Now that we’re in the middle of the holiday season, it’s safe to say that homework, tests, and class projects are the last thing you want to think about—at least for the next few weeks. With all the free time now on your hands, it’s easy to get swept away by all the season’s festivities. And before you know it, you’re a day out from going back to school and find yourself scrambling to finish homework and reading assignments you may have been assigned over the winter break. We’re all for experiencing the magic of the season with your friends and loved ones, but for students like you, setting time aside to stay productive during the holidays should also be at the top of your priorities.

How to Stay Productive During the Holidays

Holiday activities are centered around relaxation and spending time with friends and family. For students, it’s a chance to rest and recharge after months of grueling schoolwork. But just because you’re away from your classrooms for the next few weeks doesn’t mean you can get away with putting off any school-related tasks until the very last minute. And even if you’re lucky enough not to have been assigned any writing assignments or research to do over the holidays, it’s still a good idea to stay on top of your studies.

That said, we understand that no student wants to spend their winter break buried in textbooks. So here are some easy steps you can do to stay productive during the holidays—without missing out on all the holiday cheer and merrymaking.

1. Plan your holiday schedule.

One of the things we often hear students say as to why they struggle to study during the holidays is simply having no time for it in their schedule. We get it. Between hitting the slopes or your Chemistry book, the choice is obvious. But here’s how you can do both: Create a schedule for your holiday activities from the start, and make sure to include your study time. And instead of following a strict timeslot, consider using deadlines and goals. This prevents your plan from falling apart when an unexpected or surprise event suddenly lands on your lap. Did your teacher assign a book to read over the winter break? Give yourself a week to finish it and allot two to three hours every day to read a few chapters. Take the book with you if you’re going out of town, so you can read during your downtime.

2. Reflect on your school performance.

Use your time away from school to evaluate how you’ve done so far. If you started the year with specific goals in mind—like getting an A in Pre-Algebra or finishing all the research for your senior thesis before the next semester—ask yourself if you’re still on track to achieving those. If not, be honest with yourself. Find out what causes your difficulties and go from there. You may need to readjust your goals or find a more effective strategy to help you get to the finish line.

3. Catch up on your notes.

Taking notes is crucial when studying, but even the best note-takers can still fall behind, particularly when tackling an overwhelming amount of information. But just because the semester is over doesn’t mean you can ignore the things you’ve missed or forgotten to jot down. Chances are, that information will come up again once you return to your classes. Take advantage of your holiday break, and go over your books and syllabus. You can fill the gaps in your notes without worrying about new content. You can also ask to borrow a classmate’s notes and compare them with what you have. Reviewing and writing notes is also a good way to refresh your memory about the things you’ve learned in the last couple of months.

4. Study in small chunks.

Although you’re encouraged to stay productive during the holidays, your winter break is still—first and foremost—your time to rest and relax. You’re not expected to sit and study for 8 hours as if you’re in class. Instead, try studying in smaller but more frequent chunks. The time chunking method suggests working on tasks for 25 to 30 minutes at a time and then taking a five-minute break in between. You can do this for two to three hours during your study day, so you still have plenty of time to do other activities. Time chunking is effective because it doesn’t overwork and force your brain to focus on a task for longer periods and limits the tendency to procrastinate.

5. Stay ahead of your classes.

You never want to be caught off guard when it comes to your studies. One of the best reasons you would want to stay productive during the holidays is to make sure you’re on top of your lessons for the coming semester. While you’re not expected to master every item in your next semester’s syllabus, it’s a good idea to do some advanced reading during your winter break. By familiarizing yourself with the topics beforehand, you can better prepare yourself for areas you may need extra help with.

6. Schedule tutoring sessions.

And speaking of extra help, your holiday break is the best time to sign up and schedule tutoring lessons. This is particularly important if you need to catch up on past lessons that you may have struggled with or get a head start on topics that will be covered once classes resume. However, we know that your holiday schedule can fill up pretty quickly, so your best option is to find an online tutoring service that can give you the flexibility of learning whenever and wherever you are.

7. Reward yourself.

It’s the holidays, after all! As much as we want you to make studying one of your priorities and stay productive during the holidays, it’s also just as important that you have fun and give yourself plenty of time to bask in the joys of the season. Treat yourself to activities you truly enjoy and want to do—not just parties you’re forced to attend. It’s perfectly okay to say no to events from time to time if you prefer the quiet of home. Use this time to practice simple self-care, like meditation, afternoon naps, or a short walk to your local coffee shop to get yourself your favorite cup of seasonal latte.

Virtual Math and Science Tutoring with Stemly

Stemly Tutoring offers comprehensive virtual one-on-one STEM tutoring for all students. Our friendly, highly trained, and professional math and science tutoring experts can help you stay productive during the holidays with fun, engaging, and individualized tutoring plans that target your specific needs and goals—whether it’s getting a head start on the upcoming semester or filling learning gaps from your past lessons. All tutoring lessons are conducted online, giving you the advantage of having a flexible schedule throughout the holidays while allowing you to stay on top of your studies.

Our math and science tutors are experienced in teaching a wide variety of students and have extensive knowledge of local curriculums.

Stemly’s math and science tutoring services include Pre-Algebra tutoring, Algebra 1 tutoring, Algebra 2 tutoring, Geometry tutoring, Trigonometry tutoring, Pre-Calculus tutoring, Calculus 1 tutoring, Calculus 2 tutoring, Multivariable Calculus tutoring, Statistics tutoring, General Physics tutoring, Mechanics tutoring, Electricity & Magnetism tutoring, General Chemistry tutoring, Organic Chemistry tutoring, General Biology tutoring, and Biochemistry tutoring. We also offer AP math and science tutoring, including AP Calculus AB tutoring, AP Calculus BC tutoring, AP Physics 1 tutoring, AP Physics 2 tutoring, AP Physics C tutoring, AP Chemistry, and AP Biology tutoring.

Reach out to Stemly Tutoring today to learn more about how we can help you stay productive during the holidays!