How do you motivate yourself to study?

I'm halfway through A-level exams and burning out.

These exams are so important to me - I need A*AA for Cambridge. I care a lot about studying, and have historically been a great student, but now when I sit at my desk, before I know it, I've wasted hours doing anything but revision.

Putting my phone away doesn't help, I'll just get it out again or use my laptop. I can't focus on the paper in front of me.

What do you do to get motivated?

Reply 1

Calculatorhead

Haha I’m completely burnt out too don’t worry.

If it helps, I tend to set a timer each time I revise for around 20-30 minutes each time to trick my brain into thinking I’m only doing a bit of work (I am a huge procrastinator and I tend to get distracted by other work). You can choose to either take a break for the next 5 minutes or start the timer back up again. It helps to get rid of the impulsive habit of doing other things while working.

If that doesn’t work, I would set a daily period of time maybe to do work (a couple hours in the morning, a few hours in the evening etc) and in those times throw all your electrical devices at a family member and tell them to lock it. If it’s that bad of a problem just ask them no matter what circumstance do not let you access them until a certain time. Print all your stuff out in advance (or put like those locks on your screen that will only allow you to access certain apps in certain periods of time).

I wish you luck because I find it difficult too, you’re not alone. I’m sure your revision will go well

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Original post

by Calculatorhead

Haha I’m completely burnt out too don’t worry.
If it helps, I tend to set a timer each time I revise for around 20-30 minutes each time to trick my brain into thinking I’m only doing a bit of work (I am a huge procrastinator and I tend to get distracted by other work). You can choose to either take a break for the next 5 minutes or start the timer back up again. It helps to get rid of the impulsive habit of doing other things while working.
If that doesn’t work, I would set a daily period of time maybe to do work (a couple hours in the morning, a few hours in the evening etc) and in those times throw all your electrical devices at a family member and tell them to lock it. If it’s that bad of a problem just ask them no matter what circumstance do not let you access them until a certain time. Print all your stuff out in advance (or put like those locks on your screen that will only allow you to access certain apps in certain periods of time).
I wish you luck because I find it difficult too, you’re not alone. I’m sure your revision will go well

Thanks so much for your response, I'll try these! My breakdown last night was a bit overdramatic sorry

And good luck to you too, I really hope everything goes well with you!! 🙂

Reply 3

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

I'm halfway through A-level exams and burning out.
These exams are so important to me - I need A*AA for Cambridge. I care a lot about studying, and have historically been a great student, but now when I sit at my desk, before I know it, I've wasted hours doing anything but revision.
Putting my phone away doesn't help, I'll just get it out again or use my laptop. I can't focus on the paper in front of me.
What do you do to get motivated?

Hi @Anonymous#1

Please don't worry, we all feel like this sometimes. I saw your later comment, you weren't being overdramatic, exams can be pretty overwhelming, especially when it’s late at night, and you have been working so hard on your goal of getting into Cambridge.

It sounds like you have been working your socks off and doing really well, so you should be proud of yourself, and the end is in sight!

My advice (and pick and leave depending on what you find useful):

🧡 Little & often: If you do little and often, to minimise overwhelm and boost your productivity. I find if I know I have something in a couple of hours, like a call with a friend, then I will set myself the aim of finishing a certain section of my work/revision by then.

💛 Take regular and proper breaks: Step away from your work completely – whether it’s a 15-minute walk or a quick scroll on your phone (with a timer if that helps). These moments of rest can make a big difference.

💚 Self-care: I know this sounds a bit daft, but it is amazing how quickly you can fall out of healthy habits when you are studying intensely. You're most able to study and focus when you have had a good night's sleep and a nutritious meal alongside plenty of tasty study snacks! And don’t forget fun, low-pressure activities to de-stress – I love word games or paint-by-numbers.

💙 Work hard and play hard: When I say this, I mean that you spend quality time focusing on your studies, whilst simultaneously ensuring that you have built in time to totally away from studying, to allow you to have a good work and rest balance. Set clear study times and carve out time to switch off, e.g., watching an episode of your favourite show in the evening or having a weekly catch-up with friends. Rest is productive too.

