optimal time to do homework

Internet Explorer is no longer supported

Please upgrade to Microsoft Edge , Google Chrome , or Firefox .

Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares.

Get this as a PDF

Enter email to download and get news and resources in your inbox.

Share this on social

Strategies to make homework go more smoothly.

Routines and incentive systems to help kids succeed

Writer: Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP

Clinical Experts: Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP , Karol Espejo, LCSW

Here is the best guide to helping kids do homework successfully that we’ve seen, published by the National Association of School Psychologists on their website, NASPonline.org . Our thanks to NASP for sharing it with us.

There are two key strategies parents can draw on to reduce homework hassles. The first is to establish clear routines around homework, including when and where homework gets done and setting up daily schedules for homework. The second is to build in rewards or incentives to use with children for whom “good grades” is not a sufficient reward for doing homework.

Homework Routines

Tasks are easiest to accomplish when tied to specific routines. By establishing daily routines for homework completion, you will not only make homework go more smoothly, but you will also be fostering a sense of order your child can apply to later life, including college and work.

Step 1. Find a location in the house where homework will be done. The right location will depend on your child and the culture of your family. Some children do best at a desk in their bedroom. It is a quiet location, away from the hubbub of family noise. Other children become too distracted by the things they keep in their bedroom and do better at a place removed from those distractions, like the dining room table. Some children need to work by themselves. Others need to have parents nearby to help keep them on task and to answer questions when problems arise. Ask your child where the best place is to work. Both you and your child need to discuss pros and cons of different settings to arrive at a mutually agreed upon location.

Step 2. Set up a homework center. Once you and your child have identified a location, fix it up as a home office/homework center. Make sure there is a clear workspace large enough to set out all the materials necessary for completing assignments. Outfit the homework center with the kinds of supplies your child is most likely to need, such as pencils, pens, colored markers, rulers, scissors, a dictionary and thesaurus, graph paper, construction paper, glue and cellophane tape, lined paper, a calculator, spell checker, and, depending on the age and needs of your child, a computer or laptop. If the homework center is a place that will be used for other things (such as the dining room table), then your child can keep the supplies in a portable crate or bin. If possible, the homework center should include a bulletin board that can hold a monthly calendar on which your child can keep track of longterm assignments. Allowing children some leeway in decorating the homework center can help them feel at home there, but you should be careful that it does not become too cluttered with distracting materials.

Step 3. Establish a homework time. Your child should get in the habit of doing homework at the same time every day. The time may vary depending on the individual child. Some children need a break right after school to get some exercise and have a snack. Others need to start homework while they are still in a school mode (i.e., right after school when there is still some momentum left from getting through the day). In general, it may be best to get homework done either before dinner or as early in the evening as the child can tolerate. The later it gets, the more tired the child becomes and the more slowly the homework gets done.

Step 4. Establish a daily homework schedule. In general, at least into middle school, the homework session should begin with your sitting down with your child and drawing up a homework schedule. You should review all the assignments and make sure your child understands them and has all the necessary materials. Ask your child to estimate how long it will take to complete each assignment. Then ask when each assignment will get started. If your child needs help with any assignment , then this should be determined at the beginning so that the start times can take into account parent availability. A Daily Homework Planner is included at the end of this handout and contains a place for identifying when breaks may be taken and what rewards may be earned.

Incentive Systems

Many children who are not motivated by the enjoyment of doing homework are motivated by the high grade they hope to earn as a result of doing a quality job. Thus, the grade is an incentive, motivating the child to do homework with care and in a timely manner. For children who are not motivated by grades, parents will need to look for other rewards to help them get through their nightly chores. Incentive systems fall into two categories: simple and elaborate.

Simple incentive systems. The simplest incentive system is reminding the child of a fun activity to do when homework is done. It may be a favorite television show, a chance to spend some time with a video or computer game, talking on the telephone or instant messaging, or playing a game with a parent. This system of withholding fun things until the drudgery is over is sometimes called Grandma’s Law because grandmothers often use it quite effectively (“First take out the trash, then you can have chocolate chip cookies.”). Having something to look forward to can be a powerful incentive to get the hard work done. When parents remind children of this as they sit down at their desks they may be able to spark the engine that drives the child to stick with the work until it is done.

