How do you keep up with research without feeling overwhelmed?

1

Hello! I'm in the middle of my studies and constantly feel like there's too much to read and not enough time. Between papers, reports, and everything else, I sometimes wonder how people manage to stay on top of it all. I recently started using an app that summarizes and reads research articles to me, which has helped a lot, but I'm curious... what are your strategies? Do you use any tools, techniques, or hacks to keep up without burning out??

Reply 1

overcaffeinated

3

Original post

by jrayocort

Hello! I'm in the middle of my studies and constantly feel like there's too much to read and not enough time. Between papers, reports, and everything else, I sometimes wonder how people manage to stay on top of it all. I recently started using an app that summarizes and reads research articles to me, which has helped a lot, but I'm curious... what are your strategies? Do you use any tools, techniques, or hacks to keep up without burning out??

I use audemic scholar, it's pretty decent and they have features aimed at people with dyslexia or ADHD, in fact, in the UK they work with the DSA and can be covered by your uni

Reply 2

AIandChill

1

I usually break things down into three steps: 1) Prioritize what’s actually worth reading (abstracts and conclusions first), then dive deeper if needed. 2) Use AI tools like Perplexity for quick overviews before committing to a full read. 3) Keep everything organized in Zotero so I don’t lose track of useful papers

Reply 3

gjd800

20

The first step is realizing that you don't actually need to close-read (or even read at all) everything

Reply 4

University of Bath

Official Rep

14

Original post

by jrayocort

Hello! I'm in the middle of my studies and constantly feel like there's too much to read and not enough time. Between papers, reports, and everything else, I sometimes wonder how people manage to stay on top of it all. I recently started using an app that summarizes and reads research articles to me, which has helped a lot, but I'm curious... what are your strategies? Do you use any tools, techniques, or hacks to keep up without burning out??

Hi there,

You've already had some great advice - just wanted to let you know how I managed with my reading-heavy psychology degree:

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Yes, as has been said read the abstracts first, then the conclusions section. But don't ignore the intros as they can contain a lot of important and interesting points which could give you inspo for your assignments!

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Understand that you don't need to read everything. You are only human, so do what you can but understand that you don't need to go through every item - start with the compulsories and the extra ones you think will be most interesting for you and then go to the rest if you have time.

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Make a timetable on your phone - set aside a slot per day to go through 1-3 items on your to-read list. I'd recommend 1-2 hours each day outside your lectures and assignment work to make sure you're on track with your reading lists.

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Try not to spend too much time in the evening reading/working - if it works for you, then go for it! But its very important that you have a cut off point in your day when you can stop and wind down - it helps protect you from burnout and keeps your motivation.

I hope some of this helps - best of luck 🙂

Holly
University of Bath

Reply 5

adamrogers

1

Well, I can't say that I'm not feeling overwhelmed because sometimes it feels like there is no end to those tasks, but now everything is not that bad.
I always prioritize tasks and start working on complicated ones as soon as I get them.
I don't use specific tools, only Grammarly, which helps me with papers. The most complicated thing for me is doing writing tasks, so that's why they are my top priority, and I always try to start them in advance. It takes a lot of time to find, read, analyze info, and write something. I use only Grammarly, and from time to time, I read some guides or other articles that can help me improve my structure or something else. Here is one informative post https://onlineassignmentexpert.net/how-long-should-an-abstract-be-for-a-research-paper/ I found it earlier this week when I was working on such a paper, and it actually provided me with some useful information. Research papers are my least favourite, and I'm always a little anxious to work on them, but some extra information always helps.

(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 6

De Montfort University

Official Rep

17

Original post

by jrayocort

Hello! I'm in the middle of my studies and constantly feel like there's too much to read and not enough time. Between papers, reports, and everything else, I sometimes wonder how people manage to stay on top of it all. I recently started using an app that summarizes and reads research articles to me, which has helped a lot, but I'm curious... what are your strategies? Do you use any tools, techniques, or hacks to keep up without burning out??

Hey there 😃

I totally get it! Reading and writing can get easily overwhelming. I struggled for a long time too, constantly feeling burnt out and discouraged because I wasn’t managing my time effectively. The workload felt out of control, and that only added to my stress and anxiety.

The biggest breakthrough? 💡 Taking control of my time! Now, I always start my term with a solid plan 🗓️ I check the required reading and assignment deadlines. I break everything down into manageable chunks and spread them out weekly and daily. I make sure to schedule breaks and fun activities, because without them, burnout hits fast!

The result? ✨ I’m on top of my tasks, stress-free, and still have time to unwind! My well-being has improved hugely, and the best part? Time management is a highly valued skill by employers, so it’s a win-win! 🚀

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, give it a try. It might just be the game-changer you need!

I hope it will be helpful 💪 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.

Take care,

Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University

Reply 7

AIandChill

1

Some great points here! I also try to skim abstracts and conclusions first, but even that feels like too much sometimes when deadlines pile up. One thing that’s really helped me is Audemic Scholar (I discovered them because they collaborated with my uni). I just listen to key insights while walking to class or doing other stuff, and it makes things stick better. I don’t feel like I’m drowning in PDFs anymore. If you have ADHD or struggle with focus, it can be a game-changer.

Reply 8

hallamstudents

Official Rep

18

Original post

by jrayocort

Hello! I'm in the middle of my studies and constantly feel like there's too much to read and not enough time. Between papers, reports, and everything else, I sometimes wonder how people manage to stay on top of it all. I recently started using an app that summarizes and reads research articles to me, which has helped a lot, but I'm curious... what are your strategies? Do you use any tools, techniques, or hacks to keep up without burning out??

Hi @jrayocort ,

I am currently in my third year so know how you feel! It can feel overwhelming when you have lots to do and keep up with, so here are some of my tips for staying on top of things:

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Like you said, it's a good idea to use websites which summarise PDF's or other documents for you. They can often take the best parts out or you can specify what you need to learn about and this can be summarised for you. They are really helpful, but I would always say just be careful when using AI as you don't want to be penalised.

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Creating a schedule is something that always helps me. I always feel a lot more productive and on top of my work when I know what I am doing each week and have a schedule. This means I can focus on what I need to do each day, rather than worrying about how much I need to do and not being able to focus.

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Try and get little bits done each week. When you have reading each week to do, try and stay on top of this as much as you can as otherwise it can get a little bit overwhelming when you have lots to do when it comes to writing your assignments.

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Similarly, try and write bits of your assignment as you go along. This will make it a lot easier when it comes to finishing it off and you can also try and show your tutors as you go along which is quite helpful!

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If you are struggling to do all your reading, just prioritise what you really need to do and then just do as much of this as you can. As long as you have done what you need to do for your assignment, it will be alright so don't worry too much.

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador 🙂

How do you keep up with research without feeling overwhelmed?

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