No student in the world likes doing homework. To most, homework is one of the most tiresome and boring chores they have to do. However, smart students know that homework is a tool that can be used to maximize leisure time for themselves and cut down on your workload. Surprised? Most people are.
When you do homework, you are essentially revising your classwork. Doing your assignments already puts you ahead of those who did not, and you get a jump start on studying for your exams. This means that you also get extra time on the weekends with your friends since you didn’t let your daily assigned work pile up till Saturday. Seems interesting? Let’s find out more ways you can maximize your output when doing homework.
Build a Study Spot
Most students stay on their beds when finishing homework, especially now since the lockdown has been keeping everyone at home. However, this is an extremely damaging practice. It can lead to bad sleep hygiene, and if you have too many gadgets around you, you might end up reading more social media posts than homework.
Instead, build a corner of your room for you to study. Reserve this area as your workspace and only deal with study-related work there. Keep a small desk, a lamp, and relevant folders and files. Keep this area neat and tidy, as clean surroundings can increase productivity. Finally, keep your gadgets away from here when you study. You will notice that you get into the studying zone faster with this setup.
Build a Routine
Humans are creatures of habit. This means we function well when there is a timetable we can stick to regularly. Whether it’s going to school or doing homework, it seems easier to do when you have a schedule. Plan your day, keeping homework, chores, and leisure time in mind. If you know that you have 2 hours to finish your homework today, you might find time to meet family or sign up for extra-curricular before it.
Plan to include both your homework, your coursework, and your downtime in your timetable. Remember that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Additionally, you will find it easier to agree with the timetable if you include things you want to do. Stick to the timetable as much as possible, and remember to account for traveling or bathroom breaks.
Use Focus Aids
Being focused is a challenge in 2021. The last year was crazy, with unbelievable news breaking every single day. With the pandemic still raging after 12 months, it is not easy to stay focused on the work at hand. Plus, with the advent of smartphones and the internet, you have the infinite resources of technology to keep you occupied in the palm of your hand.
To overcome this, use focus aids that will help you concentrate on what’s in front of you instead of letting your mind wander. Noise-canceling headphones are an excellent investment if your environment is noisy. You can play instrumental songs on it or just use them without plugging them in. Some people do well with fidget toys that help them direct their nervous energy.
Ask for Help
Your coursework and your homework are designed to challenge you. You should find it slightly tricky to figure out and complete. Your syllabus is designed so that you push yourself more and more as you grow older and learn more. If you find it extra difficult to complete something, you should look for help to turn it in on time and stay on top of your schedule.
The most comfortable people to ask are your friends. If you can’t access them right now, you could also ask your teachers or your family for help. For shyer students, the internet is rife with services of homework answers that you can use. Just make sure you verify the information before using it and use reputable websites; otherwise, you’ll end up hurting your performance rather than enhancing it.
Give Yourself Rewards
There is a theory called positive reinforcement that has been used to train a variety of animals to perform tasks successfully. Here, you reward yourself with something that you value highly when you do something you ‘should.’ This has been highly successful in helping people do better in a range of environments, from the classroom to the workplace.
To use it to finish your homework, keep a list of things you can reward yourself with. Withhold purchasing something you want so you can read yourself by ordering it when you finish the day’s homework. Keep candy by your study table so you can reward yourself with one when you get up. Soon, you’ll train yourself to enjoy starting and completing homework!