5 Ways to Get School Work Done

Procrastination is one of the easiest skills to master. I myself am a black belt in the art of procrastination. I can watch videos on YouTube, read posts on Lifehacker, and play guitar for hours on end, especially when I'm supposed to be studying for my Biology exam. However, recently I have found and applied a few simple strategies to getting my school work done.


1. Focus
Figure out what you need to do. Then figure out how you are going to do it. It makes sense to plan a little bit, this way it's not so overwhelming.

2. Disconnect
This is one of the most preached about methods to getting things done. This means not only turning off the computer, but the phone as well. If my computer is turned off and in another room I have less distractions and therefore am more likely to get it all done in a timely manner.

3. Take [scheduled] Breaks
If I have a lot of work to do I look ahead and decide when I am going to take a break. Maybe it's a 5 minute break after every three sections. Only take breaks that you have planned though and keep them short. The longer they are the more likely you are to go do something else and forget about your work. But, this gives you a chance to get up, stretch, and get a glass of water.

4. Give Yourself a Deadline
Even if a project isn't due for a few more weeks, if you can get it done early it is a big relief. You don't have to stress about it anymore.

5. Reward Yourself
Treat yourself to something after you have finished that big assignment. Take a long break, watch TV, relax.

Things You Should and Shouldn't Keep Near Your Bed

There are some items that you need to keep near even when you are asleep. You never know when you'll wake up and need them.

1. Pen and Paper

I get my best ideas at night, but when I wake up at 2:05AM I don't really feel like getting out of bed to find a notebook and a writing utensil. But, if I don't write them down, I'm likely to forget by morning.

2. Light

This one is self explanatory, I prefer to also include a flashlight so I don't have to wake others when I need to get up.

3. Bottle of Water

For when you get thirsty at night

4. A good book

Reading doesn't tax the brain as hard as watching TV or listening to music. You can learn a little and get to sleep faster.

There are also a few things that you should keep AWAY from your bed. Don't worry, it won't be a giant useless list of things like... Toasters.

1. Cell Phone

I KNOW that if I take my cell phone to bed with me I will be text messaging until the crack of dawn. At which time my friends fall asleep. Keep that on the otherside of the room.

2. Alarm Clock

If your alarm clock is across the room you actually have to get UP. That is the hardest part. Once you have stood up and walked across the room and tripped over ever obstacle in your way you have a better chance of waking up on time.

3. Laptop

This is similar to the cell phone. With things like YouTube to distract us until the wee hours of the morning it is best if this beloved friend be left near the alarm clock, on the other side of the room.

Believe it or not, this post was thought up at about 3AM this morning. Kept the idea in my moleskin notebook. =]