how to manage homework time

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Success BLUEprint: Stories to Inspire You

Own your time, own your success, winging it like icarus.

In high school, I was the king of winging it. I saw that I could get away with missing the occasional homework assignment and with studying for a test 10-15 minutes beforehand. Was it the most responsible approach? Maybe not. Did my teachers think of me as a slacker? Oh yeah, 100%. Did any of that stop me? Not in the slightest . But it all worked out! Until it didn’t. You know why? Because college is a different beast.

My first year wasn’t too bad, but sophomore year had me sweating. I knew my literature classes would require me to read, and I did read. Just not everything. And not always with enough time left to study. After nearly failing two courses, I knew I had to change. So, I overcompensated and began prioritizing schoolwork over everything else.

I made better grades, BUT I also missed out on once-in-a-lifetime events and neglected my social life. I missed out on so much because I knew that I had to do this work, but I didn’t always know when to do it. By the end of junior year, I was anxious and burnt-out. Then, my therapist put me onto something life-changing: Planning ahead. She taught me to take control of my time so it doesn’t take control of me.

College may be a different beast, but time management is one of the best ways to tame it. Time management is more than a tool for keeping up with schoolwork. It can help you feel more confident, make more progress on your goals, and ensure that you’re using your time to do more of the things you want to do. But how do you manage time?

From "Slacker" to Success Coach

As someone with ADHD, I could never remember to use paper planners. Instead, I let electronic calendars like Microsoft Outlook (which is free for IC students) do the remembering for me! Sounds great, huh? Here’s my advice on how to manage time in college and beyond:

First, start with the things you know that you have to do . I recommend that students put their classes on their calendar first. Yes, that even includes classes where “attendance is not mandatory.” Once you have your classes down, you can see how much “free time” you have. Don’t stop there though! Add club meetings, your work shifts, therapy/doctor’s appointments, and anything else that happens regularly. Make sure to set them to repeat as often as necessary (i.e., repeat weekly, monthly, etc.).

Next, make time to take care of yourself ! How can you expect to keep yourself going if you’re running on an empty tank? Chances are, you’ll have gaps in your schedule at nearly the same time every day. Go ahead and block off lunch times (and dinner times if possible). While you’re at it, I suggest that you add some time for exercise: Give your brain a break and go for a walk, lift something heavy, or hit up the climbing wall.

Now, you’re ready to carve out time for studying ! I have two main pieces of advice for students looking to plan homework blocks.

• Set aside two- to four-hour blocks
• DON’T wait until nighttime to start on your homework if you don’t have to.

These two tips come from the same place: Being honest with yourself . Students often underestimate how long it will take them to complete their work. Giving yourself an adequate amount of time can reduce time-pressure and anxiety, which allows you to think more creatively. Plus, if you finish with one assignment earlier than you expected, you can start to chip away at other assignments too!

Parting Words

Full disclaimer: No blog post can teach you everything you need to know about time management. My hope is that this post has normalized the struggles of time management and has given you ideas about where to start. If you're looking for more hands-on guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us here at the Center for Student Success. After all, we're here for YOU.

Wishing you all the best,

Dr. Julian Fuentes

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How to better manage your homework time | Ask Kelly

Dear Kelly,

Last week I began classes, but I already feel like I’m overwhelmed with homework. I spent the bulk of the weekend doing the work, and I still have more to do. I know I need to work on managing my time better. Do you have any advice for me? What do you do?

This is an excellent question and one that I am so happy you are asking at the beginning of the semester. Juggling different classes and all of the coursework that comes with them can be very daunting, especially if you don’t plan ahead. This is something I learned the first week of my freshman year, when I spent that entire first weekend drinking pots of coffee while sitting for countless hours in front of my computer answering multiple discussion posts, taking three quizzes, writing a reflection paper, and reviewing an assigned article. I’ll never forget that weekend. I cried. I literally broke down and cried! I wondered why in the world I would have signed up to subject myself to that much stress. I kept saying, “What was I thinking?” No, I take that back. I kept yelling, “WHAT WAS I THINKING WHEN I DECIDED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL?”

That weekend taught me something: To make sure I made the most of the time I had available. I remember sitting and talking with my husband, Garrick, and saying, “I wish I would’ve started on this work earlier. I could have even done some of the homework on days that I had class.” I had to be honest with myself. There was plenty of time during the week that I could have focused on homework, but since it was just blocks of time, I kept seeing the weekend as a more viable option. I didn’t realize how that would lead to an enormous amount of stress because I had so much to complete in just those two days.

I made the conscious decision to never paint myself into that corner again. I decided I had to get organized, and the very first thing that needed to happen was I needed to buy a calendar. I went to the store and purchased a large, wall-mounted, dry erase calendar, and I hung it in my office. Before I began, I decided on my “homework time.” This was the time each day that I knew I could devote to homework. Immediately, I began recording my class schedule on the calendar, along with some assignments and their due dates, but something didn’t seem right. It still looked jumbled to me. You see, I was writing everything down with the same colored pen, nothing stood out.

I went back to the store and bought a pack of different colored dry erase markers. When I came home, I assigned each class a different color, and then I began writing things down. I chose the color blue for the first class. I wrote down all of the nights I had class and underlined those to show that those were class nights, not assignments. Then, using the syllabus from that class, I began to place my assignments onto the calendar on their due dates.  

That’s when I stopped and reflected on the past weekend.

The problem I had wasn’t making sure assignments were turned in on time. It was giving myself plenty of time to get the assignments completed, without causing unneeded stress. So I began to plot the assignments not based on due dates but based on the time it took to complete them. I also made sure I had flex time to make any edits or adjustments to the assignments before I turned them in. I added study time onto the calendar to prepare for quizzes. For large assignments, like research papers, I wrote down the date that I wanted to have my research collected by, the date I wanted to have the outline written, the date that I wanted to write my rough draft, and so on. I broke things apart, so I would have time to complete each assignment or quiz and still have time for myself and my family.

I repeated this process for recording my other classes and coursework onto the calendar, as well, using different colors for each class. As assignments were completed, I would cross through them with a black marker. When I turned in the assignment, I would erase it off the board. Each and every day was scheduled, and I knew what I was working on each day. Yes, there were times when I had to make adjustments, but with the calendar and the way I had scheduled everything, it was easy to do.

This one simple task of writing everything down on the calendar completely changed the ballgame. My stress lifted. I knew what I had to do and when. I could plan events with friends and family and still have time for me. I knew my availability each and every day, and that was wonderful! If, for some reason, I finished an assignment early, I would use the extra time to get a jumpstart on a different assignment. I was always ahead of the game, and it felt amazing!

Now, I am in my senior year. The calendar has gone digital, since I did eventually wear out the one on the wall. I still color-code each of my classes, even going so far as to change the color-coding of the course in Canvas (do this by clicking on the three dots at the top of the course box on your dashboard).

Getting organized is one of the reasons why I believe I have been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA, even when I was juggling three jobs and a full load of classes.

I promise, if you make the conscious effort to organize your time, you will reap the benefits of not only completing all of your assignments before they are due but also doing so while maintaining your sanity.

As always, I wish you health, happiness and continued success throughout your journey.

Do you have a question about Mercer or coping with school in these challenging times? Each week Kelly Browning, an early childhood education/special education major and student ambassador at the Henry County Regional Academic Center, answers questions from the Mercer community. Email her at  [email protected]  or  fill out our online form  to submit your question anonymously.

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How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks

Coursework/GPA

Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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20 Effective Time Management Strategies and Tools for Students

Teachers can use these too!

One of the most important life skills for anyone to master is time management. Keeping track of everything that we have to do and carving out the time to get it all done can be a real struggle. Try these time management strategies and techniques, plus find helpful tools for staying on track.

General Time Management Strategies

Time management techniques, time management tools.

These time management strategies work for everyone, helping you set goals and prioritize, then set a schedule to get things done.

Visualize the big picture

Use a calendar of some type to lay out all your big-picture goals for a year, month, or week. Include major projects and assignments, as well as school and personal events. This is your place to get an overview of everything that’s on your plate. Keep items to broad descriptions: “History Project” or “Spring Play Opening Night.” You’ll get into the details next.

Break it down

The next step is to take major projects and assignments and break them down into smaller, more manageable parts. This is an incredibly effective way to overcome that feeling of “I’ll never get this all done!” It also prevents procrastinating on an entire project until the very last minute. Set smaller, more manageable goals with their own due dates in advance of a complete project or event.

For example, imagine your big-picture calendar says “History Project Due Feb. 23.” Breaking that down could look like this:

• Choose topic and presentation method: Jan. 9
• Initial research: Jan. 10-30
• Presentation outline: Jan. 31
• Write presentation script: Feb. 1-5
• Create visual aids: Feb. 6-12
• Rehearse presentation: Feb. 13
• Fine-tune presentation: Feb 14-16
• Final rehearsals: Feb. 17
• Give history presentation: Feb. 23

At first, this method might feel a little overwhelming, because it may make you feel like there’s too much to get done. But as you use it, you’ll see how it can actually make you feel more prepared and in control, and make your time easier to manage.

Determine priorities

Sometimes it’s simply true: You don’t have enough time in a day to get all the things done that you’d like to. That’s where setting priorities becomes vital. In the “Time Management Techniques” section below, you’ll find several different ideas for determining the priority of different items on your lists.

Once you’ve figured out which items are the most important, try a color-coding system to indicate which items get a higher priority. This will help you identify at a glance what you need to do now and what can wait until another day.