Elaborate incentive systems. These involve more planning and more work on the part of parents but in some cases are necessary to address more significant homework problems. More complex incentives systems might include a structure for earning points that could be used to “purchase” privileges or rewards or a system that provides greater reward for accomplishing more difficult homework tasks. These systems work best when parents and children together develop them. Giving children input gives them a sense of control and ownership, making the system more likely to succeed. We have found that children are generally realistic in setting goals and deciding on rewards and penalties when they are involved in the decision-making process.

Building in breaks. These are good for the child who cannot quite make it to the end without a small reward en route. When creating the daily homework schedule, it may be useful with these children to identify when they will take their breaks. Some children prefer to take breaks at specific time intervals (every 15 minutes), while others do better when the breaks occur after they finish an activity. If you use this approach, you should discuss with your child how long the breaks will last and what will be done during the breaks (get a snack, call a friend, play one level on a video game). The Daily Homework Planner includes sections where breaks and end-of-homework rewards can be identified.

Building in choice. This can be an effective strategy for parents to use with children who resist homework. Choice can be incorporated into both the order in which the child agrees to complete assignments and the schedule they will follow to get the work done. Building in choice not only helps motivate children but can also reduce power struggles between parents and children.

Developing Incentive Systems

Step 1. Describe the problem behaviors. Parents and children decide which behaviors are causing problems at homework time. For some children putting homework off to the last minute is the problem; for others, it is forgetting materials or neglecting to write down assignments. Still others rush through their work and make careless mistakes, while others dawdle over assignments, taking hours to complete what should take only a few minutes. It is important to be as specific as possible when describing the problem behaviors. The problem behavior should be described as behaviors that can be seen or heard; for instance, complains about h omework or rushes through homework, making many mistakes are better descriptors than has a bad attitude or is lazy.

Step 2. Set a goal. Usually the goal relates directly to the problem behavior. For instance, if not writing down assignments is the problem, the goal might be: “Joe will write down his assignments in his assignment book for every class.”

Step 3. Decide on possible rewards and penalties. Homework incentive systems work best when children have a menu of rewards to choose from, since no single reward will be attractive for long. We recommend a point system in which points can be earned for the goal behaviors and traded in for the reward the child wants to earn. The bigger the reward, the more points the child will need to earn it. The menu should include both larger, more expensive rewards that may take a week or a month to earn and smaller, inexpensive rewards that can be earned daily. It may also be necessary to build penalties into the system. This is usually the loss of a privilege (such as the chance to watch a favorite TV show or the chance to talk on the telephone to a friend).

Once the system is up and running, and if you find your child is earning more penalties than rewards, then the program needs to be revised so that your child can be more successful. Usually when this kind of system fails, we think of it as a design failure rather than the failure of the child to respond to rewards. It may be a good idea if you are having difficulty designing a system that works to consult a specialist, such as a school psychologist or counselor, for assistance.

Step 4. Write a homework contract. The contract should say exactly what the child agrees to do and exactly what the parents’ roles and responsibilities will be. When the contract is in place, it should reduce some of the tension parents and kids often experience around homework. For instance, if part of the contract is that the child will earn a point for not complaining about homework, then if the child does complain, this should not be cause for a battle between parent and child: the child simply does not earn that point. Parents should also be sure to praise their children for following the contract. It will be important for parents to agree to a contract they can live with; that is, avoiding penalties they are either unable or unwilling to impose (e.g., if both parents work and are not at home, they cannot monitor whether a child is beginning homework right after school, so an alternative contract may need to be written).

We have found that it is a rare incentive system that works the first time. Parents should expect to try it out and redesign it to work the kinks out. Eventually, once the child is used to doing the behaviors specified in the contract, the contract can be rewritten to work on another problem behavior. Your child over time may be willing to drop the use of an incentive system altogether. This is often a long-term goal, however, and you should be ready to write a new contract if your child slips back to bad habits once a system is dropped.

Click here to download the homework planner and incentive sheet .

Frequently Asked Questions

To help homework go more smoothly, e stablish a routine that includes a time and place where it will be done, a planner that lists each assignment, scheduled breaks when some of the work is done, and a reward system for kids who are not motivated by good grades alone.  

Set a good homework routine following these steps: Find a location in the house where homework will be done. Set up a homework center stocked with needed materials . Establish a homework time. Use a daily homework planner so that your child has everything in writing.  

One tool that can make homework go more smoothly i s a Daily Homework Planner , which lists each assignment, how long it should take to complete, and what rewards may be earned for completing each assignment.    

Was this article helpful?

Explore popular topics, subscribe to our newsletters.

