Doing Homework Effectively: Dealing With Procrastination

Every student groans when the think of the word “homework”. Far too few students understand the important, or even the purpose, of homework. Without a clear understanding of what it requires or entails, it can be difficult to see the point in working so hard. This is what results in lots of procrastination.

If you procrastinate a lot, there are methods you can use to deal with your procrastination in an effective manner.

  1. Start by doing something simple. Trick your brain. If you use a calendar or a planner, write down a different due date. If your paper is due on Monday morning, put in your planner that it is due Friday or Thursday. Then when you are casually glancing over your to do list, you won’t be able to put it off as long because you will be under the impression that it is due now. Then you will finish the paper, review the assignment details once and for all, and either submit the paper early or have adequate time to review it and submit it again on the actual deadline. Your brain will know that you switched the deadline, but in the heat of the moment, when you are not actively reflecting on the change you made, your brain will only go with what it sees in the planner.

  2. On that note, break up your assignments so that you have something due every day. If you work on things a little bit at a time, you will get into the habit of regularly working and soon you will fight off the urge to procrastinate as often because you not be able to say to yourself “It can wait until tomorrow”. You will set daily milestones and you will have to meet them.

  3. Have a work space set up dedicated only to homework. Having a workspace where you go to complete all of your assignments will help turn your brain on to “homework mode” whenever you sit down to work. This can help you to stay focused.

  4. Eat a snack and have some water before you start. Many students procrastinate because they are in fact hungry or thirsty. These two elements can hinder any attempt at productivity and with a light snack that mixes equal parts fats, proteins, and carbs, you will stay fuller for a longer period of time and be better able to do homework.
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