Make daily to-do lists

Make it a habit to start each day by creating a to-do list. (Not a morning person? You can do this the night before too.) Include high-priority items, as well as things you’d like to do but may not have to complete. Throughout the day, as you complete an item, revisit your list and check it off. It’s incredibly satisfying to cross things off, and checking in with your list a few times a day ensures you don’t forget important things. ADVERTISEMENT

Limit multitasking

Today’s world places a lot of value on multitasking (doing several things at once). But when you’re doing multiple things at the same time, you’re probably not doing any of them well. So keep your multitasking to a minimum. When it’s time to work on something, set your focus to that particular thing. Other stuff can wait.

But some multitasking is OK. For instance, you might throw your clothes in the washing machine, then work on your math homework while waiting for them to be ready for the dryer. Later on, you could fold and put away the laundry while practicing conjugating Spanish verbs out loud. This type of multitasking works because the physical tasks are ones that don’t require much concentration, leaving your brain free for academic subjects.

On the other hand, avoid something like trying to listen to a podcast for your history class while also doing your math homework. Your attention won’t be fully on each, and your learning will suffer.

Remove distractions

Some people are capable of deep focus no matter what’s going on around them. Most of us, though, need to find ways to remove distractions when it’s time to get down to work. Here are some examples to try:

• Turn off your phone, or set it to alert you only in case of emergencies.
• Wear noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to block out distracting sounds. A white-noise machine or app can help with this too.
• Close miscellaneous tabs in your web browser (like social media or news sites), and use only the tabs you need for your work.
• Go into a quiet room and shut the door. Ask friends and family not to disturb you.
• Check your to-do list before you start to make sure you’re on track. Then, clear your mind of other projects or tasks, and focus on what’s at hand.

Do an end-of-day review

At the end of each day, sit down with your to-do list. Was there anything you didn’t get to? Move it to another day. Did you feel too rushed today? Think about how you might make tomorrow run a bit more smoothly. Where do you stand in terms of your big-picture goals? Take a few minutes to adjust any plans accordingly.

Try a time audit

It’s OK if you don’t get to everything on your list every day. But if you find that there’s never enough time to get things done, you might benefit from a time audit. Over the period of a week or two, write down exactly how you spend your time, hour by hour. Then, look it over and see if you can identify problem areas. You might need to cut down on some optional activities and give that time to high-priority items instead. Learn how to do a time audit here.

The time management strategies we’ve talked about so far are general ways to stay on track and get stuff done. But there are multiple ways to approach some of these strategies, especially when it comes to actually settling down to work. Check out these popular time management techniques and choose one or more that seem right for you.

Eisenhower Decision Matrix

President Eisenhower developed this matrix and used it to help him prioritize his tasks. He looked at each item to evaluate it by importance and urgency, then broke them into four categories:

• Do First: These are urgent, important tasks with high priority.
• Schedule: These are important tasks that aren’t quite as urgent.
• Delegate: You may be able to delegate less important but still urgent tasks to someone else.
• Don’t Do: These non-urgent, unimportant items can be eliminated entirely or postponed indefinitely.

Here are some possible student examples for each category:

• Do First: Homework that’s due tomorrow takes top priority, as might doing laundry if you’re out of clean clothes.
• Schedule: Set aside time (see Time Blocking) for smaller parts of long-term projects, such as research time or writing an outline. That could be today or one day in the near future.
• Delegate: Students aren’t always able to delegate their tasks, but they can ask for help. For example, if your schedule is incredibly tight, you could ask your dad if he’d be willing to throw your clothes in the dryer when the washer is done.
• Don’t Do: These are often bad habits you need to break, like surfing the web aimlessly instead of working, or texting your friends for hours instead of doing your chores.

Find out much more about the Eisenhower Matrix and how to use it for time management strategies here.

ABCDE Method

This is another time management strategy for prioritizing the tasks at hand. Assign each item a letter:

• A: Highest priority
• B: Should do soon, if not today
• C: Could do, but no serious consequences if not done
• D: Delegate or ask for help
• E: Eliminate from your list

This is very similar to the Eisenhower Matrix, with a little more flexibility around should-dos and could-dos. Learn more about the ABCDE method here.

Most Difficult First (Eat That Frog)

This method is based on a quote often attributed to Mark Twain: “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.”

In other words, don’t put off the biggest, hardest tasks. Get them out of the way first. Then, everything else you have to do will seem easy in comparison.

For some people, though, this concept can be counterproductive. If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, tackling something extremely difficult can be too much and cause you to shut down entirely. In that case, it’s just fine to choose smaller, simpler items. The key is to make progress, one step at a time.

Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a simple time management method: You work for 25 minutes at a time, then take a 5-minute break to rest and recharge. Simply set a timer for 25 minutes, and focus on one single task until it goes off. Then, you can spend 5 minutes stretching, resting your eyes, or checking your social media feeds. When the 5 minutes are up, set the timer for another 25 minutes, and get back to work. If you do four 25-minute sessions in a row, take a longer break afterwards. Learn more about the Pomodoro Technique here.

If 25 minutes seems too short and you’d like a little more uninterrupted time, try Flowtime instead. This stretches out both the work and break time proportionally. If you work for 25-50 minutes, take an 8-minute break. For 50-90 minutes, you get a 10-minute break. And if you’ve been at it for more than 90 minutes, take 15 minutes to recharge. Learn about Flowtime here.

Parkinson’s Law says that work will always expand to fill the amount of time available. Timeboxing seeks to shrink tasks back to the size they truly need to be. When you timebox, you set a specific amount of time for a task and complete it within that time.

In other words, you might look over your study planner and decide that you need one hour for tonight’s geometry and chemistry assignments, plus you’d like to spend another hour working on your English essay.

Set a timer and work on your geometry and chemistry for an hour, with no other distractions. When the timer goes off, reassess and adjust your goals as needed. Since you have to finish that homework tonight, you’ll probably need to add more time if you’re not finished.

Your English essay isn’t due for two weeks, though, so if you’ve boxed out one hour for working on it today, that’s all you need to do. Set a timer, determine your goals for day, and get to work. When the timer goes off, you’re done for today.

Here’s more on timeboxing.

Time Blocking

This method is similar to timeboxing, but it involves setting blocks of time aside on your calendar for specific tasks. For example, you might block out 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day for daily homework, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for working on your biology research paper, and 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for piano practice. Some people like to start each day by blocking time out on their calendar, figuring out how they’ll make the most of their time. Find out more about time blocking here.

Once you’ve selected some time management strategies to try, you’ll find plenty of tools to help make them work. Check out these top time management tools for students, from planners to timers and beyond.

Student Planners

Traditional paper planners come in a variety of styles, with some made especially for students. The most important thing is to choose one you’ll actually use, and keep it on hand at all times. See our selection of the top student planners here.

Planner Apps

Planner apps and online calendars are nice because you have access to them everywhere you go. For students, we really like:

• My Study Life

See more details on each of these here, plus more options.

Study Planners

Study planners are specific to academics, and they are a simple way to keep track of both short-term and long-term assignments, projects, and more. Check out these free printable options:

• Develop Good Habits: Study Planner
• Alex Marie: Weekly Assignments Due
• Sophia Lee: Homework Planner Pack

Time Management Apps

Planner apps are a good start, but other time management apps can help you stay on track by eliminating distractions or setting time limits. Here are a few to try:

• Pomofocus : A free online 25–5 timer with the ability to add a task list for each work segment
• Rize : An AI productivity coach that uses time tracking to improve your focus and build better work habits
• Forest : Eliminate distractions, stay on task, and grow a digital forest to celebrate your achievements

Bullet Journal

Bullet journaling has a lot of benefits, and some page setups are especially good for time management:

• Daily Schedule
• Project Planner
• Study Tracker

Check out our big roundup of bullet journal ideas here.

What time management strategies do your students find most effective? Come share your thoughts and ask for advice in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, ultimate study skills guide: tips, tricks, and strategies for every grade ..

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8 Time Management Tips for Students

Don't let a hectic schedule get the better of you with these time management tips.

Lian Parsons

College can be a stressful time for many students and time management can be one of the most crucial — but tricky — skills to master.

Attending classes, studying for exams, making friends, and taking time to relax and decompress can quickly fill up your schedule. If you often find yourself wishing there were more hours in the day, this guide will offer time management tips for students so you can accomplish what you need to get done, have fun with your friends, and gain back some valuable time for yourself. 

1. Create a Calendar

Don’t be caught by surprise by an important paper due two days from now or a dinner with your family the same night you planned for a group study session. Create a calendar for yourself with all your upcoming deadlines, exams, social events, and other time commitments well in advance so you can see what’s coming up. 

Keep your calendar in a place where you can see it every day, such as in your planner or on your wall above your desk. If you prefer a digital calendar, check it first thing every day to keep those important events fresh and top-of-mind. For greater efficiency, make sure you can integrate it with your other tools, such as your email.

Digital calendar options include: 

• Google Calendar 
• Outlook Calendar
• Fantastical

2. Set Reminders

After you’ve created your calendar, give yourself periodic reminders to stay on track such as to complete a study guide in advance or schedule a meeting for a group project. Knowing deadlines is important; however, staying on top of the micro tasks involved in meeting those deadlines is just as important. You can set an alarm on your phone, write it down in a physical planner, or add an alert to your digital calendar. The reminders will help to prevent things from slipping through the cracks during particularly hectic days.

Make sure you’ve allotted enough time to study for that big test or write that final paper. Time management is all about setting yourself up for success in advance and giving yourself the tools to accomplish tasks with confidence. 

Read our blogs, Your Guide to Conquering College Coursework and Top 10 Study Tips to Study Like a Harvard Student , for more suggestions.

3. Build a Personalized Schedule

Each person’s day-to-day is different and unique to them, so make sure your schedule works for you. Once you’ve accounted for consistent commitments such as classes or your shifts at work, add in study sessions, extracurriculars, chores and errands, and social engagements.