" * " indicates required fields

This site is protected by  reCAPTCHA  and the Google  Privacy Policy  and  Terms of Service  apply.

Join Our Community of Parents

Get expert advice on parenting, resources to help kids thrive, and much more.

• Newsletters
• Best Industries
• Business Plans
• Home-Based Business
• The UPS Store
• Customer Service
• Black in Business
• Your Next Move
• Female Founders
• Best Workplaces
• Company Culture
• Public Speaking
• HR/Benefits
• Productivity
• All the Hats
• Digital Transformation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Bringing Innovation to Market
• Cloud Computing
• Social Media
• Data Detectives
• Exit Interview
• Bootstrapping
• Crowdfunding
• Venture Capital
• Business Models
• Personal Finance
• Founder-Friendly Investors
• Upcoming Events
• Inc. 5000 Vision Conference
• Become a Sponsor
• Cox Business
• Verizon Business
• Branded Content
• Apply Inc. 5000 US

Inc. Premium

Science Says These Are the Best Times to Learn and Create for Optimal Success

Tap into the new science of chronobiology to unleash your best work..

Producing high-quality work day after day is no small feat.

When you use your brain on perpetual overdrive , you're bound to hit productivity slumps where it feels like you're fresh out of new ideas.

While there's no shortage of tricks and tips to hack your way to more innovative thinking, timing is everything, says sleep doctor Dr. Micheal Breus , author of The Power of When . He believes working in sync with our body's natural clock is the key to unlocking success to produce our best, most creative work.

The science of "good timing" -- called chronobiology -- reveals peak performance is hardwired into our DNA. "An inner clock embedded inside your brain has been ticking away, keeping perfect time, since you were a baby," writes Breus, "This precisely engineered timekeeper is called your circadian pacemaker, or biological clock."

So, the next time you're feeling mentally sluggish, try tapping into chronobiology to perform at your best in these areas:

The Best Time to Learn Something New

Learning is most effective when the brain is in acquisition mode, generally between 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. and then again from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Night owls beware: think twice before pulling an all-nighter . The lowest learning valley occurs between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

The Best Time To Make a Decision

The phrase "sleep on it" has persisted for a reason: we make worst decisions late at night and first thing in the morning. Your cognitive powers are strongest once your brain has a chance to shake off sleep inertia .

Save important decisions for when you feel most alert, generally within one to three hours after waking up.

The Best Time To Brainstorm

Ironically, research has found that people are at their least creative when it's demanded the most: at the heart of the workday, between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Breus suggests leaning into "moments of groggy greatness" when we're slightly tired and easily distracted . During these times, right and left brain communicate, which can trigger new and novel connections -- and spark innovative ideas .

The Best Time to Ask for Money

Friday afternoon. While this is the least productive day of the week, people are generally in a good mood . A positive outlook bodes well for asking for a raise or making a sale. Avoid Monday mornings -- when people are the most stressed and grumpy -- at all costs.

As new discoveries in chronobiology are proving, timing may not be everything, but it is extremely important if you want to create and perform at your best on a consistent basis.

Have you found you feel sharper or do better work at some times or days of the week versus others? What changes have you made to account for these dips and spikes?

The Daily Digest for Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders

Privacy Policy

• Our Mission

What’s the Right Amount of Homework?

Decades of research show that homework has some benefits, especially for students in middle and high school—but there are risks to assigning too much.

Many teachers and parents believe that homework helps students build study skills and review concepts learned in class. Others see homework as disruptive and unnecessary, leading to burnout and turning kids off to school. Decades of research show that the issue is more nuanced and complex than most people think: Homework is beneficial, but only to a degree. Students in high school gain the most, while younger kids benefit much less.

The National PTA and the National Education Association support the “ 10-minute homework guideline ”—a nightly 10 minutes of homework per grade level. But many teachers and parents are quick to point out that what matters is the quality of the homework assigned and how well it meets students’ needs, not the amount of time spent on it.

The guideline doesn’t account for students who may need to spend more—or less—time on assignments. In class, teachers can make adjustments to support struggling students, but at home, an assignment that takes one student 30 minutes to complete may take another twice as much time—often for reasons beyond their control. And homework can widen the achievement gap, putting students from low-income households and students with learning disabilities at a disadvantage.

However, the 10-minute guideline is useful in setting a limit: When kids spend too much time on homework, there are real consequences to consider.

