If you share this struggle, here is some advice on common issues students have been facing during the start of school that have come in between them and a balanced agenda. Don’t be afraid to send in some struggles you have to [email protected]—others may share them too, and it is okay to ask for some advice!
- How can I manage the homework load and not procrastinate?
Homework takes up a lot of after-school time, especially for students in honors or AP classes. However, there are several different ways you make sure it gets done at the proper time. First, put your phone away! It is ok to scroll through your TikTok feed for a few hours in the summer, but it is smart to set limits and enforce them. Putting it in another room or shutting it off is a great way to stay focused on what you need to do. Another way to stay concentrated is by making a consistent schedule for doing homework every day. It can be anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours—just make sure you prioritize homework first so it does not pile up. You can start by buying a planner or creating an online calendar to help organize everything you need to do so you do not forget later.
- How can I change my sleep schedule and get out of my summer habits of staying up late?
Although pulling all-nighters and staying up late with friends is fun, sleep is so important, especially during the school year. Coming out of summer, it can be difficult to get right back to normal, but by slowly enforcing a new down time, you can change your sleep schedule. According to the National Library of Medicine, you can do this by heading to bed 15-30 minutes earlier for a few nights in a row. Also, staying active during the day promotes a healthy sleep and is beneficial, since it helps you get daylight exposure. It can even be a short 20 minute walk, just make sure to go outside and move your body.
Limiting caffeine is also a great way to sleep through the entire night, as caffeine may linger in your system and keep you awake at night. Energy drinks like Monster, Alani, and Celsius are popular with teens, but should not become your normalized daily drink. Lastly, taking away or shortening after-school naps is important. They force bad sleeping habits and mess up a manageable schedule, which is key when you are trying to enforce a new one. Although school is tiring, getting a good eight hours of sleep will help you stay awake throughout the day.
- How can I stay on top of academics while handling sports, friends, and work?
A long day of school followed by practice and then homework is a rough, tiring day. The best way to manage and complete all your tasks is to make a secure routine. It can be fun to head to the gym a few days a week, or hang out with friends at Starbucks, but sometimes it can be better to say no. If school is your top priority, then you should not let late-night hangouts turn into an everyday habit. Setting a balanced routine will allow you to set boundaries from your life outside of school.
Over practicing is common with high school athletes as sports can be very competitive; however, academics should come first over sports. Staying active is important, but concentrating most of your after-school time on studying, doing homework and understanding material in general is principal. This does not mean hangouts cannot be turned into study sessions, as they are a great way to socialize while also getting work done. Going to cafes, parks, or libraries are nice quiet places where you can study or work on assignments, but also get the chance to chat with your friends.