Consider your personal rhythm. If you typically start your day energized, plan to study or accomplish chores then. If you fall into an afternoon slump, give yourself that time to take a guilt-free TV break or see friends.

Having a schedule that works for you will help maximize your time. Plus, knowing exactly when your laundry day is or when your intramural volleyball practice is every week will help you avoid trying to cram everything in one day (or running out of clean socks!)

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4. Use Tools That Work For You

Just like your calendar and schedule, the tools you use to keep you organized should be the right fit for you. Some students prefer physical planners and paper, while some prefer going totally digital. Your calendar can help you with long-term planning, but most of these tools are best for prioritizing from day to day.

Explore what best suits your needs with some of the following suggestions:

Planners can help you keep track of long-term deadlines, such as important essay deadlines, upcoming exams, and appointments and meetings. They often provide a monthly overview each month, as well as day-to-day planning sections, so you can stay ahead. 

• Papier – Offers a 20% student discount 

If your schedule is jam-packed and you have trouble figuring out what to do and when, scheduling day by day—and sometimes even hour by hour—can help you slot in everything you need to do with less stress.

• Structured app

Note Taking

From class to study sessions to errands, keeping track of everything can feel overwhelming. Keeping everything in one place, whether on the go or at your desk, can help keep you organized.

• Bullet journals

5. Prioritize

Sometimes there really is too much to do with too little time. In these instances, take just a few minutes to evaluate your priorities. Consider which deadlines are most urgent, as well as how much energy you have. 

If you are able to complete simple tasks first, try getting them out of the way before moving on to tasks that require a lot of focus. This can help to alleviate some of the pressure by checking a couple things off your to-do list without getting bogged down too early.

If you are struggling to fit everything in your schedule, consider what you can postpone or what you can simply say no to. Your friends will likely understand if you have to meet them for coffee another time in order to get in a final library session before a challenging exam. 

6. Make Time to Have Fun — And For Yourself

Time management isn’t just about getting work done. It’s also about ensuring that you can put yourself and your mental wellbeing first. Consistently including time for yourself in your schedule helps to keep your mental health and your life in balance. It can also be helpful to have things to look forward to when going through stressful periods.  

Whether it’s going for a bike ride along the river, spending time with your friends and family, or simply sleeping in on a Sunday, knowing you have space to relax and do things you enjoy can provide better peace of mind. 

7. Find Support 

Preparation and organization can sometimes only get you so far. Luckily, you have plenty of people rooting for your success. Keep yourself and your classmates on task by finding an accountability partner or study buddies. Remind your roommates when you need extra space to work on a paper. 

Your school’s academic resource center is also there to support you and point you in the right direction if you need additional help. Getting—and staying—organized is a collaborative effort and no one can do it on their own. 

8. Be Realistic and Flexible 

Sometimes unforeseen circumstances will come up or you simply may not be able to get to everything you set out to do in a given day. Be patient with yourself when things don’t go exactly to plan. When building your calendar, schedule, and priorities list, be realistic about what you can accomplish and include buffer time if you’re unsure. This can help to reduce obstacles and potential friction.

Time management isn’t just about sticking to a rigid schedule—it’s also about giving yourself space for change.

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About the Author

Lian Parsons is a Boston-based writer and journalist. She is currently a digital content producer at Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education. Her bylines can be found at the Harvard Gazette, Boston Art Review, Radcliffe Magazine, Experience Magazine, and iPondr.

Managing Stress in High School

Our reasons may vary, but everyone experiences stress. Here are some of the common reasons high school students feel stressed, and what they can do about it.

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How My Homework Helped Me With Time Management

Students often find themselves struggling with time management as they get older. This article will explore how homework can help students learn to be more responsible for their time, organize their workloads, and plan their days better.

Table of Contents

Introduction

When you have homework, you must plan your time carefully to complete it. This means you have to be very organized and efficient with your time. You can’t just start working on your homework whenever you feel like it; you need to sit down and figure out when and how long you will work on it. This can be tricky, especially if you have other commitments like sports or extracurricular activities.

What is Time Management?

Time management is the ability to use your time wisely to accomplish more daily. It involves setting priorities and ensuring you use your time wisely by first working on the most critical tasks.

In addition, homework can help you learn how to budget your time. You may have limited time to complete your homework, so you must be careful about how you spend that time. This can teach you how to be more efficient with your time, which is a valuable skill.

How Homework Helps with Time Management

While some students may find homework a burden, when used correctly, it can be an invaluable tool for helping them develop the time management skills they need to succeed.

Tips to Improve Your Time Management Skills

2. Try to set aside a specific time each day for homework. This will ensure you have enough time to focus on and complete the task correctly.

5. Seek help from others if you find the task challenging. Sometimes another person’s perspective can help get the job done efficiently.

My Personal Experience

Homework may not have been fun when I was younger, but it’s helped me in the long run. If you’re struggling with time management, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your parents or teachers. They’ve been through it before and can offer some valuable advice.

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Homework: Helping Students Manage their Time

Two simple strategies for guiding students to improve a crucial skill.

This is the second of two parts. Part one can be found here: Is Homework Helpful?: The 5 Questions Every Teacher Should Ask .

Teachers assign work each and every day, either in class or for homework. That is the easy part. Put it on the board, tell students to copy it down, and move on to the next item on the day’s agenda. But why don’t teachers help students figure out how much time to allot to assignments? How do students know if an assignment should take 10 minutes or 40?

It is a blind spot in my own teaching. I never realized until lately that I wasn’t supporting students with time management skills. I wasn’t developing their ability to assess an assignment and correctly evaluate how much time it should take. 

Why is this important? With good time management, students know how much time they have, how long it will take to get assignments done, and what they can accomplish in the time they have. This gives them more breathing room, which reduces the feeling of being rushed, which in turn leads to less frustration and stress.

Here are two ways to support students in understanding time management.

Do the assignment yourself.  See how long it takes you to complete the work. Then remember, you are the expert with this material. Ask yourself, how long would it take for a proficient student to complete it? What about students with disabilities, what might hinder their progress? Then provide students with a range of times. If you believe an assignment should take 15-25 minutes, let them know. The benefit of this is that it allows students to plan better. They can situate homework in the context of their entire day. A student may get home from school at 3:30 and has soccer practice at 5pm. He now knows that he can complete your homework in any 25-minute window between the end of the school day and the start of practice. The downside to this is that some students may lose confidence and doubt themselves if an assignment takes much longer than you suggested. 

Rate the assignment.  Classify assignments into three categories with time frames for each so that students know what type it is and how long it should take to complete. Here are three ways that I categorize assignments:

Quick checks:  These assignments are measuring sticks of understanding and they are short and sweet. I expect students to spend 20-50 seconds on each question on these types of assignments. A 20-question quick check should take 6-10 minutes.  

Thorough Responses:  When you want answer with more substance and more development, I look for thorough responses. These types of assignments are different than quick checks because I expect students to spend 2-4 minutes per question. Thorough responses typically have fewer questions consequently.Thorough response assignments take my students 20-35 minutes.

Sustained Thought:  When students must access new material, when there is challenging reading, or when they must chew on ideas before they formulate responses,  students can expect to spend 30-40 minutes to complete an assignment. 

This piece was originally submitted to our community forums by a reader. Due to audience interest, we’ve preserved it. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own.

Daniel Wong

45 Time Management Tips for Students (Advice From a Lifelong Straight-A Student)

Updated on June 1, 2023 By Daniel Wong 46 Comments

Everyone gets the same 24 hours each day.

Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa, Isaac Newton, Eleanor Roosevelt, Leonardo da Vinci – they all had 24 hours a day, just like you and me.

What enabled them to lead such significant lives?

They managed their time well.

This article is all about effective time management tips for students.

As a student, I got straight A’s while sleeping eight hours a night, and graduated from Duke University with a GPA of 3.98/4.0.

(I don’t say this to boast, because education definitely isn’t only about getting straight A’s!)

But given that so many students ask me to share time management tips with them, I decided to compile the best ones I know.

By putting the tips in this article into practice, you’ll become more focused and less stressed.

You’ll have more time to do meaningful things outside of school too!

So let’s take a look at the 45 tips.

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus  5 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

1. take a study break every 40 to 50 minutes.

Research shows that working in blocks of 40 to 50 minutes is optimal for productivity.

If you feel as if you can’t focus for that long, try out the Pomodoro Technique for a start.

2. If you’re feeling unmotivated, set a timer for two minutes

If you don’t feel like doing work, set a timer for two minutes. Then tell yourself that you just need to focus for that amount of time.

Chances are that once you’ve started work, you’ll continue even after the two minutes are up.

3. Make good use of your travel time

It’s tempting to use your commute time to surf the Internet or go through your social media feeds.

But you can use the time to think about a concept you haven’t grasped, write in your gratitude journal , or listen to an audiobook.

This is a simple time management tip that goes a long way in helping you become a successful student!

4. Keep a time log for a few days

Do you feel as if you’ve been unproductive, but you’re not sure where all your time has been going?

If so, I recommend that you keep a time log for three to four days.

Keep track of everything you do during those few days. You’ll then have a much better idea as to how you can manage your time more effectively.

5. If you don’t understand a new concept, speak to your teacher right away

If you do this, you’ll save a lot of time in the long run, because you’ll be clarifying your doubts as they arise.

6. Keep an ongoing list of every single thing you have to do

Don’t rely on your brain as a storage device.

Instead, write down every single thing you need to do: assignments, projects, errands, etc.

Review the list daily to ensure that you’re working on the most important task at any given time.

By doing this, you’ll become a far more organised student .

7. Unfollow everyone on social media, except the people you really care about

I did this a year ago, and it’s saved me hundreds of hours!

Not only that, I realise that I don’t even miss not getting updates from most of those people I’d been following.

