Every year, coming back to school elicits varying opinions from Mayfield students. To some, it may seem like returning home after an extended period of relaxation. To others, the thought of upcoming deadlines and exams feels antagonizing. Nonetheless, the gates of 500 Bellefontaine serve as a blatant reminder that summer has ended and the school year has begun… or do they?
After nearly three months of lethargy, tranquility, and minimal scholastic responsibilities, (excluding the brave souls who willingly choose to remain at Mayfield during summer holidays), returning to the repetitive schedule of a student seems like a largely disagreeable chore. Not only is there the physical task of waking up outrageously early in the morning, but also the struggle of finding motivation to study and complete homework. I mean– who wants to wake up on a sunny Sunday morning, with a UV of 10, only to sit down at their kitchen table and study for 7 hours straight? (If you can’t tell, I’m speaking from personal experience). Even after school, sitting down and doing my work seems like a Sisyphean task. So how do we, the bright and intelligent Mayfield students that we are, push through our reluctance to study and get back into routine? Luckily for you, I can answer that.
1. Removing ALL distractions
Like you, this is the last phrase I want to hear come from a parent, teacher, or even sibling when struggling to focus. But truly, this is the start to stopping all procrastination. The habit of reaching for my phone while I study negatively impacts my ability to focus and often overpowers my motivation to study. When I get bored or don’t feel like studying, being on my phone is an easy way to pass the time. Often, this starts off as “just 5 minutes” but those 5 minutes quickly turn into hours. Before I know it, the sun has set and I’ve just wasted three hours doing nothing. So, as much as this fills you with dread, putting down your phone really does increase your productivity.
2. Creating a schedule
Oftentimes, opening the IMSS assignments tab can seem daunting, as all your tasks and assignments seem endless and unachievable. This can severely demotivate students and make it seem as though completing your work is an impossible goal. I have never been a planner user, but this year my mind has been changed.
Mia Palafox ‘26 shares how, “writing her assignments, quizzes, tests, hockey games and Mayfield events in my planner is the only thing that keeps me organized. I write everything done as much in advance as I can, which helps me never forget assignments or miss assessments.” Ever since freshman year, her ability to maintain an organized planner and remember to write in it has inspired me (though I didn’t pick up a planner until this year). Now, when I come home from school, I take note of all the assignments I need to complete that day. This makes everything seem more palatable, and helps ensure that I am prepared and don’t miss any assignments.
3. Use your free periods
While a break in the middle of the school day may seem like a perfect time to be on your phone or nap, prioritizing work during your free will be the best decision you’ll ever make. Now– I am no stranger to spending my entire free period watching the second season of The Bear, or lying on the commons couch scrolling on my phone. However, studying during free periods will let you get so much work done, and here is why:
Free periods occur during the school day, meaning your brain is already in a working headspace. Additionally, during school hours you are more awake than you’ll be at 7:00 P.M. and also much more likely to complete homework without distractions because school is associated with a productive mindset, while your home is more relaxed, making you want to rest and sleep. Honestly, putting my phone on “Do Not Disturb” and sitting in the library cubicles is the best choice I can make during the year because since I get through so much homework then, at home I am less stressed and can have more time to relax.
4. Try different study methods
Another reason you could be procrastinating is because you aren’t studying in a way that’s right for you. Sitting at a desk for hours after school is an acquired taste, and doesn’t work for every student. Everyone is different! There are a plethora of ways to study, such as the pomodoro or retrieval method, all beneficial to different peoples’ way of learning.
5. Reward yourself
Finally, what would be the point of putting in all this hard work unless there was a little benefit at the end? Training your brain to understand that finishing your work results in relaxation is a great way to prevent procrastination. Taking countless small breaks during study sessions results in hours of unproductive work. By not allowing yourself to go on your phone, text your friends, or online shop (I’m guilty of this) while doing your homework, getting your work done will become easier, as your attention span will begin to expand.
Next time you pull out your math homework or open IMSS, I truly hope these tips help you get out of a summer rut and into your routine. Or just pretend to be Rory Gilmore. Either way will work.
