Since school times, we have always been required to do tons of homework. But back then, we didn’t pay too much attention to the importance of homework. We would go for a walk outside with friends or play some computer games rather than buckling down and accomplishing assignments. When we are kids, we can’t realize that all the assignments we were given were the best way to learn how to discipline ourselves.
Now, students who prefer entertainment rather than doing homework are suffering the most because they don’t know how to prioritize tasks and manage their time. That’s why they tell themselves, “I need someone to write my essay as soon as possible,” and struggle to find the best writing service that can help them out. As a result, they end up overloaded and burning the midnight oil.
Assignments are an integral part of learning. A fun life from right until the finals season is incompatible with real education. It’s not a secret that students are given so many assignments they can’t make time for themselves. At least that without key skills on how to keep on track and arrange schedules.
You should remember that education is important. Yet, students’ lives are said to be the best years of their lives. So in this article, we will provide you with tips on how to complete assignments properly and still find time for yourself.
Eliminate the Influence of Any Potential Distractions
You might never know how long the distraction would take until you have a busy schedule and decide to check out social media. You wouldn’t notice it, but time would fly in the blink of an eye.
In order to optimize your day and manage it properly, you should try everything you can to get rid of distractions and focus on the task you’re currently working on. This way, you maximize your productivity.
The more you concentrate on your assignments, the faster you can complete them and make fewer mistakes. So get over yourself, and try to limit the things around you:
- Turn off the TV, computer, phone (or just switch to silent mode), and any other gadgets.
- Close the door so that no one can enter your room, and you will study in peace.
- Use music and a headset to get rid of any noise.
- Put away any entertainment magazines.
Define and Prioritize Tasks
Before starting to do homework, it is very important to organize and prioritize your tasks. This will help you to allocate tasks accordingly. It is better to complete the tasks of the higher priority first. Only after accomplishing them can you start doing other low-priority tasks.
You can also determine what period of the day is the most convenient for a particular assignment. Some students prefer doing homework in the morning because it is much better to finish everything earlier to be free in the evening. Some like to study in the evening because they feel more productive when the sun goes down. You should decide for yourself what works for you.
Divide the Big Tasks
This may not seem like such a big deal, but dividing large tasks into smaller ones is much more efficient than you might think. For example, you have to write a coursework paper or a big presentation. Usually, it takes a lot of time and effort to finish such big tasks.
What you can do is divide them into several parts. You can work on each every day until you finish it before the deadline, instead of being overloaded by combining all of your work and trying to accomplish it simultaneously. Thus, you will save your energy and learn how to manage your time.
Use a Checklist
Using a checklist may seem like something meant for the grocery store, but it can also help students to keep their lives on track. The smaller the task list is, the better you will feel.
Checklists also act as a psychological tool that gives you a certain level of satisfaction after you complete each task.
Create Rewards
Some students tend to be really hard on themselves when it comes to education. Usually, it happens because they don’t want to let down their parents or because of low self-esteem. But you need to remember that all is in good time, and you need to appreciate each small task you have accomplished. After a while, you will notice that it will motivate you to do even more. For every task, you can attach a reward, whether it is free time to do what you want, or a favorite snack to compliment yourself.
Set Realistic Goals
People tend to set impossible goals so that after achieving them, they can be proud of themselves. But sometimes, it seems like you will never get it done, and you are out of time and energy to do anything. As a result, you might feel discouraged and stressed out.
That’s why it is of vital importance to set realistic goals. For example, you can’t set a goal to finish the 1000 pages book in 30 minutes and expect yourself to meet this deadline. To get out of the vicious cycle, take a diary or notebook and make a list of all the tasks you need to do. Be specific: instead of “studying German,” for example, write “write down and memorize 30 new german words”.
Make Yourself Wake Up Early
The truth is, waking up early in the morning gives you more time to work through the day. Remember, the longer you sleep, the more time you waste. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t sleep at all or get not enough sleep. You just need to take care of your sleeping schedule and stick to proper sleep hygiene. Thus, you will be full of energy and increase your productivity.
Don’t Neglect Your Mental and Physical Health
Students tend to dedicate all their time to education and completely forget about their health, both mental and physical. The lack of a clear daily routine, irregular meals, sleepless nights, and stress – all this, sadly, can lead to serious problems. In order to prevent this, you need to take care of yourself.
Go Outside
Spending time in nature and walking among the trees is believed to help you to get rid of the everyday stress. Anxiety, global problems, city life, constant activity on social networks, education – all these factors cause stress. That’s why it is very useful for our physical and mental health to just go for a walk in nature and become one with it.
Do Sports
Try to make stretching, strength training, cardio, or even a brisk walk a habit. It will have a huge impact on your mental and physical health. If you sit in front of the computer for the whole day or do homework without rest, you will notice a decrease in productivity and a complete absence of motivation and energy. So make sure to do at least small breaks to unwind and refresh.
To Wrap It Up
College years are full of bright events: studies, meeting new people, taking up creative hobbies, finals, and working. To balance everything and still make time for yourself, you need to learn how to manage your time. Thus, time management in student life – is a magic wand that allows you to not only study and work simultaneously but also to rest fully without any damage to your study, work, personal life, and health.