8. Turn off notifications on your tablet and phone

Do this and say goodbye to all the interruptions you’ve been getting when you were supposed to be focusing on your schoolwork.

This tip alone will make you a much more productive student.

9. Unsubscribe from all YouTube channels

This tip is similar to Tip #7. If you unsubscribe from all YouTube channels, you’ll discover that there are only a few channels whose videos you really enjoy.

These are the channels that you’ll intentionally visit so you can watch the latest videos they’ve posted.

Which means you don’t actually need to subscribe to these channels!

10. Mute your group chats on your phone

In most group chats, there’s a lot of “noise” – messages that are neither urgent nor important.

Mute your group chats, and look through them once a day to ensure that you haven’t missed out anything important.

11. Use a very long password for your tablet and phone

Set a password that’s 15 to 20 characters long.

By doing this, you’ll become more conscious about when and how you use your tablet and phone.

You won’t use these devices mindlessly, which means that you’ll become a more focused and effective student.

12. Delete all social media apps on your tablet and phone

Once again, this tip will empower you to use your tablet and phone more intentionally.

If you want to check your social media feeds, you can still do so through the Internet browser.

But you’re less likely to do so as often because of the slight inconvenience, as compared to opening the social media app directly.

13. Before you start a study session, put your tablet and phone in another room

This is a simple way to ensure that these electronic devices don’t distract you.

By maximising the effectiveness of each study session, you’ll manage your time better.

14. At the beginning of each study session, write down the task you’re going to work on

It’s easy to get sidetracked during a work session, which is where this study tip comes in handy .

On a rough sheet of paper, write down the specific task you’re going to work on (e.g. Science assignment, Question #1 to 5) and put it on your study table.

This will remind you to maintain your focus on that task as you’re working on it.

15. Create a rough schedule for each day of the week

Every successful person I know follows a daily routine. So do these famous people .

To be a master of time management, create a schedule for each day of the week, e.g. when you’ll exercise, relax, study, spend time with family.

It’s impossible to follow the schedule to the minute. But you’ll be far more productive if you use the schedule as a rough framework, rather than not using a schedule at all.

16. Be realistic about what you can accomplish each day

Many students overestimate what they can accomplish each day. When they don’t manage to complete everything they intended to, they get discouraged. As a result, they lose the motivation to study .

So be realistic when you plan your day, and assume that there will be a few unforeseen interruptions.

17. Make time to reflect on a weekly basis

Once a week, take ten minutes to think about the week gone by.

Think about what went well and what didn’t go so well.

Decide what changes you’ll make in the coming week, and write them down.

18. For every homework assignment you receive, decide when you’re going to start working on it

Be as specific as possible, e.g. “I’m going to start working on the English essay this coming Wednesday at 4 p.m.”

This is far better than saying to yourself, “I’m going to start working on the English essay as soon as possible.”

(On a related note, you might be wondering: “ When is the best time to study ?” To answer that question, you can click that link and read an article I’ve written on the topic.)

19. Finish every homework assignment at least one to two days before it’s due

In this way, you’ll have time to check through your work thoroughly.

And just in case something urgent pops up at the last minute, you’ll still be able to complete the assignment on time.

20. Learn to say no

There’s an endless list of ways that you could spend your time.

This means that you must learn to say no to the things that aren’t aligned with your priorities.

Get in the habit of saying no more often. If you need ideas as to how you can say no both politely and firmly, check out this article .

21. Determine when you’re most productive, and work on your hardest assignments during that time

Do you work best in the afternoon? Or are you most productive at night?

Work on your hardest assignments and projects during your most productive hours of the day. This is a powerful way to make the most of your time.

22. In your calendar, block out time for homework and studying

As the saying goes, “If it doesn’t get scheduled, it doesn’t get done.”

If you’re serious about effective time management, then block out time in your schedule for homework and studying.

23. Remove all distractions from your study table

If there are magazines, books, souvenirs, toys, etc. on or near your study table, which distract you while you’re studying, then remove them.

Put them at the other end of the room, or move them to another room.

(Go ahead, do it right now!)

24. Get eight hours of sleep every night

Research has proven that a lack of sleep affects your concentration, memory, mood, and overall health.

Do you want to learn how to study productively ? Then make sure that you get at least eight hours of sleep every night .

(Students always tell me that it’s impossible to get eight hours of sleep a night. But if you apply all the tips in this article, I’m sure you’ll be able to!)

25. Prepare for class every day

Every day, think about the classes you’ll be attending in school the following day.

Take a few minutes to skim through the notes from the previous class, as well as the notes for the upcoming class (assuming you already have them).

This way, you’ll be well prepared for each class, which means that you’ll gain more from what is taught.

26. Exercise at least three times a week

Exercise boosts your memory and brain function .

So make it a priority to exercise at least three times a week or more.

By ensuring that your brain is functioning optimally, you’ll be able to concentrate better and manage your time better too.

27. Write down all your test dates and assignment due dates in your calendar

As mentioned in Point #6, don’t rely on your brain as a storage device.

Write down all important dates in your calendar, e.g. tests, exams, assignment and project due dates.

When you do this consistently, you won’t be caught off-guard a day before an assignment is due.

28. Set reminders for when to start studying for tests

It’s a good idea to set a reminder or make a note in your calendar as to when you’ll start preparing for an upcoming test.

This makes it more likely that you’ll start studying for the test early. As a result, you’ll experience less test-related stress .

29. Review new information you’ve learned within 24 hours

This is crucial if you want to move the information to your long-term memory.

Furthermore, by reviewing the new information within 24 hours, you’ll also be able to identify which concepts you don’t fully understand. You can then apply Tip #5.

30. For projects and big assignments, always be clear about what the next step is

One of the main reasons that students procrastinate is that they aren’t clear what exactly they should do next for a project or assignment.

I recommend that you keep a list of “next actions” for each project or big assignment, so that you always know what you ought to do next.

31. Never skip classes

I know… when the teacher is boring or the material is uninteresting to you, it’s so tempting to skip class.

But resist the temptation.

If you skip classes, you’ll need to spend more time in the long run catching up. In addition, during class your teacher will highlight the key concepts. This will make it easier for you to understand the material.

32. If you’re feeling unmotivated, change your studying environment

There’s no harm in mixing it up once in a while to give you a boost in productivity.

On weekdays, you might decide to do all of your homework and studying at home. While on weekends, you might decide to go to a nearby library or café for a change in environment.

33. If a task takes less than three minutes to complete, do it right away

Many tasks fall in this category: sending a file to your classmate via email, asking your parents to sign a consent form, clearing the clothes off of your room floor.

Once you get a chance to perform the task, do it immediately. This will ensure that these small tasks don’t pile up and become overwhelming.

34. Create a study plan for every test and exam

Don’t just tell yourself that you’ll study hard for an upcoming test.

After all, studying hard isn’t the same as studying intelligently .

I recommend that you create a study plan where you list specifically what you’ll do to prepare for the test. Create a rough timeline to go along with the plan as well.

35. Put a clock on your study table

Students often lose track of time while they’re studying or doing their homework.

I recommend that you put a clock on your study table so that you’re always aware of the time.

Being aware of the time is vital if you want to become a student who’s an expert at time management.

36. Eliminate any perfectionist tendencies

Students who are perfectionists are also the ones who are most likely to procrastinate on schoolwork .

If you’re a perfectionist, set a rule for yourself that you can only work on one task at a time, and that you must complete the task before moving on to another task.

This way, you won’t jump from one task to another, while making little progress overall.

37. Clear your study table at least once every two days

Scientists have found that physical clutter makes it harder for you to concentrate.

My own experiences tell me that this is true too, which is why I do my best to keep my desk free of clutter.

I recommend that you clear your study table at least once every two days – once a day is even more ideal.

This will help you to be more focused and productive!

38. Write down your priorities and review them weekly

Take ten minutes to write down your priorities in life. (Don’t list more than four or five.)

Think about whether the way you spend your time is in line with these priorities.

Repeat this review process once a week to ensure that you stay on track.

39. Check your email and text messages just three to four times a day

For most students, checking and replying to text messages and emails takes an hour or two each day.

To become a more efficient student, make it a point to check your email and text messages just a few times each day.

40. Eat a healthy breakfast every single day

Eating a healthy breakfast has been linked to enhanced focus and mental performance .

This explains why successful students never skip breakfast!

41. Do deep breathing exercises for two to three minutes a day

Deep breathing improves focus and reduces stress.

Start with a couple of minutes of deep breathing a day, and increase gradually from there.

Read this article for the specifics on how to perform deep breathing exercises.

42. List your main distractions and time wasters, and eliminate them

Students often aren’t even aware what their main distractions and time wasters are.

So take a few minutes and think about what your biggest distractions are. Write them down on a sheet of paper, and come up with an action plan to eliminate – or at least reduce – them.

43. Set a fixed time to stop work each day

For example, you might decide that you’ll stop work at 9 p.m. every day.

Once you start keeping to this, you’ll notice that your time management has improved.

This is because having a fixed “stop time” every day keeps you focused on the tasks you need to complete. You won’t find yourself thinking that there’s still plenty of time to get the work done.

44. Hang out with motivated and productive people

As Jim Rohn once said, “You’re the average of the five people you spend most of your time with.”

Make it a point to hang out with motivated, passionate and productive people. You’ll become more like them over time.

You’ll also begin to say more positive things to yourself that will help you to be successful too.

45. Listen to Baroque music while you’re studying

Studies have shown that listening to certain kinds of Baroque music has a beneficial effect on learning.

I listen to Baroque music every time I do work, and I’ve found that it helps me to concentrate.

You can start by listening to the Baroque music found  here .

“Time management” sounds like a simple concept, but it isn’t.

