Back to school: cool or uncool?
Written by Audrey Roy on 24/08/10
Going back to school in September is exciting for some of us. We get to see our friends again, talk to our secret crush and discover if we are going to have the cool teachers this year. But when we say school we also say homework.
Some of us don’t deal so well with homework and exams because our stress levels get too high – this is what we call performance anxiety. This happens when someone can’t take the pressure that comes with a task, whether it is at school, at work or in everyday life. Does that sound familiar to you? If so, we can help!
First things first: homework
Doing our homework is not fun: we would rather watch television or go out with our friends. But when you have to get homework done, tackle your hardest and longest assignment first; the rest will be easy in comparison (Teenhealth). The best thing you can do to deal with homework is to have a plan. Getting an agenda is a great organizational tool. You can write everything down from your assignments to your social activities, and then create a homework schedule around it. Also, choose a study environment that is calm and peaceful. You don’t want distractions like the TV or a computer while you are studying.
Take a break
Intellectual work can be exhausting for your mind. Youth and adults alike don’t necessarily have a long attention span, which is why it’s a good idea to take a 15 minute break every hour or so. Once your brain has rested a little, you’ll work much more efficiently (Youth Canada).
You hate algebra?
So do I, but we still have to do well in all of our classes. If there is a subject at school that you don’t like or if you’re having a problem understanding the lessons, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher or friends for help. Often, when we improve in a class, we can even start to like it.
Test time
Studying for tests can be overwhelming. In order to increase your chances of doing well on your exams, you should start studying as soon as your classes end by reviewing the notes. Studying at the last minute might save you from a failing grade, but it won’t be your best work. If you are not sure that your studying methods are the best, try researching some study tips. We all have different techniques: some will rewrite their notes over and over, some will read them out loud, others will study in a group and others will practice explaining the material to an imaginary person. The point is that the study method you are using is not really important, as long as it work for you. For some test-taking tips, click here.
Memory problems
Being too nervous for an exam can cause problems like lapses in memory or panic attacks. However, you can use your anxiety to your advantage. The right amount of anxiety will provide enough adrenaline for you to perform well, whereas high levels of anxiety can cause too much adrenaline and can prevent you from performing at all (Teen’s health). Most students are not overwhelmed by stress during exams, but if you feel like your stress levels are too high, here is some advice:
- Manage your time efficiently and plan ahead;
- Study in a calm and quiet environment;
- Be optimistic and believe in yourself;
- Sleep well, at least 8 to 9 hours every night;
- Use relaxation techniques to decrease your anxiety (slow music, breathing exercises, mental visualization, yoga, etc);
- Learn more about study skills and techniques;
School can be stressful but it also can be a lot of fun: you have to try to make the most of it while you can. So, enjoy these last days of freedom and then get back to your homework and studying. As long as you try your best, you will be proud of yourself in the end!
Links
Youth Canada
Teen’s health: Test anxiety
Teen’s health: Studying for tests
Teen’s health: How to make homework less homework
Teen’s health: Staying focused on schoolwork
Teen’s health : Back to school
Stress.about.com