We’ve so many distractions in daily life it can be a challenge staying in productivity mode, and now we’ve our holidays to add to the mix. Just how do we keep the study up while we get jolly with the family and friends at Christmas time?

Moira Dunne owns beproductive.ie which is a productivity consultancy company that works with people to help them be more productive and get more from their time.

Time is something we get more of during the Christmas period, but it can pass so quickly that you get thrust out the other side into January and you’ve done nothing but relax and celebrate.

If you are a student with early-year exams, then you are going to want to remain productive over Christmas. Moira has provided us with some tips on how to keep your study on track while you make the most of the festive period.

Identify the distraction

First we need to recognise what can be the root cause of our distractions.

“We’ve just got so many devices and every device and every app and every programme that we use brings notifications so there’s a constant stream of communication,” she says.

“It’s about taking control back so that we control the technology rather than it controlling us.”

Tips for studying during Christmas

1 Make a plan at the start of the period and be realistic about your goals. Maybe pick one or two that you want to have completed over Christmas. Try not to be over ambitious. Often, if you can’t meet these ambitious targets, you can feel really down about it.

2 Timetable your festive study. Take a look at the time you have available and timetable in your study each day. For example, two hours study each morning. Try and make it into a daily routine.

3 Look at the reward you get from getting up and getting the study done early. Part of that is the good feeling of getting stuff done and it gives you the rest of the day to enjoy the festive plans you have.

4 Try the Pomodoro technique, where you set a timer for 25 minutes and concentrate on a single task until the alarm goes off. Take a five-minute break and start again for another 25 minutes. Alternatively, if you need to adjust those times, Moira suggests you work in 20-minute segments.

5 Phones away or notifications off while studying. Turning on the do not disturb mode or disabling notifications from the apps on your phone should give you uninterrupted peace to get all that study done and out of the way so you can make merry for the rest of the day.