There are so many distractions in this digital age we live in. As such, it’s becoming harder and harder for students to master the art of time management.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to be a productive student. It just means that it’ll require effort on your part.

Effort to get rid of old studying-related habits.

Effort to form new studying-related habits .

Effort to keep on trying, even when you feel like you’ll never be a focused student.

This article is close to 3,000 words long. You’ve made it to the end, so I know you’re committed to putting in the necessary effort.

Apply the tips in this article one day at a time, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful student .

More than that, you would have developed the skills and habits that will enable you to make a greater contribution to society over the long run.

I wish you all the best on this meaningful journey!

Like this article? Please share it with your friends.

July 26, 2017 at 12:37 pm

That is too awesome. I’ll surely follow this rules. Thank you so much 🙂

February 27, 2020 at 11:55 pm

November 6, 2020 at 9:48 pm

July 26, 2017 at 12:42 pm

You’re welcome, Shanzida 🙂

July 27, 2017 at 3:26 pm

This is such a useful article! I’ll surely follow it.

July 27, 2017 at 3:44 pm

Great to hear, Aditi!

August 8, 2018 at 2:03 pm

This is to good tricks to help to get top in my Collage university so It is very good thank you

August 8, 2018 at 4:46 pm

You’re welcome!

May 21, 2019 at 3:18 pm

Amazing tips and true things taught by you sir. All tips are perfect but i am afraid that can i implement these on my life or it is just for a sake of knowledge?

August 10, 2018 at 5:38 am

Thank for posting this article. I will adopt it in my research paper about time management of married college students in our university.

August 10, 2018 at 9:53 am

You’re very welcome.

August 25, 2018 at 2:02 pm

August 28, 2018 at 8:27 pm

Keep updating such article. These tips are very useful for each and everyone facing time management problem.

September 3, 2018 at 3:27 pm

Time management is something that helps you a alot utilize your time in right activities. And being stufdents it becomes even more important to have a proper time management and create a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. Nice article.

September 5, 2018 at 1:44 am

Thanks I’m interesting to do!!!

September 10, 2018 at 7:51 pm

Thank for posting this article. I’ll rally follow most of useful tips that can i follow….thank u so much…..

November 6, 2018 at 12:23 am

This is such a great read. Managing time has been a great problem especially during my dissertation writing period. But with these tips. I am certain things will change

January 19, 2019 at 6:02 am

All of the tips were very useful for me.I do nearly half of them anyway but the rest of them I did’nt have a clue at all.So these days I’ve losy my concentration but surprisingly I’ve found your site which I think is perfect.Thanks for all the help.I’ll keep on following!!

February 7, 2019 at 3:41 pm

Great article! Well written and exceptionally very well explained.

February 9, 2019 at 7:51 pm

May it inspire more in the long run as it did to me. Thank you.

February 21, 2019 at 5:37 am

This is great, I must tell. Thanks for this, Wong.

May 2, 2019 at 10:55 pm

Thank you so much for this article..It’s really helpful🤗

May 18, 2019 at 12:35 am

Omg such a great article thnxx a lot I wanted such a inspirational thought and look I got the key. I will make sure to starting from right now.

May 29, 2019 at 4:47 pm

thanks for the information

August 20, 2019 at 12:53 am

A great article.I find it best suited up for me . Thanks for it again.👍👍👍

August 31, 2019 at 12:41 am

Why do all of these assume that I have social media and friends?

September 25, 2019 at 10:29 am

Some really good tips for students here.

Distractions are one of the biggest problems when it comes to managing time, particularly when you’re a college student and exposed to new things and enjoying real independence for the first time.

Time management is not just about allocating your time appropriately, but also developing the ability to focus attention for a sustained period.

Student life is also about balance and it’s fine to party and have fun, but you’ve got to include it in the schedule and ensure it does not dominate your days.

Great article, well written, Daniel!

October 21, 2019 at 7:51 pm

IAS coaching has become a necessity for most IAS aspirants as competition is very high. Quality of teaching and material is very important for any civil service examinations. You are providing good information for such students who preparing for the competitive exam. Thanks for sharing the valuable information.

October 30, 2019 at 7:53 am

Wow!Just what I need for my clustered life and so many date lines to meet. Thanks. Will reorganize all I need to do by time budgeting.

November 19, 2019 at 2:22 am

Such a useful concept of time management.I thought everybody must follow this concept to success our life. I really thank to you for this information .Nice working keep it up .

November 19, 2019 at 11:53 am

Love it ,Great article sir…sure I will follow it👍

November 20, 2019 at 1:50 am

Very Good Tips………….Sir

December 30, 2019 at 10:30 pm

Will follow this great article thanks for sharing sir.

January 28, 2020 at 2:27 am

this is a big way of help

January 29, 2020 at 4:56 pm

Tips you never know you needed. Whoever came up with these tips is absolute genius

February 27, 2020 at 11:54 pm

This will really help me get my grades up. Thank you, Daniel!

April 16, 2020 at 11:03 pm

This was absolutely terrible and not very helpful…. said nobody 🙂

June 30, 2020 at 9:41 pm

Thank you so much for posting this article, I will remember those amazing tips.

July 10, 2020 at 7:08 am

Great article

January 29, 2021 at 5:03 pm

Thanks for sharing. It’s a great post

February 9, 2021 at 6:14 am

Thanks Sir for sharing with us

March 8, 2021 at 6:56 am

There are so many great tips here to help prioritize what matters most

December 14, 2021 at 10:10 pm

Love the Baroque music and makes me want to study =)

September 8, 2022 at 1:39 am

There is a lot of great tips to stay focused.

February 14, 2023 at 11:36 am

Thank you for sharing these tips! Made notes for myself

September 29, 2023 at 2:42 am

This was very helpful since I am a high school student. Thank you!

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11 Effective Time Management Tips for College Students

By Carrie Mesrobian on 01/24/2019

Time management is a perennial concern for any student. Add work, family and social activities in the mix, and these responsibilities become even more challenging.

You’re not alone in attempting to balance a chaotic schedule in earning your degree. According to a 2015 study conducted by Georgetown University, 40 percent of students ages 16–29 and 76 percent of students ages 30–54 years old work while in school. 1 As you might imagine, if you’re a student with competing priorities, it’s incredibly important to focus on time management in college.

So, what can you do to better manage your time? We’ve compiled some excellent advice that can help you keep on top of your studies.

11 Time management tips for college students

Whether you’re fresh out of high school or working two jobs while raising a family, these time management strategies and tips for college students will help keep you organized and your assignments on track.

1. Record all due dates and deadlines

Say you’re sitting in class ready to leave when the teacher makes an announcement. There’s homework due in three days and an exam in one week. As you leave class, you make a mental note to remember those days.

How often has that happened to you, only for you to panic the night before your homework is due because you forgot? Save yourself the late-night scramble and write everything down as you hear it.

“Even if you think you’ll remember a due date or something you have to do at work, write it down,” says Rebecca Holley, a full-time student and marketing associate at Edvisors .

Holley recommends going through course calendars and syllabi at the beginning of the semester and writing down all the important dates. Knowing what’s coming up will help you better prepare.

2. Create a routine

Getting into a routine can reduce uncertainty about when and how you will fit in homework and study time on top of school and work. Create a routine at the beginning of the semester so you can adjust to it early, and then see if you have leftover time for other engagements.

Holley plans her day around work and school.

“It’s not always perfect—sometimes you might have to stay up late or miss out on something fun to keep up with homework—but that’s just how it is,” Holley says. “It won’t last forever and crossing that finish line will make it so worth it.”

3. Use your tech for good

With millions of apps and games at your fingertips, your smartphone can seem like more of a time waster than a time manager. However, with some self-discipline, you can transform your phone or mobile device into an on-the-go calendar and scheduler. Set reminders to help you keep due dates and other important commitments in mind as you go through your day. Apps can be helpful too, with project management and productivity apps like Trello ® serving as digital to-do lists.

Tempted to check social media regularly during your study time? Try one of the many apps that block social media and other distractions.

But don’t stop with your phone. Your computer and tablet accounts can also be organized to minimize potential distractions.

“Create three different users: one for personal use, one for work and one for school,” advises David Bitton, chief marketing officer at DoorLoop . “On your work and school user accounts, have only the essentials you'll need to execute work and school-related tasks. Everything else relating to leisure and entertainment should be under your personal account. The fewer distractions you allow into your routine, the better you will manage your time.”

4. Break down your workload with the Pomodoro® Technique

If you find tech increasingly getting in your way however, peer tutor and Nursing student at Rasmussen University Kristin Irvin recommends trying the Pomodoro Technique.

Invented by an Italian developer named Francesco Cirillo, this technique is named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used to time his sessions ( pomodoro is the Italian word for tomato).

“The Pomodoro technique is like a high intensity-interval training (HIIT) workout,” explains Irvine. “First, you choose the task you would like to work on, set a timer for 25 minutes and begin working on the selected task with no distractions. Once the timer goes off, set a timer for 5 minutes and take a break. Repeat these steps as many times as your like.”

Of course, you don’t really need a tomato-shaped timer to stick to this approach—any device that counts down from 25 minutes will get the job done. Even better? For those who like to have music while studying, you can even find playlists that stick to the 25-minute time allotment.

5. Take note-taking to the next level

Many of us take notes during lectures but leave it at that. Frank Buck, educational consultant at Frank Buck Consulting Inc , suggests students try thinking of their lecture notes as more of a rough outline or first draft.

“During class, don't worry about neatness, form or spelling,” says Buck. “The magic happens that evening when you interact with those notes for a second time within the same day.”

