Managing time is a huge part of creating a successful schedule for students or anyone with a busy day, especially with the almost one hour delay bell schedule starting next year. With after school activities, work and homework–the day can become a stressful blur. Creating a perfect balance between all of these can relieve some of the angst you carry.

Even the smallest motivation can help you complete the work without giving up, if you can feel yourself slowly starting to lose focus, that’s when you know you need a break. Finding motivation is something I struggle with while doing homework but Aisha Kazembe ’18 finds rewards can help her through her work load. “Taking a five or 10 minute break to do a small work out or grabbing a quick snack can keep me going.” Once you complete your small motivation, it will now be easier to devote your entire focus to the task.

Having a routined schedule can increasingly help you get into a solid routine. Routines provide a sense of structure and familiarity that can help organize your life into your preference. A structure builds good habits that can be exercised daily and increase efficiency by doing things without thinking about it. Once a routine is set, motivation is not as necessary since your body won’t have resistance to an everyday ritual. Making sure to have a set time to relax and recharge your body is important for not only your mental health, but how well you Also if an appointment or anything else comes up, you can work it out through a routined schedule and still find time for other work.  

I find I can get easily distracted by my phone notifications or the computer but securing them away can increase efficiency and keep yourself on track. Set your phone on do not disturb and store it in a place where you won’t be tempted to pick it up. Don’t give up your attention for any distraction because once you stop focus, it’s hard to pick up where you left off.

If everyday seems to be stressful and you feel as though work isn’t getting done, these tips are especially for you. Having a structured day will relieve anxiety and cause a smoother day to start looking forward too. Stress is difficult to deal with on an everyday basis but making sure you embed time into yourself is key for staying calm and pacing yourself.