Tutor Doctor

Study Tips: 5 ways to avoid homework procrastination Sometimes homework can be overwhelming, especially if you have a few assignments to complete in the same week. This can mean that you find yourself doing anything but your homework, whether that’s cleaning your room, texting your friends or watching the TV. This is otherwise known as procrastination, which is the art of putting things off and finding other tasks to do to instead. Even though your work might be daunting, delaying it will only cause more stress. That’s why here at Tutor Doctor we’ve come up with 5 ways to avoid homework procrastination and face it head-on. Minimise Distractions A really great way to avoid homework procrastination is to remove all distractions when it’s time to study. This includes mobile phones, laptops and making sure that the TV is turned off. Another great idea is to tell your friends and family that you are going to be studying for a few hours so that they don’t disturb you when you’re trying to concentrate. The fewer things you’re distracted by, the more homework you can complete! Create a realistic schedule It’s important to have a homework schedule, as this will really help you avoid procrastination. However it’s vital that you are realistic. For example, don’t schedule yourself to study for 5 hours a day because it is likely that you will dread it and do anything to avoid it. Instead set aside an hour or two a day for homework, projects and essays, giving yourself one day off a week. Also remember to give yourself enough time for each task so that you don’t feel rushed. So if you have a long essay to complete give yourself two study sessions to write it, rather than one. Focus on one task at a time If you have a couple of homework tasks to do at the same time it can definitely be overwhelming. Swapping between three assignments in one study session means it’s likely that you will become stressed, meaning you will look for distractions so you don’t have to face it. Instead break down your homework by only focusing on one task at a time. Completing one task a day will not only make you feel like you have achieved something but will also put you in a more positive frame of mind about your studies. Start with the most difficult task If there is a particular piece of homework that is really intimidating or particularly tricky it’s easy to keep putting it off until the last minute. Instead try and start with the most difficult assignment first. This way you will know that the hard work is over and the rest will be more enjoyable, which will keep you motivated to keep on studying. Treat yourself After you have successfully completed a busy week of homework or a difficult assignment it’s important that you treat yourself. You are much more likely to start studying and finish your homework if you know that you have a reward to look forward to. Great ideas include a fun day out with your friends or a relaxed movie night at home with your family.