One... more... episode. The never-ending cycle of Netflix binge-worthy shows and scrolling through Instagram until our fingers are sore has every student falling under the trap of procrastination. At some point in our lives, we have all come across that one assignment, or maybe it's every assignment, where you just can't do it. And it's not that you are not able to do it but more that you don't want to do it. Procrastination is a downward spiral, and once you start putting things off, it only gets worse. As the school year starts off, make use of these tips to make habits that will help you stay on top of your work all year long.
Start small.
Starting is the hardest part when it comes to any big project. It can seem overwhelming when you look at it all together. Start by setting aside 15 minutes to work on a small part of your project. Then, the next day, set aside 30 minutes. Once you get started, it is easier to get in the roll, and you'll find yourself working on your project even longer than you planned.
Kick the distractions out.
Now this one seems obvious, but it can also be the hardest sometimes. Put your phone on silent and away from you. There are many apps that block certain websites, like Instagram and Netflix, for a certain amount of time. Using these apps can ensure that you won't be tempted to check your phone every couple of minutes.
Prioritize.
When you have multiple things going on at the same time, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what to work on. Help yourself by prioritizing your projects based on how important they are. Take into account the due date, the amount of time needed to complete, the difficulty, and the weight it has on your overall grade.
Break it down.
If you have a big essay that you need to write and you have no idea where to start, break it down. Break a big project into smaller projects. Take that essay for example. Break it down into writing an outline, writing the first draft, and then editing. Breaking big projects down can make it less stressful, because you only need to focus on one aspect at a time, instead of having to worry about finishing the whole project.
Write it down.
Make a list of everything that you need to get done. As you get things done, cross them off your list. Having a visual representation of your productivity can help you stay motivated to stick to a routine that helps you get things done promptly.
Consume snacks and water.
As soon as you sit down, your thirsty or get that extreme pang of hunger. We've all been there before. Then, we get up, take a trip to the kitchen, and then the distractions begin. So to avoid all that, try getting a snack and water before you sit down to study. This way you are eliminating excuses that may prevent you from starting your work.
Block off time.
Set away a certain time dedicated to the project that you need to work on. Instead of having time for "homework", set time to work specifically on that assignment. When that time comes around, drop everything else you are doing and give your undivided attention to the task at hand.
Designate a planning system for yourself.
Some people like handwriting things down and others prefer an online system. Just be consistent with whatever system you want to use. Stick to the things on your to-do list and it will help you remember what you need to do. Writing your assignments in the Notes app on your phone may not be the most efficient way to plan. Try getting a planner, or download an app.
Smaller due dates.
Set small due dates for yourself. Think of them like checkpoints, where you should have a certain protein of your project done by. This will help you space out the project so you don't end up cramming that essay the night before.
And with that, I wish you the best of luck.
