I just took some of my prelims and I have more this week, especially tomorrow. There is something inside that me that refuses to study no matter how hard I try to touch the revision notes my teachers gave me. Why do I have so little motivation? Why can’t I feel ready for exams?
I think I need help, again.
Hey @undying_sun, I hear you. It is really frustrating when you know you have to prepare for upcoming exams, yet your body doesn’t seem to obey your commands. There may be many reasons why this is the case, I’ve written some down below, you can take a look:
If you’re feeling lethargic and tired, it may be the case that you’re not getting enough rest. Simple things such as getting your 8 hours of quality sleep away from any distractions, or taking planned breaks between study sessions can be helpful.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can try to declutter your mind by setting realistic goals for the week. For example, if your Math exam is two days later, you should set achievable goals to revise certain materials on each day leading up to the exam. I understand you may have multiple subjects upcoming, so perhaps you can dedicate two/three subjects to revise each day. Remember, the goal here is to set realistic goals, so include around 1-2 hours of buffer empty time each day (after accounting for the study breaks!). If your goal for the day is reached, then congratulations! You’ve done what you set out to do, and if you want to do more within that buffer time, it’ll be a good-to-have but not a must-have. In other words, these additional practice can be given up and you can go get some rest instead.
If you’re feeling alone and stuck at certain parts, you can find a trusted friend to study with. Aim to set goals for each study session beforehand, and keep each other accountable for what you’ve planned to study for the day. Having someone to study with can make revising feel less like a chore, and he/she can also help you when you get stuck.
If you’re open to it, you can try out the methods mentioned above. However, if you feel that it may be something else, maybe you could share further what emotions do you feel, and what thoughts cross your mind when you’re studying?
hey @undying_sun, I hear you. It can feel really frustrating and even scary when you know exams are coming, but your mind and body just don’t seem to want to cooperate.
Sometimes it’s not just about motivation, it could be about stress, burnout, or even feeling overwhelmed in the first place, which can make it hard to start, even when you want to 
I wonder if there’s any moment previously that helped you to start revision before? And how was that like?
If you don’t mind me asking as well, how was the previous papers that you did? How did you feel after finishing them?
Hi @undying_sun,
It’s okay to feel stuck, especially when pressure builds and your body’s asking for rest. Sometimes, motivation fades when exhaustion takes over. So try to prioritise basic self-care practices such as adequate sleep, healthy meals, and regular exercise.
You don’t have to conquer everything at once. Even reviewing one topic / chapter is considered as progress. If the notes feel heavy, maybe start by asking your teachers for help. They want you to succeed and can guide you through the brain fog. And if you feel that you need socio-emotional support for your struggles, then the school counsellor might be a good place to start.
You’re not alone in this, and needing help doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human, and you’re trying.
Best regards,
HanSolo2000
Befriender | let’s talk by mindline
Hello @undying_sun thank you so much for being so honest about how you’re feeling. I really want to acknowledge how difficult this must be for you. Exams are already so demanding, and feeling like something inside you is stopping you from studying can feel really frustrating and even scary. But I want you to know you’re not alone in this, and what you’re going through is completely valid.
First of all, well done on getting through the exams you’ve already taken. That’s not a small thing. It takes strength and perseverance, especially when you’re feeling drained. You’ve already shown resilience just by making it this far.
The lack of motivation you’re feeling could be your mind and body’s way of telling you that you’re tired, not just physically, but emotionally too. It might be burnout, or simply the weight of pressure catching up with you. And that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re not trying hard enough. It just means you’re human.
If studying feels like too much right now, try to be gentle with yourself. You don’t need to do everything at once. Maybe set a tiny goal, like opening your notes and reading just one page, or highlighting a few key points. Let that be enough for the moment. Sometimes starting small can help ease your mind back into focus.
And if it still feels too heavy, please consider talking to someone, a teacher, school counsellor, or even a friend. You deserve support and you don’t have to carry all this alone.
You’ve already taken a brave step by reaching out and asking for help. That says a lot about your strength and self-awareness. Keep holding onto that. You are trying, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now and that effort matters. I’m rooting for you, and I truly believe you’re going to get through this.
I wish you lots of care and calm for your next papers. Be kind to yourself, you’re doing better than you think!
Um maybe u have diff learning style? For me i could do long memorizations of history facts in O levs, but my environm could not be too warm. If possible u can try gg to cafes or library? Change may help. And use mindmaps. Dep on ur style