January is tough for learners, and for the people supporting them.
After a break, many students return straight into mock exams, coursework deadlines and January assessments. Routines must restart quickly, and for neurodivergent learners or those with executive function challenges, that sudden shift can feel especially overwhelming.
Throughout January, we're sharing daily, practical tips to help educators, assessors and support teams guide students through this demanding month with confidence.
Here’s a roundup of those strategies to help lighten the load for learners when they need it most.
1. Reduce Cognitive Load
January demands a lot of mental energy. Simplifying expectations helps students focus on learning rather than managing overwhelm.
Prioritise one thing at a time
Encourage students to choose one “must-do” task each day. Keeping focus narrow reduces overwhelm and helps progress feel achievable.
Use clear, specific language
Avoid vague timings like “ASAP” or “later”. Specific expectations reduce stress and help students understand exactly what to do and when.
Keep all deadlines in one place
When instructions are scattered, students fall behind faster. A single, predictable location frees up working memory.
Help students know how to begin
Many learners know what to do but not where to start. A clear first step builds momentum and reduces avoidance.
2. Support Accessible, Flexible Learning
Small adjustments in how information is delivered can make learning far more manageable for neurodivergent students.
Offer format choices
Text, audio, bullet points or short videos help learners access material in the way that works best for them.
Share materials in advance
Uploading slides or notes ahead of time allows students to preview and process information – reducing anxiety from surprises.
Signpost quiet study spaces
Not everyone can work well in busy environments. Clear options for low-sensory spaces support focus and reduce fatigue.
Encourage a quick digital tidy-up
A few minutes sorting files and folders, clearing notifications and pinning essentials reduces cognitive clutter and supports organisation.
3. Build Consistent, Sustainable Study Routines
Early, repeatable habits create stability and reduce the pressure spikes that build later in the year.
Make revision routine
Embed short recall tasks, flashcards and specific goals (“20 practice questions by Friday”) into everyday learning – not just exam season.
Keep revision sessions short
20–30 minute bursts with breaks support energy, focus, and retention – especially for neurodivergent learners.
Mix up revision topics
Interleaving subjects (rotating topics rather than studying one at a time) improves long-term understanding and keeps sessions engaging.
Encourage weekly reflection
Prompt students to consider:
What worked?
What didn’t?
What should they try next?
Reflection strengthens metacognition and helps learners refine their approach.
4. Reduce Exam Anxiety
Clear guidance and predictable processes help students feel prepared rather than panicked when assessments begin.
Teach a simple “mind blank rescue”
Pause → breathe → write anything they remember → build from there
A quick reset that breaks panic loops.
Share a “Morning of the Mock” checklist
Eat, pack ID, bring water, verify room/time. Small rituals help students start exams calmer and more prepared.
Model exam processes explicitly
Show students how to complete booklets, manage timing and navigate sections. Procedural clarity is especially helpful for neurodivergent learners.
5. Protect Energy
Supporting students’ energy levels is key to keeping them engaged and avoiding burnout through January’s demands.
Teach energy accounting
Help students notice what drains or boosts their energy and when they naturally work best. Removing unnecessary energy leaks supports stamina across the month.
Frog or Cake?
Some learners work best by starting with a quick, easy win (their cake) to build early momentum.
Others prefer tackling their toughest task first (their frog) before distractions set in.
Helping students choose the best starting point for them reduces overwhelm and makes the day feel more manageable.
Use time blocking
Short bursts of study, wellbeing breaks, and structured downtime help students build routines without rigidity.
Beyond January: Building Lasting Learning Habits
This month, our goal has been to share practical, accessible strategies that help educators support neurodivergent learners and students with executive function challenges through one of the toughest months of the year.
If you'd like to build on these foundations, book a call with Rory to learn how Booost and Luna help students stay organised, reduce overwhelm and develop sustainable study habits all year round.