Procrastination is the bane of every student’s existence. We know what we should be doing; we just don’t want to do it. It’s easy to put off undesirable assignments until the very last minute, but then we’re forced to pull a stress-induced all-nighter. Seven cups of coffee later, we’re exhausted, frustrated, and turning in an assignment that hardly showcases our best work. Here are the top 10 tips to crush procrastination and actually get some sleep for once!
- Get Organized
You can’t accomplish any work unless you know what assignments you need to finish. Invest in a planner or start using your phone’s calendar app. This makes keeping track of particular tasks and critical deadlines much easy.
- Set Simple and achievable goals
We postpone in part because the task at hand appears to be too difficult. Setting modest, attainable goals rather than a large, hazy strategy makes it much easier to get started on a job. Rather than saying, “I’ll study biology tonight,” tell yourself, “I’ll study chapter six tonight.” Breaking down your goals into smaller, more manageable activities makes them less frightening and more accessible. Checking off more chores as you go will make you feel more accomplished and motivated to keep going. Setting goals at the start of each semester is an excellent approach to accomplish this.
- Create a timeline or schedule
Create a timeline to achieve your objectives after you’ve set them to reduce procrastination. This may be a study plan for your upcoming large exam (“On Tuesday, I’ll study chapter five, and on Wednesday, I’ll study chapter six”), or a plan for an essay you need to write (“On Saturday, I’ll compose the introduction and conclusion”). It is considerably easier to manage a task if it is broken down into small parts over time.
- Set a deadline
So many people fall into the trap of thinking, “Someday, I’ll arrange my notes,” or “Someday, I’ll finish my math homework.” “Someday” and “eventually” never come, the fact is. It’s critical to set a deadline for when you want to achieve your objectives. If you have an assignment due, try to finish it one or two days ahead of time. That way, if anything unexpected comes up, you’ll still have time to finish it.
- Get rid of distractions
It’s critical to clear your workspace of all potential distractions before starting work so you don’t get sidetracked halfway through. Shut your phone off if you find yourself spending too much time on Snapchat or Instagram when you should be studying (all the way off). External influences, such as irritating siblings, can also be causes of distraction. To drown out their incessant conversation, listen to classical music or white noise. You might even alter your study setting entirely and go to the local library or coffee shop, where you can clear your mind and study without distractions.
- Time yourself
It’s easy to overwork oneself when you’re swamped with assignments. Furthermore, our brains can only process so much information and concentrate at one time! So, how long should you prepare? Everyone is different, however most experts agree that the time should be between 50 and 90 minutes. To avoid burning out and procrastination, set a timer for a block of concentrated studying or work. It’s possible that you’ll have to experiment to locate your “sweet spot” for studying time. According to the Atlantic, the ideal productivity formula is to work for 52 minutes and then take a 17-minute rest.
- Take a break
It’s critical to take mental breaks from schoolwork from time to time. Take a 10- to 30-minute break when the timer goes off. Listen to music, go for a stroll, do some housework, or scream into a pillow—do whatever it takes to take your mind off work and relax.
- Use Incentives
Everyone enjoys receiving rewards. It’s critical to provide oneself with tiny rewards. It may be as simple as saying, “If I work on this assignment for an hour tonight, I’ll watch an episode of my favorite TV show.” It could also be a more ambitious objective, such as “If I get an A in math this semester, I’ll eat at my favorite restaurant.” When something is at stake, it is easier to pay attention.
- Get the hard stuffs done
This may make you want to move things back even further. It’s difficult to force yourself to do something you don’t want to do. However, guess what? It’s over once you’ve completed it! It’s preferable to start with the most difficult assignments. Everything else appears to be easier and takes less time after that. You’re never going to finish that English essay if you keep putting it off. It’s best to just get down to business.
- Share about your goals to people
If you’re the only one holding yourself accountable, it’s easy to forget about or put off duties. Tell a friend or family member if you really want to get something done. Someone is now holding you accountable for your objectives. It’s impossible to back out or slough it off. It helps you to fight procrastination. You also have someone with whom to share your triumphs, no matter how minor. Your friend will be there to assist you, whether it’s scoring an A on that physics test or just finishing a project a few days early.