Small Benefits for Elementary Students

As young children begin school, the focus should be on cultivating a love of learning, and assigning too much homework can undermine that goal. And young students often don’t have the study skills to benefit fully from homework, so it may be a poor use of time (Cooper, 1989 ; Cooper et al., 2006 ; Marzano & Pickering, 2007 ). A more effective activity may be nightly reading, especially if parents are involved. The benefits of reading are clear: If students aren’t proficient readers by the end of third grade, they’re less likely to succeed academically and graduate from high school (Fiester, 2013 ).

For second-grade teacher Jacqueline Fiorentino, the minor benefits of homework did not outweigh the potential drawback of turning young children against school at an early age, so she experimented with dropping mandatory homework. “Something surprising happened: They started doing more work at home,” Fiorentino writes . “This inspiring group of 8-year-olds used their newfound free time to explore subjects and topics of interest to them.” She encouraged her students to read at home and offered optional homework to extend classroom lessons and help them review material.

Moderate Benefits for Middle School Students

As students mature and develop the study skills necessary to delve deeply into a topic—and to retain what they learn—they also benefit more from homework. Nightly assignments can help prepare them for scholarly work, and research shows that homework can have moderate benefits for middle school students (Cooper et al., 2006 ). Recent research also shows that online math homework, which can be designed to adapt to students’ levels of understanding, can significantly boost test scores (Roschelle et al., 2016 ).

There are risks to assigning too much, however: A 2015 study found that when middle school students were assigned more than 90 to 100 minutes of daily homework, their math and science test scores began to decline (Fernández-Alonso, Suárez-Álvarez, & Muñiz, 2015 ). Crossing that upper limit can drain student motivation and focus. The researchers recommend that “homework should present a certain level of challenge or difficulty, without being so challenging that it discourages effort.” Teachers should avoid low-effort, repetitive assignments, and assign homework “with the aim of instilling work habits and promoting autonomous, self-directed learning.”

In other words, it’s the quality of homework that matters, not the quantity. Brian Sztabnik, a veteran middle and high school English teacher, suggests that teachers take a step back and ask themselves these five questions :

• How long will it take to complete?
• Have all learners been considered?
• Will an assignment encourage future success?
• Will an assignment place material in a context the classroom cannot?
• Does an assignment offer support when a teacher is not there?

More Benefits for High School Students, but Risks as Well

By the time they reach high school, students should be well on their way to becoming independent learners, so homework does provide a boost to learning at this age, as long as it isn’t overwhelming (Cooper et al., 2006 ; Marzano & Pickering, 2007 ). When students spend too much time on homework—more than two hours each night—it takes up valuable time to rest and spend time with family and friends. A 2013 study found that high school students can experience serious mental and physical health problems, from higher stress levels to sleep deprivation, when assigned too much homework (Galloway, Conner, & Pope, 2013 ).

Homework in high school should always relate to the lesson and be doable without any assistance, and feedback should be clear and explicit.

Teachers should also keep in mind that not all students have equal opportunities to finish their homework at home, so incomplete homework may not be a true reflection of their learning—it may be more a result of issues they face outside of school. They may be hindered by issues such as lack of a quiet space at home, resources such as a computer or broadband connectivity, or parental support (OECD, 2014 ). In such cases, giving low homework scores may be unfair.

Since the quantities of time discussed here are totals, teachers in middle and high school should be aware of how much homework other teachers are assigning. It may seem reasonable to assign 30 minutes of daily homework, but across six subjects, that’s three hours—far above a reasonable amount even for a high school senior. Psychologist Maurice Elias sees this as a common mistake: Individual teachers create homework policies that in aggregate can overwhelm students. He suggests that teachers work together to develop a school-wide homework policy and make it a key topic of back-to-school night and the first parent-teacher conferences of the school year.

Parents Play a Key Role

Homework can be a powerful tool to help parents become more involved in their child’s learning (Walker et al., 2004 ). It can provide insights into a child’s strengths and interests, and can also encourage conversations about a child’s life at school. If a parent has positive attitudes toward homework, their children are more likely to share those same values, promoting academic success.

But it’s also possible for parents to be overbearing, putting too much emphasis on test scores or grades, which can be disruptive for children (Madjar, Shklar, & Moshe, 2015 ). Parents should avoid being overly intrusive or controlling—students report feeling less motivated to learn when they don’t have enough space and autonomy to do their homework (Orkin, May, & Wolf, 2017 ; Patall, Cooper, & Robinson, 2008 ; Silinskas & Kikas, 2017 ). So while homework can encourage parents to be more involved with their kids, it’s important to not make it a source of conflict.

