If you are feeling like school is starting but nothing has changed; it is still stressful, difficult, and hard to manage? Sometimes small changes can help your attitude shift. Forming new habits- small or big- that serve you better is the best place to start.
Most of us procrastinate; however, it seems to have become an epidemic- a standard- where it is a surprise if someone shows up on time, doesn't cancel, or completes an assignment without asking for extensions (yes- I mean plural).
The goal of this article is to help students who are tired of having to apologize EVERY time they see someone.
It is for the student that is:
tired of feeling stressed all of the time,
tired of yelling at the people who are trying so desperately to help them,
tired of feeling bad about themself,
and just- well, tired.
This article is for students wanting a change.
With the stress of classes, exams, and extracurricular activities, it's easy to get overwhelmed and fall into a cycle of procrastination and poor time management.
NO LIES
1. Prioritize self-care: This doesn't mean that if you stay up all night on YouTube that you are prioritizing self-care the next day when you sleep all afternoon instead of doing your homework. It should probably be called "self-honesty" because the bottom line is to not lie to yourself.
STRONG GOALS
2. Set realistic goals: Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable goals. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Set deadlines for yourself and create a schedule to help you stay organized.
NEW YEAR NEW PLAN
3. Manage your time BETTER...not perfect- but better. Use an app or digital calendar- I love Shovel, ADDitude, Notion, Bark, and Clockify because they help you optimize your time and keep track of assignments, exams, and other important dates. If your school doesn't allow phones, you may need something that synchronizes with your laptop or tablet. Prioritize your tasks based on deadlines and importance instead of day to day. Don't forget to schedule time for relaxation and self-care. Use reminders and alarms to keep yourself on task.
Procrastination is not Genetic
4. Fix procrastination for good: Procrastination only increases stress and anxiety. Try to break the habit by setting specific goals and deadlines for yourself. Here are some tips:
Try the Pomodoro technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. You can change the timing to work best for you- or sometimes your needs will change depending on the subject you are studying.
Or, start with....something; it is amazing how momentum will help you. Use tools and apps and give yourself goals: if you break them give yourself a consequence- if you achieve them- reward yourself.
I recommend your rewards NOT be related to food but rather your time. Do something that you rarely have time to do but love (the beach, a walk, YouTube, etc.) but it needs to be something that won't suck your time away- so NOT video games.
It should not be a basic need like sleep or food- if you are lacking in those then you need to back up and start with that.
You cannot accomplish anything well if you are HAT (hungry angry or tired), and if you add stress and anxiety to that formula: boom! You WILL explode: internally or externally or both.
Whether it is internally or taking it out on someone trying to help you- this for sure increases stress levels and takes away even more of your time. If you add up the time it takes worrying, talking about how stressed you are, blowing up, or avoiding the task (sleeping, ignoring it), you would have time to finish the project, get plenty of sleep, eat nutritiously, exercise, AND socialize for several hours. If you don't believe me- track it and see for yourself.
Time is your biggest asset- and if you don't learn to manage it AND enjoy your life, you will continue to procrastinate. In essence, you are rewarding yourself by procrastinating: you finally do the task last minute- then you do nothing for a long period of time as a reward. Then the anxiety builds, so you avoid it by avoiding the task- waiting for adrenlyn to drive you like a drug at the last minute to complete the task to get your reward. This is a seriously dangerious cycle to live by and one that often leads to addictions. Changing it now can save you a lot of time, stress, pain, and anxiety.
5. Reach out for support:
If you're struggling with your mental health or feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor, or dial 988.
If you need academic support- START EARLY! Get a tutor- if you can't afford one seek out a nonprofit that can help you for free or use Khan Academy or form a study group.
If you are in college, the peers doing the tutoring have gotten an A in the class you are seeking help with- a huge advantage. And since universities typically subsidize it, tutoring isn't expensive- sometimes free altogether.
You should prioritize your mental health and well-being. But that does not mean instead of doing anything else: balance is key. Work hard, rest well, and be mindful of how and when you socialize- online or in person. so that you can avoid anxiety, gain mental and physical health, reach your goals, and have a lot more fun in your life. Trust me- I speak from experience after 18 years of working with teens. I get it.
By taking care of yourself, setting realistic goals, managing your time effectively, and avoiding procrastination, you can navigate the new school year with confidence and success.
Feeling good will eventually be the only reward you need, and failures can be turned into knowledge and experience that you will some day cherish.
Remember, You got this- and if you don't- get help so that you do. Everyone is dependent before they can ever truly be independent, so don't resist help because you want to be independent. That's akin to wasting money because you want to be rich.
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