According to Buck, most forgetting happens within the first 24 hours of being introduced to new material. Re-copying and re-organizing those notes will increase your retention and understanding of new concepts. While doing this, you also pause to consider anything that didn’t make sense during the original lecture.

“Look it up in the textbook or perform a quick Google search to clear the confusion,” Buck advises. “Double-check spelling as needed. This practice is like spinning straw into gold. When it's time to study for the test, the notes are pristine. The time required for study is lessened.”

6. Examine and limit potential distractions

Being realistic about your habits and preferences not only helps you establish a routine that works for you, but it can also help you when it comes to your distractions.

“If you tend to work best at night, there's no use trying to get all your work done in the morning,” says Mike Grossman, CEO of GoodHire .®

Grossman suggests getting a clear sense of what activities you gravitate to when you don’t feel like working, whether that’s deep cleaning your study space, scrolling through social media or making plans with a friend who drops by. Changing your study location, putting your phone in another room or just closing the door can be the preventative measures you need to take to avoid wasting precious time.

7. Ask for help

One bit of time management advice that is often overlooked is to ask for help, says Stephen Light, chief marketing officer of Nolah Mattress .

“Immediately contact a professor if you don’t understand something,” Light advises. “Some feel awkward or embarrassed about asking questions, but it’ll be worth it down the line. If you’re struggling to understand a concept or lesson and don’t ask for help, you could waste valuable hours trying to figure it out for yourself.”

If you’re feeling like your coursework covers concepts you already understand, it’s a good idea to check if the program you’re in offers competency-based education courses that can provide additional flexibility on where you spend your time in a course.

But time management means nothing if you’re physically, emotionally and psychologically drained. Recognizing when you’re overwhelmed and asking for help will serve you better in the long run. This may mean dropping an activity or reducing your credit load. Many schools also offer tutoring and other kinds of student support , so checking into any of those resources available to you is a must.

8. Keep yourself healthy

This may not seem obvious but looking after your health can actually play a huge role in successfully managing your time while in college. Practicing regular exercise can keep your energy levels up, resulting in a more engaged mind when doing schoolwork. Many also assert that getting adequate sleep at night can save college students time—this not only helps you avoid the time taken for afternoon naps, but it also can increase your alertness and decrease your stress levels.

9. Stay organized

Keeping your schoolwork organized can be a huge factor in saving you some time throughout the week, especially if you’re taking more than one class at a time. If you have separate binders, notebooks and folders for each class, you’ll quickly be able to find that sheet of notes for next week’s test or the article you planned to reference for your big research paper.

Avoiding clutter isn’t just important when organizing your notes and hand-outs. Be sure to keep your computer desktop organized in a way that always allows you to locate the files you’ll need for each particular class.

10. Checklists are your friend

Printing or writing out checklists for each class or each day of the week can be a helpful way of remembering everything you need to get done. Try color-coordinating tasks by importance or subject (such as school or work) to help you better visualize what needs to get done.

“Make a checklist of all the major homework tasks for the day or week,” says Vasiliki Baskos, teacher and founder of Learn Greek Online . “Prioritize them so that in case you run out of time, the less-important tasks will remain unfinished.”

11. Find a balance

Life’s stress happens to everyone. Being in school is no exception. Work gets hectic, family obligations increase and social activities become unruly. In times like those, it’s good to step back and take a deep breath.

“Ask your family and friends to support you during these challenging times of juggling work and school, but also give them permission to confront you if they think you’re driving yourself—and them—crazy at times,” says Anita Thomas, senior vice president at Edvisors.

Giving yourself time to recharge is also an essential part of effective time management.

“Many people forget to make time for themselves, and this is a big mistake,” says Cathy Mills, director at Net Influencer . Mills says that this time need not be lengthy—15 or 30 minutes a day—but it should involve doing activities you enjoy: exercising, watching an episode of a favorite TV show, listening to music, taking a walk.

“These activities that you enjoy will be a great motivation,” Mills adds. “You will see that you will be much more productive and manage your time better.”

Put these college time management strategies to use

Take the advice of experts and students who have been there. See if you can calm that chaotic schedule for a stress-free college degree. Of course, it’ll take more than just solid time management skills to succeed in college. Our article “ How to Get Ahead in College: 5 Tips for Success ” highlights some of the other things you should do to stay on track for success.

1 Anthony P. Carnevale, Nicole Smith and Michelle Melton, “Learning While Earning: The New Normal” Georgetown University, Center on Education and the Workforce [Information accessed December 2021] https://cew.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/Working-Learners-Report.pdf

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2014 and has since been updated to include information relevant to 2022. Trello is a registered trademark of Trello, Inc. Pomodoro technique is a registered trademark of Francesco Cirillo. GoodHire is a registered trademark of Inflection, LLC.

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About the author

Carrie Mesrobian

Carrie is a freelance copywriter at Collegis Education. She researches and writes articles, on behalf of Rasmussen University, to help empower students to achieve their career dreams through higher education.

Posted in Student Success

• advice for college students
• college life

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The Ultimate Guide to Time Management: 10 Strategies for Better Productivity

Rosie Landry

Are you feeling overwhelmed with too many tasks and not enough time ? I’ve been there, which is why I put together this guide to time management.

Table of Contents

After extensive research and trial of various techniques, I’ve pulled together ten strategies that will help you take control of your days. Prepare yourself for a compelling journey toward better productivity and less stress !

Key Takeaways

• Conduct a time audit to understand how you spend your time and identify areas where you can cut back on wasted moments.
• Set priorities based on your goals, deadlines, and overall productivity impact.
• Use planning tools like calendars or task managers to stay organized and create clear roadmaps for accomplishing tasks.
• Get organized by keeping track of commitments, establishing prioritization systems, and creating structured schedules.
• Schedule tasks appropriately by allocating specific time slots for different activities based on energy levels and natural rhythms.
• Delegate tasks to others to free up your time for high-priority responsibilities and leverage the strengths of others.
• Stop procrastinating by breaking projects into smaller steps and using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique.
• Manage time-wasters by identifying them, setting boundaries, utilizing technology wisely, and taking regular breaks.
• Avoid multitasking to increase focus and efficiency in completing tasks one at a time.
• Staying healthy through adequate sleep, nutritious meals, exercise, and stress management enhances productivity.

10 Strategies for Better Productivity List

These strategies can help you improve productivity and maximize your time and resources. Remember to experiment and find the best strategies for your unique needs and work style.

Key Strategies for Better Time Management

Know how you spend your time, set priorities, use a planning tool, get organized, and schedule appropriately.

Know How You Spend Your Time

Keeping track of your time is crucial for effective management. Many of us are oblivious to how we typically spend our hours and minutes daily. Surprisingly, even minor activities can become significant time consumers when accumulated.

Conducting a simple time audit helps unveil these hidden black holes in your schedule, which might be draining precious moments away from more critical tasks. You need to jot down what you’re doing at regular intervals in the day for about a week or two.

The process isn’t tedious as it sounds; numerous apps and tools make the job easier today! This transparency lets you spot patterns and identify potential areas where you can cut back wasted time, thereby allowing you to redesign your daily routines with improved focus on priorities!

Set Priorities

Setting priorities is a crucial step in effective time management . Determining what tasks are most important and need to be done first ensures that your time and energy are focused on the right things.

To set priorities, start by identifying your goals and objectives. What do you want to achieve? Once you have a clear vision of what you’re aiming for , it becomes easier to determine which tasks align with those goals.

It’s also important to consider deadlines and the impact each task will have on your overall productivity. By setting priorities, you can make sure that you’re spending your precious time on tasks that truly matter and will bring you closer to reaching your objectives.

Use a Planning Tool

Using a planning tool is crucial for effective time management. It helps you stay organized and prioritize tasks , ensuring that you make the most of your day. By using a task manager or planner, you can easily track your goals, set deadlines, and break down tasks into smaller steps.

This allows you to create a clear roadmap for what needs to be accomplished and helps prevent overwhelm . With a planning tool at hand, you can confidently manage your time and achieve greater productivity in both your personal and professional life .

Get Organized

To maximize your productivity and make the most of your time, it’s essential to get organized . Organizing your tasks and responsibilities effectively ensures that nothing falls through the cracks and everything gets done efficiently.

Start by using a task manager or a planning tool to keep track of all your commitments and deadlines. This will give you a clear overview of what must be done and when. Additionally, establish a system for prioritizing tasks based on their importance and urgency.

This will help you stay focused on what truly matters. Lastly, create daily schedules or time blocks for specific activities or projects. By having a structured plan, you’ll feel more in control of your time and increase your chances of achieving your goals efficiently.

Schedule Appropriately

Scheduling your time appropriately is crucial for effective time management. You can ensure that everything gets done efficiently and on time by allocating specific time slots for different tasks and activities.

Using a planning tool like a calendar or task manager can help you stay organized and prioritize your responsibilities. It’s also important to consider your energy levels and natural rhythms when scheduling tasks – tackle the most challenging or important ones during times when you’re at peak productivity .

By scheduling appropriately, you’ll be able to make the most of your day and achieve your goals more effectively.

Delegate: Get Help from Others

Delegating tasks to others is a valuable strategy for improving time management and boosting productivity. By sharing responsibilities with capable individuals, you can free up your own time to focus on high-priority tasks.

Delegation also allows you to leverage the strengths and expertise of others, leading to more efficient outcomes. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to do everything yourself – by involving others in the process, you can achieve more while also building trust and collaboration within your team or organization.

So don’t be afraid to delegate when it makes sense, as it can significantly enhance your ability to manage time effectively and accomplish your goals.

Overcoming Time Management Challenges

Stop procrastinating, manage time-wasters, avoid multitasking, and stay healthy to overcome time management challenges.

