Doing homework can be frustrating and time consuming. Surely you prefer to devote your free time to other things rather than just studying. When there are so many tasks, you may find it difficult to apply yourself effectively. However, by staying focused, organizing, getting everything you need, and staying motivated, you can complete them in time and move on to more fun and exciting activities.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Maintain Focus
Step 1. Work in a comfortable, well-lit environment
Try sitting at your desk using a comfortable, padded chair. Avoid doing your homework lying on the floor or bed, otherwise you may become lazy and distracted. Also, be sure to choose a bright area so you don't strain your eyes while reading.
Step 2. Eliminate all distractions by isolating yourself and putting electronic devices aside
Turn off your cell phone, disconnect your computer (unless you need to do your homework), turn off the TV and close the door. Let friends and family know that you don't want to be disturbed while you study so they don't invade your privacy.
Download an application that allows you to block Internet access, such as Freedom or SelfControl, to stay focused on your work while using your computer
Step 3. Program a timer
Before applying yourself to an assignment or subject, start a timer with the minutes you need to complete your work. Check it every now and then to find out how many have passed and how much you have left. This way, you can see if you are spending too much time on a subject and get back to focus as soon as you get distracted.
If a topic or exercise is taking too much time, try asking your teacher or one of your parents for a little help
Part 2 of 3: Plan and Organize
Step 1. Order everything you need
To avoid wasting time looking for what you need, arrange your books, notebooks, writing materials, and everything else to keep them close at hand. To stay organized, tidy up your backpack and binders on a weekly or monthly basis.
Consider combining the files and notebooks of each subject into a single binder with dividing sheets. This way, all the tasks will be in one place
Step 2. Schedule homework for the afternoon
Instead of taking your first book out of your backpack and starting to study, plan ahead. There are several methods to prepare for the afternoon study, including:
- Decide how long you want to apply yourself on the books;
- List all the tasks to be completed;
- Estimate how much time you can devote to each exercise or subject to finish everything within the established time frame;
- Work continuously in the order in the list and delete the tasks as you finish.
Step 3. Start studying before you go home
If you wait too long before starting to work, you risk ending up late at night, affecting your performance because you will have more difficulty studying diligently when fatigue looms. Likewise, if you wait until the next morning to do your homework, you will surely be in a hurry or won't be able to finish it.
Step 4. Organize the tasks in order of importance and deadline
In addition to writing the check in the diary, try adding an "A" next to the subjects that have higher priority, a "C" next to the less urgent ones and a "B" next to those that fall into the intermediate category. If you have to finish a task for the next day, it will surely take precedence over what you need to complete for the following Tuesday. Also, prioritize larger checks over smaller ones.
- If you need to write a ten-page essay within a week and haven't started yet, mark it with an "A" or "B", and if you need to finish a short five-question exercise in three days, rank it with a "C".
- Avoid waiting until the last moment to complete the tasks.
Part 3 of 3: Self-motivation
Step 1. Take a few breaks
If you study for several hours without stopping, you will most likely get tired and slow down. So try to take a 5 minute break every 25 to stretch your muscles and walk, to give your mind and body a little respite.
Step 2. Have a snack and drink some water
By hydrating yourself and indulging in a light, healthy and tasty snack with the dishes of your choice, you will improve your memory and give your body and brain the energy it needs to continue. Stay away from sodas, junk foods, and energy drinks to avoid a meltdown before you're done.
Try eating a few sticks of celery and a sliced apple with peanut butter
Step 3. Reward yourself with something pleasant once you're done
When you're done studying, try going to a friend's house, playing your favorite video game, shooting a few hoops, or hanging out with your brother for ice cream. The idea of having something fun to do will stimulate you to focus and work efficiently.
Advice
- Wear comfortable clothes while you study.
- Try to turn in your homework on time.
- Try using an agenda to remember tasks to complete.
- While you're busy finishing a task, you may get distracted by thinking about all the others you have left to do. In these cases, don't hesitate to focus on what you started.
- Don't fall asleep. If you have trouble staying awake, schedule an alarm every 5-10 minutes to keep your eyes open and get your work done.
- If you think you are likely to put off, get yourself a calendar and set deadlines for the most important subjects.
- As you study, try to increase your concentration by listening to classical music.
- Start with the more complicated tasks, then move on to the easier ones. This way, you will have less difficulty moving forward.
- If you can, anticipate something when you are in school (for example during recess, lunch break, in the library, in the downtime between subjects) so that you have less homework when you get home.
- Be sure to review the exercises when finished.
