Having homework can often be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you have other time consuming tasks. Here are a few ways that may prevent a mental breakdown.

• Do it at school

   For many, home can be a place of countless distractions. From having a TV to an Xbox, procrastination comes easy. If this is a problem for you, try staying after school an hour to complete as much homework as you can before you go home. This way there are no distractions and you’re surrounded by people trying to get homework done as well.

• Have a schedule to manage your time

 In other words, DON’T DO THINGS LAST MINUTE! Pick a day where you have nothing to do or have the least tasks to complete. Use this day to complete as much homework as you can. This way you have less homework when your schedule gets busy again.

• Make a To-Do List

  Often times it can be overwhelming to know all you have to do. To avoid constantly reminding yourself of all the tasks ahead, make yourself a To-Do list (put priorities or things due sooner first). Check things off as you get them done. This will give you a sense of satisfaction as you see how many things you have completed.

• Do a little each day

  Do at least 30 minutes of homework each day, even if your assignment isn’t due the next day. Eventually, it will be due and you will find its better to complete your homework in increments at a time than hours.

• Motivate yourself

  The worst thing you can do is tell yourself that you can’t do it or it’s too much. Reduce the amount of complaining you have towards homework. Complaining too much will make you dislike homework even more. Instead motivate yourself by knowing that you have the capability to get it done and done well.

• Do only what’s necessary (doesn’t apply to essays)

  For those who like to go above and beyond this might sound like a bad idea, however if you are going to get the same grade for doing what’s necessary and going the extra mile, might as well do what’s necessary and save yourself some time.

• Reading Textbooks

  Reading a textbook is probably one of the most overwhelming tasks around. One thing you can do to make sure you are getting the information you need is to look at the questions at the end of the chapter and see what you need to focus on. Another way is to read at a slow, steady pace and at the end of each section try to explain what happened or what you learned in the section.