Stop Procrastinating

One important step is to stop procrastinating to be more productive and make the most of your time. Procrastination can lead to wasted hours and missed opportunities. Take action now instead of putting off tasks or waiting for the “perfect” moment.

Break larger projects into smaller, manageable steps and tackle them individually. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique , where you work in focused bursts with short breaks in between.

Starting immediately and staying disciplined can overcome procrastination and accomplish more each day.

Manage Time-Wasters

We all know that time-wasters can be a major productivity roadblock. To overcome this challenge, here are some effective strategies to manage time-wasters:

• Identify your biggest time – wasting activities and commit to reducing or eliminating them.
• Set clear boundaries with colleagues, friends, and family to minimize interruptions during work hours.
• Use technology wisely by turning off notifications and silencing distracting apps on your phone or computer.
• Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency to avoid getting caught up in less significant activities.
• Break large projects into smaller, manageable tasks to prevent feeling overwhelmed and wasting time on unnecessary details.
• Take regular breaks to refresh your mind and prevent burnout, but make sure you stick to a set time limit for each break.
• Practice saying “no” when necessary to avoid taking on additional commitments that will only consume your valuable time.
• Stay organized by keeping your workspace clutter – free and using tools like calendars, planners, or digital task managers to stay on top of deadlines and appointments.
• Delegate tasks whenever possible to free up more time for the things that truly require your attention.
• Finally, learn to say goodbye to perfectionism – striving for perfection can waste precious time that could be better spent on completing important tasks.

Avoid Multi-tasking

Multi-tasking may seem like the key to getting more done in less time, but it can hinder your productivity . Trying to do multiple things simultaneously divides your attention and makes it harder for you to focus on each task.

Instead of juggling multiple tasks simultaneously, try focusing on one thing at a time. This will allow you to give your full attention and energy to each task, increasing your efficiency. and reducing mistakes.

So, next time you find yourself tempted to multi-task, remember that focusing on one task at a time is the path to better productivity.

Stay Healthy

Maintaining good health is crucial for effective time management. We are better equipped to handle our tasks and responsibilities when we prioritize our physical and mental well-being.

Taking care of ourselves includes getting enough sleep , eating nutritious meals , and exercising regularly . It’s also essential to manage stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques or finding activities that bring joy and promote balance.

By prioritizing our health, we can optimize productivity and achieve a more fulfilling life.

The Importance of Productivity and Efficiency

Productivity and efficiency are crucial for individuals as they enable us to accomplish more tasks in less time, leading to a sense of accomplishment and increased job satisfaction.

In addition, teams and organizations benefit from productivity and efficiency by increasing overall output, meeting deadlines more effectively, and achieving higher quality results.

Benefits for Individuals

Mastering time management brings a multitude of benefits for individuals. By effectively managing your time, you can experience reduced stress levels , increased productivity , and improved work-life balance .

You’ll have a better sense of control over your day and be able to prioritize tasks based on their importance. With proper time management strategies in place, you can achieve your goals and feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day.

Efficiently utilizing your time allows you to make the most out of every opportunity that comes your way, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.

Benefits for Teams and Organizations

Effective time management is not only beneficial for individuals, but also for teams and organizations. When a team or organization implements strong time management strategies, it can lead to increased productivity , improved efficiency , and better overall performance .

By prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals, teams can ensure that they work on the most important projects and meet deadlines effectively. This helps in maximizing output and achieving desired results.

Additionally, effective time management allows teams to streamline workflows , avoid bottlenecks, and eliminate unnecessary tasks or activities. It also promotes collaboration by ensuring that team members have clear expectations of their roles and responsibilities within the organization.

How to Improve Attention Management and Focus

You can try several techniques to improve attention management and focus. Eliminate distractions by creating a quiet work environment and turning off notifications on your devices.

Practice mindfulness and meditation to enhance your ability to stay present and focused. Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to prevent overwhelm and maintain concentration.

Prioritize your most important tasks first to ensure you give them your full attention. Finally, take regular breaks throughout the day to recharge your brain and maintain productivity levels.

Techniques for Enhancing Focus

Enhancing focus is crucial for better time management and productivity. Here are some techniques to help improve your ability to concentrate:

• Eliminate distractions : Minimize interruptions by turning off notifications, closing unnecessary tabs, and finding a quiet workspace.
• Practice deep work : Set aside time for focused, uninterrupted work on important tasks.
• Break tasks into smaller steps : Breaking down larger tasks into manageable chunks can make them less overwhelming and easier to focus on.
• Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work in short bursts of focused activity (usually 25 minutes) followed by short breaks to maintain concentration.
• Prioritize single-tasking : Instead of trying to juggle multiple tasks at once, give your full attention to one task at a time for increased efficiency.
• Create a conducive environment : Set up a clean, organized workspace that promotes concentration and minimizes distractions.
• Take regular breaks : Incorporate breaks into your work routine to recharge and prevent mental fatigue.
• Practice mindfulness or meditation : These practices can help improve focus by training the mind to stay present and reduce distractions.
• Use visualization techniques : Visualize the successful completion of your tasks to enhance motivation and maintain focus.
• Manage stress levels : High-stress levels can hinder concentration, so find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise or relaxation techniques.

Avoiding Distractions

Avoiding distractions is crucial for maintaining focus and maximizing productivity. Here are some strategies to help you stay on track:

• Designate a distraction-free workspace : Create a dedicated area where you can work without interruptions or temptations.
• Turn off notifications : Silence your phone and computer notifications to minimize distractions from incoming messages and social media updates.
• Set specific time blocks : Allocate specific periods for focused work and avoid engaging in unrelated activities during those times.
• Use website blockers : Install browser extensions that block access to distracting websites or limit your time spent on them.
• Practice the Pomodoro Technique: Break your work into 25-minute intervals, known as “pomodoros,” followed by short breaks to refresh your mind.
• Prioritize tasks : Identify and tackle the most important tasks first, minimizing the chances of getting sidetracked by less significant ones.
• Communicate boundaries : Let others know when you need uninterrupted time, whether it’s closing the door or setting specific office hours.

Conclusion on Guide to Time Management 💭

M astering time management is crucial for maximizing productivity and efficiency . Individuals can stay organized and focused on their goals by employing strategies such as setting priorities, using planning tools, and delegating tasks.

With these techniques in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to take control of your time and achieve success in both your personal and professional life.

FAQs on Guide to Time Management

1. how can i improve my time management skills.

You can improve your time management skills by prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, creating a schedule or to-do list, minimizing distractions, and practicing effective time allocation.

2. Is it possible to manage my time better without feeling overwhelmed?

Yes, it is possible to manage your time better without feeling overwhelmed by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, taking breaks when needed, and delegating or seeking help when necessary.

3. What are some strategies for avoiding procrastination?

To avoid procrastination, you can use strategies such as setting deadlines for yourself, breaking tasks into small steps with clear timelines, eliminating distractions from your workspace, and rewarding yourself after completing tasks.

4. Can technology help with time management?

Yes, technology can be helpful in managing your time more effectively. There are various apps and tools available that can assist with task tracking, reminders/alerts for important deadlines or appointments,

and organizing schedules efficiently

About the author

I’m Rosie Landry, your friendly guide through the exciting world of practical management here on this blog. Here, I delve into everything from practical tips to complex theories of time management, combining scientific research with real-life applications. When I’m not writing about time management, you can find me with my nose in a gripping mystery novel, creating culinary delights, or out exploring nature with my faithful golden retriever, Marley. Join me as we discover how to take control of our time and enhance our lives together. If you need to reach out, do so here.

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How to Finish Your Homework

Last Updated: July 11, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA . Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 282,698 times.

While studying can differ for different age groups, many of the things that get in the way are the same. Whether it's your environment or time management skills, it easy for things to discourage you from finishing your homework. With a little organization and help, your homework can become approachable.

Managing Your Time

• For instance, try setting aside a time you know you can work well such as an hour or 2 before dinner, or if you're a night owl, after dinner.

• Work in hour blocks, with 50 minutes spent studying and 10 minutes spent taking a break.
• It can also be helpful to move around when you are taking your break, especially if you are working at a screen. Go for a walk outside to get your blood circulating and enjoy some fresh air.
• You might also want to eat a healthy snack on your break to improve your focus. Avoid junk food and choose something like a handful of nuts, a piece of fruit, veggies, or a small portion of cottage cheese.

• Identify which assignments are worth the most points for each class. Most likely these will take the longest to complete. [5] X Research source
• Consider how long you have to do each project, and if possible, see when the assignment is introduced. Oftentimes, primary and secondary school classes do not have syllabi, so it might be harder to plan out an entire term, but if you are in college, you will most likely have a syllabus with at least a partial course schedule. Knowing how long you have to complete an assignment will help you prioritize which assignments to do first. You can also ask the teacher how long you have to complete an assignment. [6] X Research source

• Use highlighters or stickers to mark which assignments are most important.
• If you're using an online or mobile schedule, create alerts or notifications for the projects and any time-sensitive steps for those projects.

• Don't let a big project overshadow the smaller assignments you need to complete!

• Assignment outlines can help you visualize the necessary tasks to get the assignment done.

Creating a Productive Work Environment

• A desk or table would be a better location than a couch or a bed.

• Turn your phone off or on silent (not vibrate). It might be best to put the phone out of sight, or in another room while you work, as the temptation to text or get on social media can be as much of a distraction as actually using social media.
• Use an app that blocks social media. There are plenty of applications out there that can help block social media and other distracting sites (such as shopping or gaming sites). [10] X Trustworthy Source Pew Research Center Nonpartisan thinktank conducting research and providing information on public opinion, demographic trends, and social trends Go to source

• Use a white noise app to block out noise.
• Use earplugs or noise-blocking earmuffs. [12] X Research source
• Work in a quiet place, such as a library or a home office, if you have one.
• Avoid listening to music while studying. Studies have shown that although listening to music while studying lowers overall performance, this does not affect everyone equally. [13] X Research source However listening to music before studying has been shown to improve performance on cognitive tasks. [14] X Research source

Using Your Resources

• If you're too afraid to ask a teacher during class, see if you can stay behind to ask your questions.

