I’m pretty sure at least 99% of teenagers tend to
procrastinate when it comes to schoolwork. I, for one, cannot go twenty minutes
without getting distracting by the most insane little things. So I’ve come up
with these few tips in order to help us 99%.
Tip #1
Stay Organized
This one might be overused, but it should be because it’s so
important. I’ve been the both the unorganized and extremely organized person in
school – and trust me, being the latter is SO much better.
For one thing, when you're organized you don’t lose
assignments and when you're in class you can settle quickly because all your
school items are neatly tucked away in your bag, easily retrievable when you
need to grab them. Now, how do you maintain organization? It’s not that simple,
I get it. The first week of school you come organized with all 24 of your
number 2 pencils ready to use and the next month (or week, for some people) you
find yourself begging for a pencil, your school bag containing a flimsy folder
and homework crinkled somewhere at the bottom of it all.
That’s why its key to staying organized. But to do this, you
have to stop being lazy. I know it’s
hard. I slack off a lot on this “not being lazy” thing, but I started
realizing the importance of it this year. Clean out your bag at least once a
week. Put your loose papers INSIDE your folders/binders. Label things.
Once you achieve this, studying will be easier. It’s kind of
like a domino effect. You keep yourself organized — your papers/homework stay
organized. your papers/homework stay organized — you have all your assignments
with you when you need to study.
Tip #2
Never Underestimate the Importance of Food
This is a serious one, guys.
Whenever I began to loose focus, snacking comes in handy.
Try to lay off the chocolate and go for healthier choices like peanuts,
raisons, blueberries, or cucumbers and salad dressing. But, if you must, treat
yourself.
Tip #3
Take Breaks
Taking breaks is actually a good thing. It’s a fact that
some of us only remember the first and last 10 minutes of the subject we study. Ever 25 minutes or
so, take a snack break, go on a walk, or switch subjects.
Tip #4
Make a Schedule
Plan what you’re going to study and how long your going to
study for. Remember to insert breaks in your plan. Even if you just visualize
what your plan is and don’t actually write it down, that’s ok. By doing this,
you are setting a goal and it keeps the mind organized, so you're less prone to stress. If you’re OCD about
some things like me when I make a plan and mentally or physically tick
something off my “list” then I tend to feel a sense of completeness and am
usually motivated to continue. That was really weird. But it’s something that
helps me and hopefully it’ll help you as well.
Tip #5
Whatever you do, don’t Stress
Some types of stresses are okay, like stressing to start
studying for that math exam or whatever. But if you get to a point of stress
where you just don’t get it and are
mentally exhausted from your work, just take a look and tip number 3 and 6 (in
that order, too).
Tip #6
Ask for Help
It’s okay to ask for help. Seriously. You’re not dumb or
“not cool” just because you’re smart enough to suck it up and ask for help. I
would personally advise to go to your teacher or a parent and ask him/her to
explain the material (at least three days before the test would probably be
more sensible -- except if its your mom or dad). Unless your teacher and/or
parents are no help at all, ask a friend who can actually help you. DON’T ask a
friend that you know will end up distracting you. If you ask all of the above
and still have no clue, well then, your kind of helpless, sorry.
JUST KIDDING. My tip for you is to go back to the beginning. Study what you know. Look at past
assignments or look at a friends assignments (that are correct) and compare the
two. Reread any material (out loud, if that helps you focus) that was given
out. Take time just to think about it.
Take a break if you need to. Then take another look at question/fact that you are
having trouble understanding.
Tip #7
Find What Works For You
Everyone has different techniques for studying. I for one,
sometimes write out my own study guide on Word, one; because I just really
like typing, and two; because when I type, I stay conscious and therefore, focused.
Another option is flash cards – I know SO many people talk about how flash
cards are really helpful to them, because really, they are. Don’t be afraid to
try out a new method.
Good luck!
Signed,
The Gossamer
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