It seems like time always seems to get the best of us, especially when we're high school or college. These are the years where deadlines count and the distractions are endless. Meeting new people, partying, drinking, exploring or even just relaxing are only a few examples of activities we'd rather be doing than sitting down for 5 hours and studying for an organic chemistry exam. Over the years I have learned some tricks to stop procrastinating so school work isn't just hanging over my head like a dark cloud, and lets admit it, it happens to the best of us.
1. Download Forest.
This is an amazing app which has changed my life (as far as school work and outside life goes). This is a program that allows you to set a timer for a certain period of time, anywhere from 10-120 minutes, and during this time a "tree" grows. I realize this sounds silly but it actually really helps me when I'm trying to get some work done and when I easily get distracted by my phone. As your tree grows you aren't able to use your phone for other things, and if you do, the app will "kill" your tree that is then viewable in your forest. It's a huge buzzkill to look at your virtual forest and see a bunch of dead trees that never grew, but also motivating in a way that keeps you off your phone long enough to get some work done.
2. Hard stuff first.
When it comes to a long to-do list that you have made, most people (including myself) are more drawn to getting the easier assignments done first. In my experience when I do this I am less likely to get to my harder projects until the night before they are due. I pretty much procrastinate my school work with other school work. It's way easier to get the hardest stuff done right away so it's out of your mind and you save the easier, more fun stuff for last.
3. Make a list.
Making a list helps me sort through my thoughts and puts things into perspective. Although you have a quick easy assignment due next Wednesday, maybe you should put studying for your exam that's tomorrow first on your list. Having things down on paper eliminates a foggy head when studying because you lack the fear that you will forget about what is due. This way you won't be as likely to procrastinate when you have a clear idea of what needs to get done and when.
4. Eliminate distractions.
Going into my 4th year of college I have learned that studying with or along side of friends does not work. If you have a study group in which you are all studying for the same subject and won't distract each other, then this is okay. But if you are just going to the library for a gossip session, then you are way more likely to procrastinate than if you were at the library on your own. Your best method would be to use Forest, while listening to quite music, where you won't get distracted by other people or things (yes that includes your cute dog or cat).
5. Take frequent breaks.
I am way more likely to get work done in a productive manner when I have breaks scheduled in. If I am writing a paper or studying for an exam I spend no more than 45-50 minutes at a time focusing and then take a 5-10 minute break to let my mind relax. This can also be really great for those who have a difficult time focusing and tend to sit there in their own thoughts. Instead tell yourself after 50 minutes you can do all the thinking you want, but right now you have to focus.
6. Reward yourself.
No one likes to study or write papers and that just goes to show how much of a bummer it can be. If you can set up rewards for yourself whether that be making your favorite dessert, going for a walk on the beach, or allowing yourself to buy that cute shirt you've been eyeing you are way more likely to get your things done quickly and efficiently. You're really going to want to finish that essay as quickly as possible when you have a hot brownie fudge sundae calling your name.
