As we are nearly two months into the year, it is past time to adjust.  In order to be successful, you must make a plan. I have compiled the following tips, learned from personal experience, in the hopes that you have a less stressful and more productive school year.

A major part of productivity is planning: Planning keeps you organized and makes you more time efficient. In order for you to know what you need to do and when you need to do it, it is worth investing in a bullet journal or planner.

The first thing you should plan is to take frequent breaks so you retain information. I personally prefer the Pomodoro Technique:  A 2 hour session requires work be done for 25 minutes, followed by a 5 minute break. After 4 cycles, take a 15 – 20 minute break, then repeat the process.

What should you do during those breaks?  Paradoxically, you should either do something relaxing (mindfulness, deep breathing, etc.) or stimulating (eating a healthy snack, moving around, etc.). 

You could also use your free time to tidy up, because a clean space is a clean mind. When I work, I sometimes get distracted and have the urge to neaten up my room.  This is a way of trying to cope with stress by putting something you can take control of in order. Once the clutter is dealt with, your brain has no choice but to deal with the problem at hand, whether it be studying or something else you need to do. 

Eating well, staying hydrated, sleeping soundly and exercising are the most obvious things you need to do.  To help with this, explore meal prep. Meal prep is planning and making your meals in advance for the week. This is a huge time saver. If you usually buy school meals, this is a money saver as well.  The reality is, though, there is no way to think about doing extra activities if you can’t get your own health in order first.  

Mental health is just as important as physical health, so learn how to change your thinking. Don’t let yourself get discouraged easily. If you make a mistake or need to improve on something, admit it. There is no use lying to yourself. If you need to address something, putting it off will only make you regret it in the long run. 

If you have tasks you don’t like, start with the worst task. It is hard for me to do this as well, but it makes it feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest.  Another way to help stave off procrastination is to break assignments into smaller parts. This makes it easier to start, which is always the hardest part. You can also make to-do lists. I make a to-do list everyday, and I divide it into my personal and school-related tasks. 

Once your tasks are organized, you can set long and short term goals. Every Sunday, for example, write goals you have for the week and things/events you look forwards to. It will make you happier and more motivated overall.

That being said, if you feel unmotivated, do your work later. Don’t force yourself to study because its a waste of your time. Be efficient!  In fact, try and get ahead when you have time (and if the teacher provides a textbook or unit plan). I have been doing this for AP Bio and it has made my life much easier.

One thing that doesn’t make your life easier is doing more than one thing at a time. Multitasking only makes you end up not being able to do anything properly.  It’s helpful to recognize and get rid of your distractions. Is Instagram really making you feel motivated? Live simpler. Get rid of things you don’t need. You will be able to focus better.

It will help you focus if you have a designated study area.  You probably shouldn’t be studying on your bed; instead, find a place where your brain is used to being in focus-mode.  Also, find a time that works for you.  

Are you more productive in the morning or at night? Figure this out and plan your study sessions accordingly.  In fact, it would help to make a consistent morning, night, and after school routine. Don’t change your plans so much. If you develop habits and find what works for you, stick with it because then you will have your own personal system that will help you be more successful. 

Finally, stay balanced.  If you just struggled through a difficult period (like taking exams or dealing with a personal situation), you need to learn to enjoy yourself or else you will burn out. Try doing something you enjoy, like going for a walk, putting on music, visiting with a friend or even buying yourself something!

Something I enjoy doing is reading.  Besides helping me relax, reading for pleasure has numerous other benefits. Your writing, grammar, and vocabulary will improve, and you can learn more. So, even if you do not like reading, try making a small goal like reading one chapter a day, or reading five minutes a day.  And, to go along with this, you could devise a good note-taking system. This will save you time and will help you learn better. I suggest the Cornell note-taking method.

On that last note, I wish you well.  Hopefully, by planning ahead and developing good habits, you can start the year off right and set yourself up for success!