One of the main challenges for high school students is that there always seems to be something ready to distract them. In the age of social media and smartphones, it’s hard to imagine sitting down to do anything for an extended period of time without a notification bell going off. Creating a dedicated schedule can prevent unnecessary stress and help students fully focus on learning.
Of course, we understand that every student is different, so there is no single system that works for everyone. Take a look at our 6 (realistic) productivity tips and give them a try.
Create a daily schedule and stick to it
If you want to be more productive, then you need to be organized. The most important thing you can do is to make a schedule or use an online tool to track all of your tasks. Remember to take breaks to give your brain a break! Some breathing room usually helps students absorb more knowledge with ease.
Split large tasks into smaller ones
It can feel almost impossible to get started with assignments that are very complex, which is why you want to split them up into smaller, more manageable parts. That means focusing on a single task at first, such as pre-writing, citations, collecting data, research, and so on. You can’t always finish everything in a single sitting – students have more to do than just homework, after all! Instead, the idea is to split tasks up into smaller ones for the best results. Start with a few jot notes and see where you end up.
Stay away from your phone and get off social media
Distractions can be very problematic for high school students. When possible, it’s important to turn off your phone (or at least have it out of sight) when you need to be very productive. It’s hard to write a successful thesis statement if you’re constantly sending messages and replying to social media posts.
Know when to take a break
Working without interruption is great until your brain starts melting out of your ears and you can’t seem to form a proper sentence anymore. At this point, the best thing to do is take a step back and maybe even get something to eat. A change of pace may be just what the doctor ordered. An overstressed or overworked mind will not be helpful in the long run.
Say no to letting assignments pile up
Some high school students end up letting assignments pile up. It can seem tempting to wait until the last minute, especially with new shows popping up on Netflix, but doing so will only lead to more stress and handing in last-minute work. Start chipping away at assignments as soon as you get them and see how you improve!
Enjoy your social time, but keep it balanced
One of the toughest things in high school, aside from the endless tests and assignments, is not being able to go out and spend time with friends all the time. There needs to be a balance here so that you get to enjoy socializing with friends while staying focused on your goals. If you notice that assignments and tests are slipping through the cracks, this is probably a sign that you need to have a look at your social calendar or assess why you might be missing things. Ideally, students should aim to have a schedule that seamlessly blends school time, family time, and social time, while keeping school as the primary focus. This way, you get the best of both worlds!
Give it a shot!
In this era of technology, it can be quite a challenge for even the brightest high school students to get an academic edge without hard work and commitment. A good work ethic, balanced with some breathing room, can do wonders, especially if you’re aiming to see improvement. Why not try these tips?