Time management is one of the most important skills that can be learned in high school. With the stresses of homework, social obligations, athletics, and the thousands of other responsibilities of the average high school student, it can all seem a bit overwhelming.
Here are five tips to manage your time wisely in high school and get the most out of your high school experience.
1. Find out what you like, and stick to it.
The first impulse of many high school freshmen is to jump right into every activity that presents itself. This is useful to get involved when you start high school, but ultimately not sustainable in the long run. Take some time to figure out what you really want to do with your high school career. Remember that a strong involvement in one activity can be much more fulfilling than little or no involvement in many. Instead of rushing to many activities all of the time, try instead to focus on what you’re passionate about.
2. Don’t procrastinate.
This is the hardest thing for high school students to do. If you get your homework done ahead of time, however, you will have more time in the future to do things that you enjoy. Make homework a first priority and study a little bit every night. Doing so will reduce your need to cram for tests or scramble to get an assignment done minutes before it’s due. Don’t cheat yourself by procrastinating.
3. Make a schedule.
This one seems obvious, but few high school students actually make schedules for themselves. Get a weekly planner or use an electronic calendar to map out your week. Seeing things on paper can show you just how hectic your schedule might be, and helps you to mentally prepare for the week ahead, as well as schedule study time.
4. Take a break.
If your life gets too hectic, take a break from things for a while. Schedule yourself some down time when you can just relax and do what you want to. All it takes is five or ten minutes a day to sit down and center yourself. Yoga and meditation are good ways to escape the stresses of your life and make time more manageable.
5. Focus on the activity at hand.
If you’re doing homework, do homework. If you’re practicing football, practice football. Using time wisely means not being distracted by outside things. Focus is a very important aspect of time management. So silence your cell phone, log off Facebook, and turn off the television! Focusing on the activity at hand lets you finish it faster and more completely, freeing up more of your time.
If you use these tips effectively, you are well on your way to managing your time in high school well. With a bit of planning and dedication, you will be able to balance your time and avoid many of the stresses that come with school.