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks

Coursework/GPA

Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

• Skip to content
• Skip to navigation

Homework: the basics

Homework can take many forms. For example, primary school children might be asked to:

• do reading or writing tasks
• collect interesting objects to share with the class
• do worksheets or longer projects.

Secondary school children are more likely to get homework tasks or assignments for each subject. These might be maths activities, writing tasks, research projects, practical or creative tasks and so on.

Academic benefits of homework? In the early school years, there’s no clear evidence that homework helps children do well academically at school.

As children get older, homework does have academic benefits – there’s a strong link between homework and achievement for children in secondary school.

Other benefits of homework In general, homework can help your child:

• practise and get better at skills they’re learning in class
• get ready for the next day’s work
• learn how to manage longer research or creative projects
• learn to manage their time, work to deadlines, and balance work and play.

Homework has benefits for parents too – it gives you the chance to see what your child is learning at school. Showing interest in your child’s homework is a great way to let your child know that you value learning and education. And this helps your child to develop a positive attitude towards school and learning.

It’s important for your child to make time for reading. Reading helps your child’s development in many ways. For example, it helps to build your child’s language, communication and cognitive skills, which are important skills for life.

Finding the right time for homework

For some children, the best time to get homework done will be soon after they get home from school. Others might like a break to relax and unwind before starting homework.

Young children can concentrate for only about 15 minutes at a time before they need a brief break. Even older children need breaks. When it’s break time, you can encourage your child to move around and stretch for a few minutes.

You might be able to motivate your child to do homework by setting a time limit and encouraging your child to do the things they enjoy, like watching TV or playing outside, when they’re finished.

No matter when your child does homework, it’s useful for them to have a homework routine. And it’s great if this can be when you’re around to support and encourage your child.

Whenever and wherever your child does homework, try to minimise distractions by turning off the TV and asking younger siblings to play somewhere else. One idea is for homework time to be a time for your whole family to read or do other quiet activities.

Finding the right space for homework

A good spot for homework is somewhere with:

• plenty of light
• good-quality air
• space to spread out with books, pens and other resources.

Younger children are more likely to work better in family areas like the kitchen table, where you can supervise and help more easily. Older children will most likely need their own quiet space.

If your child needs to use a computer, laptop, tablet or phone to do their homework, it’s important to encourage them to use digital technology in a way that reduces their risk of physical problems . This includes making sure screens are at eye level and at a comfortable distance to reduce neck and eye strain. You could also talk with older children about not using digital technology for entertainment until homework is finished.

Getting organised with homework

Children and teenagers often have trouble getting started on projects or coming up with ideas .

You might be able to get things off to a good start by helping your child break projects into smaller parts or map out steps. Your child might then plan to do one task each night. If your child has several different assignments in one week, help them plan what to do each night.

Older children might benefit from a homework planner or planning app so they can see when assignments are due and get themselves organised with a plan and study reminders. They might find it helpful to mark their plans on a wall calendar too.

Developing a positive approach to homework

Schoolwork and homework can be difficult. Your job is to help your child develop a positive approach to academic and organisational challenges.

If your child avoids challenges, encourage them to sort tasks into those they find easy and those they find difficult. Your child might prefer to do ‘easier’ tasks first to build confidence before tackling the more difficult tasks. Or your child might want to do the most challenging tasks first, before they’re too tired.

If your child is struggling with an assignment , you could help them approach the problem positively by getting them to pinpoint what they’re finding difficult. From there, you can brainstorm solutions together, weighing up the pros and cons of different options to find the best one. You can also help your child identify people or resources that could help them further.

It can help to think of yourself as your child’s coach . You can support your child by creating the right time, environment and approach for homework, but doing the work is ultimately your child’s responsibility. If you do the homework for your child, your child won’t develop important academic skills. They also won’t learn how to handle challenges like lack of time, conflicting priorities or tasks they don’t understand.

When your child has homework troubles, try talking with them about what they could do better next time. Always praise your child for trying hard and doing their best, especially on tasks they find difficult. It’s OK if your child doesn’t get a high grade or even ‘fails’ sometimes. The attitude you both have to challenges and failures is what matters.

