As kids grow older and transition from middle school to high school, it suddenly becomes apparent: our futures are near. Stress about grades, extracurriculars, and applications builds up. As the workload suddenly spikes, many students find themselves wanting to focus on grades, but feel unable to.
If you find yourself facing this problem, the following tips are recommended to increase productivity and help you achieve your goals!
Create a Schedule
Use a calendar or planner to block out times that you want to study. List what exactly needs to be done and their respective due dates. Note any dates for important examinations or interviews. Creating a cohesive study schedule can help you manage your time and prevent last-minute cramming.
Take Breaks
Constant studying can lead to not enough retention of information. Your brain gets tired just like your body can! Give it some breaks to make sure it works its best. In the long-term, taking breaks helps avoid burnout.
Find a Good Study Space
Find a place you are most productive through trial and error. This could be a cafe near your home, the public library, or a desk at home. Ideally, a quiet place without distractions is good for studying. Whatever it is, make sure you are comfortable where you are.
Set Goals and Rewards
To keep yourself motivated, set clear goals and milestones for yourself. For example, a goal could be getting above an 85 on the next test. Once you have achieved this goal, reward yourself! This way, you can look forward to something and keep yourself working hard. A treat is always nice, as well.
Don’t Procrastinate
While it is easy to say “I’ll do this later” or “This can wait,” procrastination is a student’s biggest enemy. The study schedule you created earlier will help avoid this as well, but try to make the conscious decision to get things done on time or a bit earlier. Think about the last time you did something last-minute. Was it fun? Were the results satisfying? Probably not.
By following this helpful guide, you can maximize your productivity and do your best in whatever it is you would like to do!
