By: Kyle Chmielowski
Hi, I'm Kyle Chmielowski a first-year student majoring in Journalism and throughout this article, I will share important strategies for life.
Kyle Chmielowski on the sprawling hills of Wilbur Wright College (Photo Credit: Jonathan Suarez)
I learned a lot about strategies for homework from being homeschooled. When you're homeschooled you have tasks that you are required to get done but you don’t have a set schedule. You must strategize how you are going to tackle your homework with efficiency.
Now in college, I am taking five classes this semester, reporting for the Wright Times, working 20-30 hours a week, volunteering on the weekend, taking care of chores around the house (sort of), and in various recreational priorities like making music and working out.
With such a busy schedule, you may be wondering how I avoid burnout. How do I give my best effort for homework when it can feel overwhelming to manage? What are some good tips for taking breaks? With time you cannot get more but you can do more with what you already have, so do not be dismayed by the tips I will provide in this article. It will show you effective, time-efficient ways to complete your homework.
Use the Pomodoro Technique to Avoid Burnout
How the Pomodoro Technique works is you set a timer for 25 minutes, intensely focus on a task, and then take a five-minute break. Be flexible with this though because the ideal length of a study session will be different depending upon the person. Remember to study smarter, not harder for cramming too many activities without a mental break will make you say, “What in the world did I just read? My brain hurts!”
2. Great Ideas For Your Study Breaks
If you're on the artistic side like me, go outside, play the harmonica, or write a poem, whatever your thing is that relaxes your mind and soul. My favorite thing that helps me unwind is turning on Spotify and walking on the beautiful nature trail around campus. Moving around, relaxing under a tree, and spotting a funny squirrel are just some of the rewards of this pursuit. Especially do this before the winter settles in, as the mild temperatures and falling leaves make for a comfortable space with ideal scenery.
3. Organize Your Tasks
The first lesson I learned in college is that if you don't plan ahead you're going to find yourself scrambling last-minute to meet deadlines, stressing you out and reducing the quality of your work. Make a plan for upcoming homework projects each month, review at the end of each week the most urgent deadlines, and make a daily to-do list. Not every day is the same so schedule differently depending upon what's going on in your life. For example, when I have a two-and-a-half-hour class and an eight-hour work day I know I'm not going to have time for homework, so I get my work done earlier in the week.
4. Eat Right
Make sure you bring healthy snacks. I prefer protein bars because they're quick to eat and studies show that protein can boost concentration. I also avoid sugar before studying, because the crash I eventually get makes it much more difficult to concentrate. Whatever you do don't neglect eating before studying, as studying on an empty stomach will only make you an expert at what you want for lunch, not on any of your homework. Also, I know it sounds silly but make sure to chew gum after eating, for the smell of stale turkey on your breath makes an easy distraction.
I hope you find these tips helpful. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email me at kylechmielowskiwtn@gmail.com, I am happy to share advice.
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