Working with teachers on homework issues

Try to set up a positive partnership with your child’s teacher . That way, you can talk to each other about your child’s schoolwork and homework. If your child is in secondary school, you could start by talking with their home-room (or home-group, pastoral or form) teacher or subject teacher.

If you have concerns about homework, it’s best to talk with the teacher early , rather than giving the problem time to grow.

Concerns that teachers need to know about include the following:

• Your child is spending too long on homework. Check the school’s guidelines on homework for your child’s year level. If your child regularly spends more time on homework than this, talk with the teacher. There might be some underlying learning difficulties that your child needs help with.
• Your child doesn’t understand the work. If this is the case, your child might be missing concepts in class. If you let the teacher know, the teacher can fill in these learning gaps during class time.
• Your child can’t concentrate. It’ll help you to know whether this is just a problem at home (perhaps because your child is overtired) or whether it’s also happening at school.
• Your child is struggling in one particular subject. The teacher might be able to suggest another approach to the subject. For example, you could use blocks for addition and subtraction practice, or fun online educational games can be good for older children.

If your child needs help with a particular subject, ask the school about additional assistance. You might also want to think about tutoring, either with a professional tutor or a trusted family member or friend.

If you’re worried about homework

If you feel your child is struggling with homework or learning, talk to your child’s teacher first. The teacher can suggest some ways to support your child’s learning.

If your child’s teacher is also concerned about your child’s learning or concentration in the classroom, it might be worth talking to your GP or a paediatrician or psychologist to look at possible reasons for the problems.

How much homework?

There are no hard and fast rules about homework. In the early years, some schools give no homework other than nightly reading. Some schools, as well as different teachers within schools, give much more homework than others.

More homework doesn’t always mean higher achievement levels, especially in primary school. If students get too much, it might be overwhelming or get in the way of other healthy activities like strong friendships, play, sports, music lessons, hobbies or relaxation. If you feel your primary school child is getting too much homework , you might like to talk to your child’s teacher.

If you feel your child isn’t getting enough homework or is getting no homework at all, there are still many learning activities you can do at home. For example, you can read together, write stories or letters, research interesting topics or plan a budget for a family event.

If your child has additional needs – for example, autism , learning difficulties or disorders , intellectual disability or other health concerns – it might help to talk with their teacher about modifying homework expectations.

Homework challenges and strategies

By Amanda Morin

Expert reviewed by Jim Rein, MA

At a glance

Kids can struggle with homework for lots of reasons.

A common challenge is rushing through assignments.

Once you understand a homework challenge, it’s easier to find solutions.

Most kids struggle with homework from time to time. But kids who learn and think differently may struggle more than others. Understanding the homework challenges your child faces can help you reduce stress and avoid battles.

Here are some common homework challenges and tips to help.

The challenge: Rushing through homework

Kids with learning difficulties may rush because they’re trying to get through what’s hard for them as fast as possible. For kids with ADHD, trouble with focus and working memory may be the cause.

Rushing through homework can lead to messy or incorrect homework. It can also lead to kids missing key parts of the assignment. One thing to try is having your child do the easiest assignments first and then move to harder ones.

Get more tips for helping grade-schoolers and middle-schoolers slow down on homework.

The challenge: Taking notes

Note-taking isn’t an easy skill for some kids. They may struggle with the mechanical parts of writing or with organizing ideas on a page. Kids may also find it hard to read text and take notes at the same time.

Using the outline method may help. It divides notes into main ideas, subtopics, and details. 

Explore different note-taking strategies .

The challenge: Managing time and staying organized

Some kids struggle with keeping track of time and making a plan for getting all of their work done. That’s especially true of kids who have trouble with executive function.

Try creating a homework schedule and set a specific time and place for your child to get homework done. Use a timer to help your child stay on track and get a better sense of time.

Learn about trouble with planning .

The challenge: Studying effectively

Many kids need to be taught how to study effectively. But some may need concrete strategies.

One thing to try is creating a checklist of all the steps that go into studying. Have your child mark off each one. Lists can help kids monitor their work.

Explore more study strategies for grade-schoolers and teens .

The challenge: Recalling information

Some kids have trouble holding on to information so they can use it later. (This skill is called working memory. ) They may study for hours but remember nothing the next day. But there are different types of memory.

If your child has trouble with verbal memory, try using visual study aids like graphs, maps, or drawings.

Practice “muscle memory” exercises to help kids with working memory.

