Link to video: https://youtube.com/live/OaVH49Gi_sE
Watch next: Study With Me 🌱 5-Hour Pomodoro Session (50/10) – No Music, Silent Breaks
Introduction: Not Every Study Session Starts with Motivation
Let’s be honest: we don’t always feel like studying. Sometimes we sit down with our books or laptop, already tired. That was exactly the case for me during this 3-hour live study session. When I pressed “Go Live,” I wasn’t feeling particularly energized or motivated. I was sleepy, distracted, and already thinking about how I probably wouldn’t focus.
But instead of giving up or waiting for some magical moment of readiness, I did the only thing that truly matters: I showed up.
This blog post documents what happened during those 3 hours—how things shifted, what I studied, how I organized my workspace, and why real-life studying (with all its flaws and friction) is still worth sharing. I hope it encourages you, especially on those low-energy days.
Study Topic: 17th-Century Literature & Baroque Complexity
The focus of this session was 17th-century literature, particularly baroque poetry and early modern philosophy. These texts are dense. They require you to slow down, re-read sentences multiple times, trace metaphors, and look up historical or philosophical references. That’s exactly why I chose them.
Baroque literature, often considered ornamental or overly complex, is actually deeply reflective. It mirrors its historical moment: religious conflict, the rise of science, political upheaval. Philosophers and poets of that period often wrote with layered meaning. Understanding them demands time, patience, and critical reflection—which aligns perfectly with deep work and Pomodoro-based study.
My tools? A PDF viewer with the texts, Wikipedia for contextual searches, and Obsidian for active note-taking and reactions. All of this in dark mode, to protect my eyes.
The Pomodoro Structure I Used (50/10)
During this study session, I followed the classic Pomodoro technique:
- 3 sessions of 50 minutes each
- 10-minute breaks between sessions
- No music, no voice, no visual distractions
- A subtle onscreen timer guides the whole session
The first session was rough. My mind kept wandering, and I needed multiple attempts to get through a single paragraph. But instead of shaming myself or quitting, I stayed. By the second session, something shifted. I started making sense of the texts. I had small insights. I even got a little excited.
Pomodoro works because it allows rhythm to emerge naturally. You’re not trying to force energy; you’re allowing focus to deepen in short, structured intervals.
Tools & Workspace Setup
Everything shown on screen during the video is what I actually use:
- PDF documents (in dark mode)
- Wikipedia (for quick references)
- Obsidian (for real-time note-taking and quotes)
- Minimal mouse and keyboard activity
- No transitions or edits
This setup helps create a calm, realistic study environment that prioritizes comprehension over speed. There’s no music, no speaking, and no sensory overload. Just the subtle sound of a crackling fire in the background.
Studying While Tired: What Shifted for Me
When I began the session, I was mentally foggy. But here’s the thing: momentum builds when you start, not when you feel ready. Somewhere during the second Pomodoro, my brain “clicked.” I began drawing connections between the texts and historical movements. I looked up a reference on Wikipedia, and suddenly a whole context opened up. I copied quotes into Obsidian and added my personal reactions.
This is what studying looks like most of the time—not glamorous, not fast, and often not very organized. But it’s real. Showing up even when tired gives your brain space to wake up, slowly and gently.
The Power of No Music, No Talking
So many study videos on YouTube are filled with lofi beats or voiceovers. Those can be great! But this project is different. There’s no music. No mic. No aesthetic edits.
Why? Because silence matters. Especially if you’re neurodivergent, anxious, or overstimulated, low-input environments can make all the difference. The only background sound in this video is a crackling fireplace—a warm, grounding ambiance that encourages focus.
This session is designed for students who need peace. It’s perfect if you need to match your rhythm with someone else silently working alongside you.
What You’ll See in the Video
The video starts with me preparing my workspace, opening my PDFs, setting the timer, and diving in.
- 00:00:00 – Preparation
- 00:00:53 – Pomodoro Session 1
- 00:50:54 – Break
- 01:02:21 – Pomodoro Session 2
- 01:52:21 – Break
- 02:04:54 – Pomodoro Session 3
- 02:55:28 – Free/Finish
The camera shows screen captures throughout the entire session. Occasionally, you’ll see handwritten notes or books, but the main focus is always the digital workspace.
Audio Description for Accessibility
This video is designed with accessibility in mind:
- No voice or music
- Timer visible on screen
- Dark-mode documents to reduce eye strain
- Cursor movement is soft and purposeful
- Quiet mouse and keyboard sounds only
- Calm lighting, minimal movement
Ideal for:
- Students using screen readers
- Neurodivergent learners
- Viewers who need quiet, non-performative companionship
Final Thoughts: This is What Real Studying Looks Like
There are days when everything flows. But there are also days like this one: you’re tired, the words blur, and your thoughts scatter. Still, it counts.
This session reminded me that showing up is everything. You don’t need to be productive to be valuable. Just being present, however imperfectly, is enough.
Thank you for studying with me. If you’re reading this, know that I see you. I’m also a learner. Let’s keep going—together.
Want More?
Stay grounded. Stay slow. Stay real.
Until next time!
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