If you're worried about how much work you need to do, commit to working for just 5 minutes straight. Once you get started, you might be motivated to keep going!

Sometimes getting your easiest task done first and checking it off your list can give you the sense of accomplishment you need to complete the rest of your tasks.

If you know a task will only take 5-15 minutes to do, then I highly suggest you do it now. Putting it off will only make it feel bigger later.

WHO

Getting work done with a friend can help you to keep each other accountable. They don't necessarily have to be in your class, even just being in the same room as someone working can motivate you to do your own work.

You could also stay after school to work with a teacher. This way you will not only get your work done right after school, but you'll also be able to confirm you are doing it correctly and ask clarifying questions.

WHERE

If you try to do your work while lying in bed, you will probably be too comfortable. It could also mess up your sleep schedule if you use your bed for more than just sleeping. When getting work done, you are more likely to stay on task if you are sitting up straight.

If you plan to do your work right after school, I would recommend staying in the school building. You could work in the Media Center or ask a teacher if you can work in their classroom. You might want a break after a long school day, but

WHEN

Most students plan to do their homework when they get home after school, but after a long day at school. If possible, resist the urge to watch TV, play a video game, or take a nap! It will feel so much better to get your work done first. Delaying gratification

If you're an early riser, you might have more energy to get work done in the morning, and it will also set the start to a productive day. That being said, it might be better to get your work done the night before, just in case you sleep in or the task takes longer than you expected.

HOW

For some students, being in a quiet environment or being expected to stay still for a long time is really hard.

Unless you're doing a physical task that requires little to no thought, I would not recommend watching a TV show or YouTube video while you work. It will only cause you to become more distracted because you are already using 2 of your senses, seeing & hearing. That being said, you could listen to music while you work!

I highly suggest listening to the audiobook while you read to help you pay attention and better understand what you're reading.

Listening to music while working should relax or energize you, not distract you. Some students can listen to music while they work because it calms them, helps them stay awake, or drowns out other distracting sounds. It depends on the person. If you're writing or reading, it would probably be better to listen to music WITHOUT lyrics.

Try one of these Spotify or YouTube playlists!

Are you having trouble starting an assignment? You know what is getting in the way, but you don't know how to overcome that obstacle? Use the checklist here to help problem solve.

If you find yourself impulsively reaching for your phone every few minutes, you should probably put it away. Phones can be excellent resources, but they can also be very distracting.

If you feel restless, you could try using a fidget.

If you struggle with attention, you should consider using a website-blocking application and/or extension (e.g., Self Control app, StayFocusd extension).

If you have an iPhone, you can block distracting apps by setting up a Downtime schedule:

1. Go to the Settings app

2. Click Screen Time

3. Click Downtime

4. Select Scheduled & customize the time period to meet your needs

5. Go back to the previous screen & click Always Allowed

6. Choose which apps can always be used, like the Google Classroom app & Calculator app (ALL other apps will be blocked during Downtime)