Introduction
February is one of the busiest months for students. With the second semester fully kicked in and SAT/AP tests in the next few months, doing the bare minimum to get all of your work done can feel impossible. This leads to stress, which causes procrastination, a negative mindset, and other problems. Below are some tips for overcoming procrastination, maintaining mental health, staying engaged in classes, and accessing SAT/AP test resources, featuring Cayden Rooks, the 2028 Guidance Counselor for the Columbus East Team.
How to not procrastinate
1: Invest in a planner
One way to improve your time management is to be aware of your workload. It is very common to forget when your classwork and homework are due, especially if you don’t keep track of them. If you get a planner, you can write down all of your assignments as you go through your day and not have any trouble remembering what you need to do. Cayden Rooks recommends Google Calendar because “If you have the app on your phone, then you will get reminders for the assignments.”
2: Use your time
“Students fail their classes or get behind because the student is not turning in their assignments,” Rooks says. Many students put off schoolwork because they “don’t have time”, which is understandable, given that about 80% of middle school and high school students participate in activities, most of which are every day, according to NBC News. Part-time jobs, sports, clubs, and trying to maintain a balanced life can easily conflict with studying in advance and completing homework. The key to fixing this issue is not to drop everything that you do, but instead to use every extra time frame you have to complete all that you need to do. For example, completing your weekly homework on a certain day in advisory or using 15 minutes at the end of lunch to finish up an assignment might seem like a tedious task. Still, it can really make a difference in the long run. Once you form good habits, you will have smaller piles of schoolwork when you get home, leaving room for other activities.
3: Set a schedule
When it comes to studying, consistency is key. For example, if you know you have a test, make a mental note to study for 20 minutes or however long you need each night that week. Having a routine will give your mind structure, and you will be more inclined to study each night. During the school year, coming up with a consistent schedule can be hard, but do your best to follow a schedule that works for you.
How to maintain good mental health
1: Get sleep
According to the University of Virginia’s Department of Student Health and Wellness, students should strive to sleep for at least 7-9 hours each night, especially in the days leading up to a test. Getting a good night’s sleep will improve your memory, focus, and mood, which are all necessary to understand the subject you are studying.
2: Study in a good environment
Without studying in a good environment, being productive can be very challenging. When deciding where to study, many factors should be considered. One of the most important is location. This could be the library, your bedroom, or anywhere you are comfortable that will not have interruptions. In addition to location, noise can impact your productivity while studying. Some people need to study in a quiet setting, such as a library, while others prefer some form of background noise or music. Taking breaks during a study session is also beneficial and can reduce stress.
3: Hydrate and eat nutritiously
Another important aspect of keeping good mental health during busy school times is to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. Without them, you will have little energy, and your concentration and function levels will be significantly lower. Hydration is crucial for maintaining good physical and mental health, as well as overall well-being.
How to stay engaged
1: Out of sight, out of mind
Remove distractions! Phones, TVs, and even your friends can distract you from getting your schoolwork done or studying for a test. Instead of being near your phone to listen to music or keep track of notifications, consider listening to one playlist with headphones, AirPods, or a speaker, turning silent mode on, and putting it in another room. Many study methods include a buddy system to hold each other accountable, but ensure that whoever you are studying with will keep you focused.
2: Find what works
Not all study methods are going to work for everyone, so it is important to study in a way you can actually retain information. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill recommends re-teaching the subject to yourself or others and working through practice problems (for subjects such as math or science), instead of reading lengthy texts and notes. Everyone is different, so study in a way that allows you to understand the content best.
3: Connect to life
Studying for your tests can be hard if you do not actually have an interest in the subject because not many people want to study for a class they do not enjoy. However, it is still important to get a good grade. “Though they may not like the class, it could be one that stands between them and their future goals if they don’t pass it or do well in it,” says Rooks. Even if the class you are taking is not related to your future career, it will be easier to understand if you try to apply the information to some aspect of your life. Next time you find yourself in class, forcing yourself to pay attention, try to understand why the information is important and develop an interest in something related to the class. If you enjoy it, you will be more inclined to stay on top of assignments and study for tests.
SAT/AP
SAT and AP tests are just around the corner, so it is best to get a head start in preparing. The SAT is sometime in March, and the AP tests will take place throughout May. If you are interested in tutoring, you can read our Student Business Story on Friday, February 20th, at noon, about Saya Hauser, who offers tutoring in a variety of subjects to students.
Sources and other resources
https://www.fau.edu/shs/features/posts/shs-hydration/
https://www.herzing.edu/blog/6-tips-create-perfect-study-environment
https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
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