Tips On Homework

Ah, the age-old struggle and cycle of work and sadness, or maybe there are some of you out there who live for the rush of writing a 10-page paper. Most of us, though, struggle with completing homework on time and focusing on a sheet of misery rather than the exciting, ever-appealing Interwebs.

Tip 1: "Get a room!"

Actually one of the best things you can do to get your mind into a working state is to have a set location for where you work. Try finding a place in your house that is quiet, doesn't offer many distractions, and has the equipment that you need. If your house isn't a good option, a library is an awesome second. When you have a specific place where you know you need to concentrate and be productive, your mind associates that behavior with that location so, each time, if you often do your work repeatedly, your brain will be ready to "put on its thinking cap".

Insider tip: Don't work on your bed! When it's time to sleep, your brain won't think it's time to settle down because it assumes that you'll be doing work again and will stay awake.

Tip 2: "Music = Life"

For some of us, we need to feel pumped and energized to get into the working groove. A number of studies have found that listening to non-lyrical (very important!) music can help focus our emotions and make us more productive. Acoustic music may be the best for studying as it can relax your mind but, as I said, do not listen to lyric music. Lyrical music has words and our brain is geared to listening to our environment and deciphering meaning from sound. Your brain wants to listen to the words so you'll automatically be distracted even if it is subconscious.

Tip 3: "Block it out"

To manage everything, the best thing you can do is schedule what need to be done and prioritize your most important or difficult assignments. Create a block per subject and set a timer for how long you can spend on it before moving to the next assignment. At the end, you can go back to an assignment but this will keep you fresh, moving, and efficient. Also, allow time to take breaks in between your blocks. Your brain needs them!

Tip 4: Positivity!

Remember, you can do it. Don't put off homework because you're stressing about not finishing it. Just do the best you can. Talk to your teachers if you're having real issues with the load of homework you're receiving or lean on your parents/friends for support.

Tip 5: "Live A Little"

Enjoy all the homework memes.