complcations with the break, ie it was displaced, and then swelled so much my cast was too tight, i've not done any uni work, although I have nothing major due.

Since the break I've not done a scrap of work as its been the last thing on my mind, although in hte last 2 days I've started to feel better I've been reading PP I've missed in lectures, but they seem out of place as I've got nothing to back it up with as I'm not at uni... iykwim

Anyways, I'm due back on Monday and I've got no motivation what so ever, my arms really painful and I feel so tired from not sleeping. I need to get my bum in gear or I'm really going to fall even more behind.

I know it my sound silly, but how can I motivate myself to get back in the swing.

SL x

MrsManda

After spending lots of time off university for illness I understand some of what you mean. The way I try to get back in to work mode is to work out what needs to be done - what lectures I've missed which need writing up, what work needs handing in etc... If there's any actual deadlines I put those to the top of the list.
And then I chose the thing I find most interesting off the list and do that.
It doesn't have to be the most urgent or the biggest piece of work, simply chose it because it's something interesting.
Doing that one piece of work generally sets me off on a roll and reminds me why I'm doing the course I'm doing. And it's very satisfying to cross something off a list

It does take a while to get back into things especially when you are in pain but try to take things in bite sized chunks and take a break after each piece of work - I also find having a small box of expensive chocolates around quite useful - one chocolate to savour after successfully completing a piece of work works wonders for my motivation at times.

Good luck

Nadeshka

I second the list idea especially if there's a lot of things to do and they're beginning to stack up. I always write lists, and I can tell you since the beginning of the year it has never been empty! But it's so reassuring to write it all down, then at least you know what to tackle and how long it should realistically take you.
The satisfaction of crossing something off motivates me. That and the deadlines I write in big letters next to everything. And a little reward after each one is good too.:D (Chocolate is a good one.)
I also tend to draw up a timetable for when I have a lot of self-study work to do, and I'm far more likely to stick to it then, I tend to divide it up into no more than 2 hours of one things at a time (take small breaks here and there).

mellymeep

I've just re-motivated myself after a week off because of hurting my back slipping on ice by taking a trip to WHSmith and buying new stationary, a nice file and a nice notebook and going through the powerpoints of lectures I've missed and making notes then sorting all my paperwork out into an organised filing system

I dunno if it'll help, I'm a bit wierd... I love buying stationary haha

Char_pdc

Hi

I can sympathise with this - I completely screwed my shoulder up in the final year of my undergrad - had to take a month off. Not good. I second the list idea and sorting yourself out. It may seem like a lot you'll have to do, but at least you will know it.

Also, is there a form at your uni to submit for missing uni for illness. At mine, if you miss more than 3 days you are meant to let them know, even if you don't have any deadlines? They may take it into consideration if you are borderline for a mark?

[Deleted User]

Thank you all for your replies, I see a list is a comon theme, so will most defintely start there, with a nice reward too lol.

I've got no classes till Monday aft, so think I'll start by going through all missed lectures etc, writing up and highlighting anything I need further info/clarificaion.

I've been in touch with uni since the day of my break, I'm supposed to be sitting a psych exam on Wed but they are putting in an extenuating (sp) circumstances form as I missed the last 2 lectures/sems. The only thing that worries me is the form goes in Monday, and I don't get the result til Fri (AFTER THE EXAM) which means if i get turned down I do get a re sit, but they cap my mark at 40%.

It's strange because I've felt nothing but guilt since my break that I've missed so much time, when really I couldn't help it, but I hate missing classes.

But again, thanks for the ideas, a list seems so obvious now, and also doesn't seem such a daunting task, and hopfully will get me in the flo nice and smoothly.

SL X

Masomnia

Hi Sallylizzie, I totally sympathize as well, motivation is a big issue for me.

I think it may help you to write down a list of reasons you're at university, what you want out of it, where you want it to lead you in life.

Then write how you're going to achieve that, break everything down into small chunks and take everything a step at a time. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Good luck!

[Deleted User]

Masomnia wrote: »

Hi Sallylizzie, I totally sympathize as well, motivation is a big issue for me.

I think it may help you to write down a list of reasons you're at university, what you want out of it, where you want it to lead you in life.

Then write how you're going to achieve that, break everything down into small chunks and take everything a step at a time. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Good luck!

Thanks, I'll try that, I'm just so tired, up early with the kids for school, then, since my fall, doing nothing all day and going to bed at 8ish. I'm sure this doesn't help me,but i feel so sleepy and when i'm asleep my arm doesn't hurt.

Of course, it's only a break, it's not the worst pain ever, but I'm surprised how it's knocked my determination iykwim.

SL x