How To Study When You Don’t Feel Like It (And Still Smash Your Exams!)
Let’s be honest. There are days when you open your books, look at your notes and just sigh. Nothing enters. Zero vibes. You don’t feel like reading, and your brain is shouting, “Abeg, rest!” But deep down, you know exams are around the corner and that rest won’t write that paper for you.
So, what do you do when you’re stuck in that “I no get strength to read” mood? That “my brain don off” feeling? The truth is, even the most brilliant students struggle with motivation sometimes. But what separates the winners from the worriers is what they do in those moments.
If you’ve ever stared at your books and felt like crying, keep reading. This post is for you.
1. Start Small – Like, Really Small
One major mistake students make is thinking they must spend three straight hours reading like a robot. Sis, you’re not a machine. If you’re feeling low, start with 10 minutes. Just 10.
Tell yourself, “I’ll just read one page.” That’s all. No pressure. You’d be surprised at how starting small can trick your brain into doing more. Once you get in, the flow can come naturally.
Remember, starting is half the battle. So stop waiting to feel motivated. Just start. Even if it’s with one line.
2. Romanticize Your Study Life
This one is my personal favorite. If you’re going to study, you might as well make it sweet.
Clean your study space. Light a scented candle (yes, even if NEPA is misbehaving). Play low instrumental music in the background. Pour yourself a chilled cup of Zobo, or get some snacks. Make the whole vibe soft.
Set the mood like you’re about to read for the Met Gala. It sounds silly, but it works. When you romanticize studying, it becomes less of a punishment and more of a lifestyle.
Make studying look sexy. Period.
3. Use the “5-Minute Rule”
Here’s a cheat code: Tell yourself you’ll only study for five minutes.
That’s it.
Most times, that first five minutes will make the difference between wasting the whole day and actually getting things done. And if after five minutes, you still don’t feel like it? At least you tried.
But 9 out of 10 times, your brain will be like, “Since we’ve started, let’s continue small.” And before you know it, one hour has passed.
This rule is so underrated, but very powerful.
4. Find Your Study Tribe
There’s something about suffering together that makes life easier. Studying with friends — even if it’s online — can spark motivation like magic.
Join a WhatsApp group for students, or create one with your classmates. Start daily check-ins. “What are you reading today?” “How many pages did you finish?” That tiny accountability can keep you on your toes.
Nobody wants to be the one always saying, “I never start.” So when your squad is on fire, you’ll feel the heat too.
Just make sure it’s not the same group where you gist about BBNaija and forget your books. Balance it well.
5. Break It Down – Like Fried Plantain
You wouldn’t eat a full yam in one bite, would you? So why try to swallow an entire textbook in one night?
Break your study materials into small, juicy pieces. Instead of saying, “I’ll finish this chapter today,” say, “I’ll read these three subheadings this morning, then continue later.”
Use bullet points. Create colorful summaries. Draw diagrams. Record voice notes and play them while cooking or walking.
Make your brain’s work easier. Feed it in small chunks. Trust me, even fried plantain tastes better in bits.
6. Reward Yourself Like a Queen
Even God rested after creating the world in six days. So why are you reading like a machine with no reward?
Create a reward system for yourself. “If I study this topic, I’ll watch one episode of my favorite series.” Or “After this past question, I’ll treat myself to suya or popcorn.”
Motivation increases when there’s something sweet waiting at the end. And don’t feel guilty. Rewards are part of the hustle.
Just make sure the reward doesn’t turn into a full-day distraction. Balance is key.
7. Change Environment – Your Brain Might Be Bored
Sometimes, it’s not you. It’s your environment. That same bed where you sleep is now where you want to read? Nah. Your brain is confused.
Try switching locations. If you’ve been reading in your room, move to the sitting room. Try a library, a café, or even outside under a tree. The change in scenery can refresh your focus.
Even if it’s just for 30 minutes, that mental reset can work wonders.
8. Use Study Playlists and Apps
Forget lo-fi beats and fake piano music for a second. There are actual apps and playlists designed to boost focus.
Spotify has study playlists. YouTube too. Or try apps like Forest (where you grow a tree while you study) or Pomodoro timers that give you breaks after every 25 minutes.
Technology is your friend — use it to drag yourself out of laziness. Set timers. Track your progress. Gamify the process.
If you’re always on your phone, make your phone work for you.
9. Read Out Loud – Like You’re Teaching Someone
When you don’t feel like reading, pretend you’re teaching a stubborn younger sibling who won’t listen unless you explain with fire.
Reading out loud helps you stay alert. It forces your brain to engage. And if you’re feeling sleepy, walk around while reading.
Talk to yourself like you’re giving TED Talks. If someone enters the room, act normal. We move.
Just do what it takes to make that knowledge stick.
10. Write It, Don’t Just Read It
This one works especially when your brain is on strike. Don’t just sit and stare at words.
Take a notebook and start writing key points. Draw arrows. Use colors. Rewrite definitions in your own words.
Writing helps you remember. It forces you to process, not just passively absorb. And it breaks the boredom of “just reading.”
Even if your handwriting looks like chicken scratch, it’s your effort that matters.
11. Pray and Power Up
Let’s be real — some battles are not just physical. If you’ve tried everything and still feel mentally blocked, take a moment and pray.
Ask God for strength, clarity, and wisdom. There’s something powerful about saying, “Lord, I can’t do this alone. Help me.”
Even if you’re not religious, take a quiet moment. Breathe. Meditate. Center yourself.
Mental strength comes from within — and sometimes, from above.
12. Cut Out Guilt – It Drains Motivation
Stop beating yourself up for not reading since morning. That guilt? It’s energy-draining.
Instead of saying, “I’ve wasted so much time,” say, “I still have time to do something now.”
Focus on the next step, not yesterday’s laziness. Nobody reads 24/7. Even first-class students get tired.
Forgive yourself. Then pick up the book and try again.
13. Fake the Mood – Until It’s Real
You don’t always need motivation. Sometimes, you need vibes.
Put on your reading glasses, tie your hair in a bun, arrange your desk like you’re ready — even if your heart isn’t. Pretend.
Act like you’re motivated, and your body will follow. It’s called behavioral activation. Actors do it. Champions do it.
You too can fake your way to focus.
14. Remember Why You Started
Finally, when all else fails, sit down and remember why you’re doing this.
Is it for your future? Your family? That dream job? That scholarship?
Think about your goals. Visualize the day you’ll get your results and smile. Picture your graduation day. That joy will reignite your fire.
You didn’t come this far to give up. You’ve got this.
Conclusion.
Nobody feels motivated every single day. Not even the people who look like they have it all together.
But what separates top students from average ones is discipline — doing what needs to be done, even when you don’t feel like it.
Start small. Reward yourself. Ask for help. Pray. Fake it if you must. But don’t stop.
Because every time you push through that lazy feeling, you get closer to your dreams.
And when that result sheet comes out and you see your A’s? You’ll be glad you didn’t wait for motivation.
If you found this post helpful, share it with your fellow students who also struggle with motivation. And drop a comment below: What’s your number one tip for studying when you feel lazy?
Let’s help each other win.
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