• First, contact your school to see if there are any after-school tutoring programs. While not all primary and secondary schools offer tutoring, a vast majority of universities do. If your school does not offer tutoring, they may know of other resources for you to contact.
• Then, contact your library to see if they offer any tutoring. [18] X Research source
• In some areas, there may also be free community tutoring programs. Contact your local community center for more information.
• There are plenty of private tutors out there as well, but they can be costly (ranging from $20 to $100 an hour). [19] X Research source You can find tutors online through a number of websites, such as Craigslist or Angie's list.

• If you need to work at a library after school, ask your parents or search the web to find your local library.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Community Q&A

Reader Videos

• Don't feel too stressed or you'll be doing less work than you actually can. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 3
• Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3
• Maintain a healthy diet. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3

• Recommended time doing homework varies by age. The National PTA recommends about 10 minutes per grade level per night (30 minutes a night for the third grade). Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0
• Some people may need additional help in order to focus on their homework and finish it. If you are struggling in school, ask your parents or teachers about what resources may be available, and seek out professional help or ask your parents to do so, if necessary. Thanks Helpful 29 Not Helpful 9
• If you are under the age of thirteen, you may need to obtain your parents’ permission before downloading any computer applications. Thanks Helpful 30 Not Helpful 13

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/power-habit-charles-duhigg
• ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/article/research-tested-benefits-breaks/
• ↑ https://www.wma.us/about/titan-blog/post/~board/titan-blog/post/how-to-prioritize-school-assignments-and-homework
• ↑ https://jhsap.org/self_help_resources/school-life_balance//
• ↑ https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/studying-for-and-taking-exams/guidelines-for-creating-a-study-schedule/
• ↑ https://success.oregonstate.edu/learning/concentration
• ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/07/28/parenting-children-in-the-age-of-screens/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html/
• ↑ https://absn.northeastern.edu/blog/8-things-to-keep-in-your-at-home-study-space/
• ↑ https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/171/
• ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/acp.1731
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/talk-to-parents.html
• ↑ https://rdw.rowan.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2412&context=etd
• ↑ https://blogs.chapman.edu/scst/2016/02/09/what-tutoring-is-and-what-tutoring-is-not/
• ↑ https://undergrad.stanford.edu/tutoring-support

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How to Manage Your Time Wisely As a High School Student

Last Updated: February 24, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Alyssa Chang . Alyssa Chang is a nutrition coach and trainer, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She uses her extensive background in brain-based neuroscience to work with clients on improving their connections with their brain and body to heal, reach goals, and move pain-free. She holds a BS in Kinesiology and Exercise, Nutrition and Wellness from the California State University, East Bay and is certified in Precision Nutrition, Z-health Performance and is certified by the National Council for Strength and Fitness. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 336,476 times.

High school is a busy time, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming! Our guide will help you improve your time management so you can stay on top of your school work and feel more in control over your schedule.

Figuring out Your Priorities

• For example, you may want to become a computer programmer when you grow up. To that end, you may want to pursue computer programming electives.
• Knowing the opportunities you want to pursue will help you prioritize what you spend your time on.
• Don’t worry if you don't think you have the "right" answer. You can change or adjust your goals at any time.

• Make your short-term goals with both high school and college in mind. Make sure that your grades and extracurriculars match the undergraduate, vocational, or other post high school programs you intend to apply for.
• If you want to be an engineer, and discover that you can take engineering electives starting in your junior year if you have a certain GPA, then an immediate short-term goal might be to earn that GPA.

• Your short term goals should be action-oriented, and precise. A good example of a short-term goal is to “earn a 90 or higher in sophomore Chemistry,” while a bad example is to “ace all my classes.”
• By thinking through and writing down what it takes to achieve your goals, you’ll have a good sense of how to manage your time appropriately.

Maximizing Your Class Time

• Not every high school has flexible seating because letting students sit where they want sometimes results in discipline problems. However, take advantage of the opportunity to sit in front if you have it. If you’ve been assigned a seat in the back row, respectfully ask your teacher for a seat closer to the front. Chances are they’ll accommodate you!

• Ask for help when you don’t understand something. Your teacher is there to help you learn but they can’t help if they don’t know that you’re struggling. And if you ask a question about a difficult subject, there’s a good chance someone else is struggling with it too.

• Keep your notes and handouts organized. Make sure to keep your notes arranged neatly in your folder or binder for easy access. Keep separate folders – one for each subject – to keep track of your class notes.
• Avoid writing down every single word. Listen for the statements the teacher repeats or indicates are important and prioritize recording that information. Also, use abbreviations when necessary. [7] X Research source

Completing Homework and Studying for Tests

• Consider keeping a wall calendar of your assignments and other projects in your study space. Cross off items that you’ve completed. Being able to visualize your progress can be tremendously motivational.

• You should focus on these assignments before longer-term assignments. Otherwise, you may spend so much time on a project that you lose track of time. You don’t want to be scrambling to complete homework due the next day when it’s time for bed.

• Breaking down assignments into smaller chunks also helps you adjust in case your week is disrupted. If you start your assignment on Monday, get some of it done on Tuesday, but lose time on Wednesday due to an emergency, you still have Thursday to make up the rest of it. If, on the other hand, you procrastinate and leave it all to Thursday night, you may be facing an all-nighter.

• The longer the period the teacher gives you to complete the assignment, the higher the quality they expect. Using weekends will give you the time you need to perfect your project.

• One way to organize your notes for easy studying is to organize them by topic. Then focus on one topic each evening.
• Many math textbooks contain the answers for some of the textbook problems in the back of the book. Practice these to prepare yourself for math tests.

Finding Time for Extracurricular and Social Activities

• When planning your weekly activities, start with your homework, studying and household chores. Plan extracurricular and recreational activities around your core responsibilities.
• When you are approaching test time, increase your study time enough to do well on your tests.

• It may be helpful to designate specific times to watch television or surf the web in your planner. Visualizing this limited block of time may help keep you focused.

• Your high school years shouldn’t just be about your schoolwork. If you’re stressing about schoolwork, you’re not enjoying yourself. So get your work out of the way early, then go have fun!

• Your friends are probably going through a similar scheduling process. Lock in some time for you all to hang out so you don’t miss out!

• Keep your goals in mind when choosing between possible extracurricular activities. High school can be very stressful at times, but keeping your goals in mind can help keep you motivated. Doing so can also help you see what you should be spending your time on – and what things you should stop doing.

• Try drawing, coloring, or journaling to relax. Meditation is another time-tested technique that can help relieve you of stress. [19] X Research source

Why Is Time Management Important?

Expert Q&A

• Get a good night’s sleep every night. High school students typically need between 8 and 10 hours of sleep each night. [20] X Research source To maximize your time during your waking hours, prioritize sleep. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Drink coffee sparingly, as drinking too much can increase anxiety and disrupt sleeping. Also, drink plain black coffee, as the sugar and milk most people add can result in weight gain over time. [21] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Eat healthy foods. Too much junk food can sap your energy and motivation. Instead, eat junk food only in moderation. And when in doubt about your diet, just ask Mom! Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Avoid energy drinks and over-the-counter stimulants as these may have adverse physical symptoms. If you need to stay up all night for a project, stick to coffee. [22] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Watch the amount of time you spend online. Increasingly, experts are recognizing the dangers of too much screen time, including disrupted sleep, behavioral changes, and even withdrawal symptoms. [23] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Things You’ll Need

• A Daily Planner
• Folders for Class Notes
• Paper and Pens

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.mappingyourfuture.org/collegeprep/make-high-school-count-student.cfm
• ↑ https://www.collegeraptor.com/find-colleges/articles/tips-tools-advice/8-ways-to-increase-your-motivation-to-study/
• ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/article/high-school-flexible-seating-done-right
• ↑ https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/majors-and-academics/blog/how-take-better-notes-high-school-and-college/
• ↑ https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/study-and-training/help-with-study/how-to-study-better/top-10-study-tips
• ↑ https://www.oxfordlearning.com/why-do-kids-procrastinate/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/test-terror.html
• ↑ https://www.mtu.edu/counseling/resources/balancingsociallife.pdf
• ↑ https://omaha.com/momaha/blogs/asmith/for-uninterested-teens-keep-encouraging-extracurricular-activities-clubs/article_4d4cbc18-5e24-11e5-b139-77ef7c2c59b5.html
• ↑ https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/kids-need-time-to-relax/article_201c4041-4b7e-52c5-9f74-b34563331d70.html
• ↑ https://www.weareteachers.com/mind-body-skills/
• ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/teens-and-sleep
• ↑ https://www.verywellhealth.com/effects-of-caffeine-on-teenagers-4126761
• ↑ https://www.cnn.com/2017/04/26/health/energy-drinks-health-concerns-explainer/index.html
• ↑ https://www.everydayhealth.com/internet-addiction/guide/

About this article

Managing your time wisely as a high school student is key to getting good grades and maintaining a good work-home balance. Pay attention and take notes in class so you don’t need to go back and re-learn the material. Get a daily planner and schedule all your school work, extra curriculars, and chores in it so you can keep track of everything you need to do. Don’t forget to schedule time to just relax and unwind every day. When you get assignments, break them down into individual study sessions so it’s easier to handle. Do a few hours of school work over the weekend too. It’ll be much easier to do a couple of hours every day than try and cram all your homework into one day. For more tips from our Life Coach, including how to set goals for your school work and personal life, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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