To ask for a kick up the arse with my studies

[YellowSnowdrops]

Hi everyone,

I'm working towards retraining in graduate medicine in my early 30s, starting with doing A-level sciences online to help with GAMSAT (entry exam) prep. I've been working really hard at my full time job, clinical/ healthcare work experience and reading for the essay writing and reasoning parts of the course.

However, I've lost a bit of momentum in the last couple of weeks with the sciences (following personal issues) and need to get back on track. Exam is in Sept and although I really enjoy it, the science is the bit I need to work on most as I have done none since GCSEs and it's the most heavily weighted part of the exam.

Please can I ask you kind folk for a kick up the arse to get back on it or some encouragement if you prefer? Mumsnet has been brilliant support with aforementioned recent personal issues (posted under a different name) so I'm hoping I can rely on you all for a friendly shove!

Thanks in advance!

Hi OP!
I'm currently studying for a career change which means college alongside a full time job is certainly a challenge. It's also medical related and the boring parts of the anatomy study can be monotonous at times!
I've found breaking it down in to small manageable segments and mixing the study up helps. I'll study for a period, have a quick break (something mundane like putting a wash on if I'm at home, of if I'm at work I'll study on my lunch break). I'll also reward myself with doing my sport that evening or that day just to give myself that break doing something I want to.
It'll all be worth it, I've been in the same career for 18 years and not done much in way of exams since GCSE either. Good luck!

Thanks Berimbolo for the great advice, I've not actually been making the best use of work lunch breaks tbh but will start! Good luck with your course!

You're doing a huge amount - that sort of dedication is amazing. Keep at it!

Just make yourself do half an hour. Chances are youll get stuck in for longer than that.

I find going somewhere new to study can help. If you always study at home, go to the library or a coffee shop. Take headphones so you can block it extraneous noise (I play sounds of the ocean to drown out the sounds of other people talking).
Take your books with you and set a timer. I find the change of venue can kick start my motivation, and eradicate distraction

If it's anatomy and physiology based work, YouTube videos are good for breaking up the read/write monotony. Look up Dr John Campbell and the Kahn Academy. Both excellent for a&p.

How will you feel when you look back on this time?

Go to a coffee shop/library/somewhere nice or inspiring.

Write a list/mindmap/doodle

Set a time limit and see how you feel after.

Go for a walk/swim/cycle/dance.

Start with an easy, achievable task.

Best of luck!

Cheers all, appreciate it! Been watching Khan academy, its really helpful