During the school year, there are many weeks where we find ourselves overburdened with schoolwork, therefore leading us to feel overly stressed. Most students who experience stress from their academics are usually sacrificing their health and happiness in exchange for their grades. It is possible to manage all these things at once if time management is properly implemented. Time management allows you to work at a comfortable pace, which can help you get better grades. Additionally, managing your time allows you to focus on one thing at a time which will help you understand the material in your assignments, rather than just doing it for the sake of handing them in. Following the time management tips and practises below can help you get schoolwork done, reduce stress and improve the overall quality of the work you are handing in.
1. Schedule when your schoolwork is due
Although you might not be assigned work until later, it is still helpful to take the initiative in scheduling when things need to be submitted. Oftentimes, when we keep the due dates in our heads, we don’t realize how many other assignments and tests we have that overlap with one another. There are many different ways to effectively schedule due dates such as using online and physical calendars. Scheduling schoolwork allows you to have a visual representation of how to effectively manage your time and can help you avoid unwanted stress. Instead of working on something that needs to be submitted later in the week, it will remind you to start working on the things that are due earlier.
2. Don’t work on many things at a time
At times trying to work on things from many different academic subjects simultaneously may seem like the most efficient way to get work done faster, but it might also make you feel overburdened and stressed. Additionally, working on many things at once usually leads to the outcome of low quality work. Instead, working on one thing at a time and progressively moving on to the next will allow you to focus, and improve the quality of whatever you are handing in.
3. Block out distractions
It is normal to want a break from your academics, but sometimes we get carried away. Blocking out distractions like the things on your desk, or even the apps on your phone is a form of time management and can help you stay on track for a longer period of time. If you are finding it difficult to work a long time, then you should consider the Pomodoro method. This practise minimizes distractions while increasing productivity and efficiency. The Pomodoro method includes:
Setting a timer for 25-30 minutes and working at a constant pace for the scheduled period.
Taking a five-minute break after the 25-30 minute uninterrupted period
Treating yourself to a longer 15-minute break once four work sessions have been completed
4. Create a balance between schoolwork and free time
It is very critical to manage your time in order to create a balance between academics, and free time. To create a balance and avoid stress, make sure to prioritize your time so that you can focus on your school and personal life whenever you need to. Plan your days ahead of time, so that you can treat yourself to something you enjoy on the weekends. Additionally, creating a balance will help you get into a lifestyle routine which may lead to lower stress levels.
Time management for students is hard because of the stress from their academics and personal life. However, implementing time management will provide much more benefits and positive outcomes in your school life. It will help you get better grades and motivate you to keep working. Time management allows us to feel good about ourselves once we complete all our work in an effective way, and keeps away unwanted stress. As the days go on, implementing time management will become a natural habit and you will end up with various methods for making sure that every single day is the most productive it can possibly be.
Edited by Gwen P
Farah Aaryanna is a grade 10 pre-IB student at Milliken Mills High School. Learning new ways to improve has always been a part of her journey to academic success, and she hopes that she can help other students strive to improve as well.