💜 Reach out to your teachers: I am sure they have given you lots of advice already, but have you tried speaking to them about how you're feeling or asked for any tips? As they might have practical tips or even just some reassuring words. They will only want the best for you!

❤️ Having a study group: This can help because you are meeting them at a set time and place to study together (or online so you don't have to spend time or money commuting), this often works for me, because I don't want to let them down, and I find I often feel much less overwhelmed when I am with them, plus we can help each other out with any tricky topics.

🧡 Body-doubling: I know in some study groups that classmates can end up a bit too chatty and perhaps distracting each other. Consequently, I sometimes meet up with a friend who is working on something different to me, however, we both agree to meet up and study together, so we hold each other accountable and keep each other motivated.

I hope that helps a little? You've got this - you will smash it!

Lucy ☺️ (Official Uni of Salford Student Rep)

Reply 4

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

I'm halfway through A-level exams and burning out.
These exams are so important to me - I need A*AA for Cambridge. I care a lot about studying, and have historically been a great student, but now when I sit at my desk, before I know it, I've wasted hours doing anything but revision.
Putting my phone away doesn't help, I'll just get it out again or use my laptop. I can't focus on the paper in front of me.
What do you do to get motivated?

Hey there 😃

Honestly, feeling burnt out is totally valid, so please don’t be too hard on yourself 💙 Like you said, you’ve been an excellent student all the way through, and that takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Sometimes, that kind of consistent effort naturally leads to deep exhaustion. So instead of blaming yourself, try to be kind and compassionate with where you are right now. I've been there too, and trust me, we're definitely not alone in this.

What really helped me was slowing down and giving myself permission to rest. I shortened my study sessions to make them feel more manageable and less overwhelming, which actually helped bring back some motivation !

Another game-changer for me was creating a simple study plan. It gave me back a sense of control and helped reduce feelings of stress, frustration, or disappointment. I made sure to plan short, realistic revision sessions and most importantly, I included leisure time. Knowing I had space to rest guilt-free made such a big difference in my mindset and energy levels.

Sometimes, we really do need to take a step back and recharge, and that’s completely okay. You’ve been pushing hard for a long time, and rest is part of success too 💫

I’m really rooting for you! I hope this intense period becomes more manageable, and that you get the amazing results you truly deserve 🙌

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 5

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

I'm halfway through A-level exams and burning out.
These exams are so important to me - I need A*AA for Cambridge. I care a lot about studying, and have historically been a great student, but now when I sit at my desk, before I know it, I've wasted hours doing anything but revision.
Putting my phone away doesn't help, I'll just get it out again or use my laptop. I can't focus on the paper in front of me.
What do you do to get motivated?

Hi,

I totally hear you burning out halfway through A-levels is something so many people face, especially when you're aiming for top grades like A*AA for Cambridge. It sounds like you're mentally and emotionally drained, not lazy or unmotivated. There’s a difference, burnout isn’t about not caring; it’s about caring so much for so long that your brain and body start to shut down a bit.

A few things that might help:
1. Lower the intensity, not the importance: you're still working towards your goals, but maybe right now you need to scale back just a little to avoid total collapse. Even short, focused 20-minute bursts (Pomodoros) with proper breaks can be really effective.
2. Change your environment: If sitting at your desk is draining, change locations. Library? Kitchen table? Even the floor. Sometimes that small change can reset your brain.
3. Remembering "why": Remind yourself why Cambridge matters to you, not just the grades, but the bigger picture: the subject you love, the life you’re building, the kind of future you’re working toward. Sometimes visualising that future can rekindle some fire.
4. Talk to someone: Sometimes the pressure builds up in our heads and leaks into everything. Even venting to a friend, teacher, or parent can help. You don’t have to carry this stress alone.
5. Take a proper break: one real break (like watching a film, going on a walk, journaling, or even napping) can be more effective than hours of trying to revise and failing. Your brain might be screaming for rest, giving it that might be the reset you need.

This period won’t last forever. You’re already clearly hardworking and determined, and even though it’s hard right now, that mindset will carry you through. Getting through burnout isn’t about pushing harder, it’s about adjusting how you work and looking after yourself while you work.

Rooting for you!
Danish
BCU Student Rep