How to Survive December: Holiday Study Tips and Strategies for the Pinoy Student

Holiday season has descended upon us and while it’s a time for barkada reunions and family get-togethers, it can also be a challenging period for students trying to balance studies with holiday celebrations. Bahay Turo offers holiday study tips and strategies to help Pinoy families not only survive but thrive in this season of merrymaking.

1. Sometimes, we need to say “no”

The key to successful holiday studying lies in time management. Pinoy families have a multitude of gatherings over the Christmas season and while some parties are “required”, some are not. Exercise good judgment when choosing which affair to attend. Allocate specific days and time slots for studying and be sure to include breaks for rest and relaxation. By doing so, you’ll ensure that both your study sessions and holiday activities are organized and enjoyable.

2. Carve out your learning space

Whether you’re in Grade School, High School, or College, having a dedicated study space can significantly impact your productivity. Lighting is important: if you have a dedicated desk lamp be sure to use a daylight light bulb to help you focus. Warm yellow lights are better suited to relaxing spaces. If you have a neighbor who likes to party and karaoke, consider investing in noise-cancelling headphones. Stock up on snacks like nuts, fruits, and other brain food to keep your energy levels up. Have a conducive learning space free from holiday distractions, and you will have won half the battle for effective learning.

3. Embrace online learning

December usually means family vacations to the beach, to the province, or to a destination outside the country. Take advantage of the flexibility that online learning offers. Whether you are in La Union, in New York City, or in your Tita’s house, take online sessions to keep your studies on track. Pinoy families trust Bahay Turo to deliver safe, effective, and on-demand tutorial sessions. Grade school students benefit from Math sessions and Filipino learning bundles. High School and College students opt for Exam Refreshers to ask questions and prepare for tests.

4. Take a deep breath

Combat holiday tension by incorporating stress-free study techniques. Practice mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or short meditation sessions before diving into your study materials. A calm mind is more receptive to information, ensuring your study sessions are productive and efficient.

5. Set next year’s goals

Take stock of what you have accomplished this year and give yourself a big hand! Celebrate your triumphs and acknowledge areas that need improvement. As the year comes to a close, take some time to reflect. Then, with an open heart and mind, set realistic and achievable goals for the upcoming year. Outlining your objectives will provide direction and motivation.

With the right mindset and a strategic approach, you can strike a balance between holiday cheer and academic success. By implementing these holiday study tips and strategies, you’ll be able to eat (lechon), drink (with your barkadas, titos, titas, and cousins) and celebrate Christmas. Cheers to a season of celebration and learning!