4 Tips For Succeeding This School Year

Written by: Serena Yang

Edited by: Samyukta Vivek

Stay Organized

As a busy highschooler, it can feel almost impossible to juggle the seemingly endless load of difficult classes, clubs, sports, jobs, etc. But there is a solution: finding your personal method of organization. Staying on top of tasks is absolutely essential during the school year. It is how you keep from falling behind and missing deadlines. There are many different ways to keep track of dates (though my personal favorite  is Google Calendar). The one that works for you is usually based on preference. . For example, some may find the traditional way of pen and paper to be the most useful. If that’s the case I recommend purchasing a planner or agenda so that you can handwrite your tasks. 

However, simply having a place to write down your work isn’t enough; it is how you use the planner that makes all the difference. I have found that sometimes, even with an agenda of some sort, I will procrastinate until the very last moment to get something done. So, after much trial and error, here are a few tips I have found to be the most useful when it comes to managing a busy life effectively:

Set Fake Deadlines

Suppose your math homework is due on Friday. Instead of marking it in your calendar for Friday, write in for Wednesday. This way, in the case that you forget or something comes up, you will always have ample time to finish. 

Earlier this year, my English teacher assigned us a lengthy project that required us to research a legal case of our choice and create and present an informative poster. The assignment involved hours of research and extensive writing. Originally, the project was due that Friday, so I made a mental note of the deadline and planned accordingly. On Monday, I sat down and got straight to work on the research portion. By Tuesday, I had completed the poster, all under the impression that the project was due at the end of the week. By Thursday, all that remained were a few finishing touches.

When Friday finally came, I was excited and ready to present, only to find out that my teacher had pushed the deadline to the following Monday. At first, I was admittedly annoyed. I had put so much effort into finishing the project early, only to find out I had three more days. However, after thinking about it, I realized that my hard work had paid off in an unexpected way: I now had an entire weekend free of homework. Since then, I have made it a habit to finish assignments well before their deadlines, and it has never failed me.

Have a Reward System

It can often be difficult to find the motivation to start your work without a clear purpose. Giving yourself a physical reward is a visual way to trick your brain into working harder for the prize. Your “prize” can be as small a piece of candy, anything can serve as a reminder to keep going. 

Recently, my reward for myself has been indulging in my candy stash from Halloween. By turning something as simple as eating candy into a reward, I've changed the way I approach everyday tasks. Instead of viewing them as chores, I now see them as opportunities to work toward something enjoyable. 

Create Good Study Habits

Create a priority list to organize your workflow. For example you could decide to work on a small assignment first and then work on parts of a large assignment, or vice versa. Personally I recommend using the Pomodoro Method, which is a time management technique that organizes your working and breaks. Be sure to also eliminate all forms of distractions; make sure your phone is not within arm’s reach, use the restroom beforehand, and follow your study plan. Most importantly, consistency is key. Keep a constant routine and study at the same time each day so that your brain gets used to it.

Find Hobbies Outside of School

Hobbies are often overlooked—or maybe even seen as a waste of time—especially in the academic realm. Actually, having a hobby is extremely important for your cognitive development and personal growth. It lets you explore who you are beyond your studies and responsibilities because you aren’t aiming for perfection; you’re simply doing it because it brings you enjoyment. Hobbies act as gentle reminders that life has color, creativity, and keeps going even in the midst of chaos.Hobbies also force you to focus on being present in the moment. Whether it is baking, reading, painting, or collecting coins, we can all benefit from learning a little more about ourselves.

Don’t Forget About Self-care

It can be easy to forget about our basic needs as humans,  like drinking water and sleeping properly, when the school year starts getting busy. If you don't give yourself a proper break from time to time, you will burn out. So how can  you prevent this? 

Here are a few ways:

Create a consistent morning and night routine that keeps you grounded. Make sure you are sleeping and waking up at a similar time each day. Have little things that you always do. It could be stretching in the morning or reading before you sleep. These routines lay the foundation for a productive day. They allow us to control our schedules rather than letting our schedules control us.

Make sure to eat three meals a day. Although it seems obvious, we often overlook how important it is to ensure that we are eating properly to get the energy we need. This can be accomplished by planning ahead and being strategic on how you spend your time and money.

On a similar note, don’t forget to stay hydrated! It is recommended that the average person drinks between 70 and 100 ounces of water per day. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and try to avoid hydrating on caffeinated beverages alone.

Last but certainly not least, sleep. Sleep is necessary for survival. Yet, it is the one most often neglected by students.  Sometimes students believe they have to sacrifice sleep in order to finish their work, but you do not need to pick between one or the other if you plan ahead! Make sure you are getting around 8 hours of sleep per night by following a set sleeping schedule. Avoid using screens or drinking caffeine before bed.

High school can be challenging and stressful. It is a period of growth, change, and self-discovery, and for many of you, it may be the first time you face truly demanding challenges. Although the journey won't always be easy, I hope the advice shared in this article will help guide you through the ups and downs and make your high school experience a little more manageable.