Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)
You can start by keeping a journal or a to-do list of what you need to get done every day. If you feel like your lists are getting out of hand, it is time to learn how to prioritise. To do this, you focus first on the things you absolutely need to get done.
Break up larger assignments into smaller tasks that you can do every day. Doing these smaller tasks will give you a sense of accomplishment, so it is a good way to get started if you are feeling overwhelmed.
You can also work your way to the big tasks and be rewarded with a sense of achievement.
Use a calendar to manage your time. It will not only remind you of deadlines but also give you a sense of how long it takes you to do different things. If you are taking a long time to complete tasks, you can also ask yourself whether the schoolwork is too difficult for you.
This is a common problem. If you do not understand the material, it’s hard to feel motivated to even start. Maybe the topic is confusing, the instructions are unclear or you are missing some key information.
Sometimes you understand the work, but you just do not feel like doing it. This could be because you are tired, stressed or the task feels boring. The most important step you can take is to talk to your teachers. They are there to help you. Many students face the same problems. Remember, you are not alone.
This response has been vetted by Cherrie Chung, a mental health counsellor and psychotherapist at Insight Counselling