The challenge: Learning independently

It’s important for kids to learn how to do homework without help. Using a homework contract can help your child set realistic goals. Encourage “thinking out loud.”

Get tips for helping grade-schoolers do schoolwork on their own.

Sometimes, homework challenges don’t go away despite your best efforts. Look for signs that kids may have too much homework . And learn how to talk with teachers about concerns .

Key takeaways

Some kids have a hard time doing schoolwork on their own.

It can help to tailor homework strategies to a child’s specific challenges and strengths.

Sometimes, there’s too much homework for a child to handle. Talk to the teacher.

Explore related topics

10 Tips to Get Your Homework Done Fast

Introduction

It's a tale as old as time: the clock ticking away ominously as you sit there, a heap of untouched homework glaring at you. The common hurdle many face is not the complexity of homework but the time management and discipline it requires. As the night descends, the looming deadline causes stress levels to skyrocket. However, fret not! Through this article, we unfold ten practical homework tips and hacks aimed at transforming this daunting task into a manageable one. Let's break it down together and achieve ultimate motivation.

Make a To-Do List

The first step towards conquering your homework begins on a note of organization. Drafting a to-do list is a classic yet effective homework tip. This list will serve as your roadmap, outlining the tasks at hand. It not only organizes your thoughts but also provides a clear picture of the workload, helping to prioritize tasks accordingly.

Gather Your Resources

Before diving into the homework ocean, ensure you have all the necessary gear. Books, notes, stationery, and any other materials should be at arm's length. This prep step is a significant time-saver. It's also a moment to seek homework help if you realize you're missing crucial information. Having everything ready will smoothen the journey, ensuring you don't have to scurry around searching for a pen or a textbook amidst a study session.

Seek Help When Needed

There's no glory in struggling alone. When a concept seems confusing, seeking homework help from teachers, peers or online platforms can provide clarity. Platforms like Tutorpeers come in handy, offering assistance in over 50 subjects with affordable tutors available 24/7. The best part? All studying happens on the platform, eliminating the need for extra apps. This smart strategy not only saves time but also builds a better understanding, making your homework journey a lot smoother.

Create a Timetable

A timetable is your game plan. Allocate time slots to each task based on its complexity and urgency. This structure provides a clear vision, helps in tracking your progress, and ensures that you are on schedule. It's a step closer to mastering the art of time management, a core element in achieving homework success.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into more insightful homework hacks in the following sections aimed to ease your homework routine, offering a lifeline when you're in dire need of homework help.

Designate a Distraction-free Zone

Crafting the right environment is crucial for homework success. Dedicate a spot that's not only free from distractions like noise or visual clutter, but also inviting and comfortable. Ensure you have a comfy chair, a table at the right height, and enough room to spread your resources. Personalize your space with elements that make it enjoyable to be at—be it a plant, some soft music, or pictures that inspire you. This homework hack goes beyond just limiting distractions—it's about creating a space where your mind can focus and flourish.

Limit Technology Usage

It's easy to lose track of time browsing social media or responding to messages. Create a tech-free bubble during your homework time. Keep your phone, tablet, or other distractions in another room. If you need a device for your work, consider using apps that block distractions.

Team Up With a Study Buddy

Companionship can make the daunting homework journey enjoyable. A study buddy brings a different perspective, and together you can divide tasks, discuss concepts, and keep each other on track. It's a blend of social interaction and productivity. Platforms like Tutorpeers offer a fantastic avenue to connect with peers for one-on-one tutoring sessions. Whether it's homework assignments or exam prep, having a study buddy from Tutorpeers can significantly enrich your learning experience. Ready to elevate your homework game? Sign up as a learner on Tutorpeers and discover a community ready to support your academic journey!

Take Scheduled Breaks

Continuous study sessions can lead to burnout, hampering productivity. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, can be effective. However, everyone's rhythm is different. Some might find longer work intervals of 2 hours with a 15 to 20-minute break more suitable. The key is to find a rhythm that keeps you refreshed and focused. Tailoring your break schedule to what suits you best can significantly enhance your concentration and efficiency, making the homework routine more sustainable and less stressful.

Reward Your Progress

Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator. Set up a reward system to celebrate small and big wins alike. Finished a challenging assignment? Treat yourself to a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. Maintained a consistent homework routine for a month? Maybe it's time to discuss that iPhone 15 reward with your parents. By associating rewards with accomplishments, you create a motivating cycle that makes tackling homework a more enticing endeavor. This cycle of work and reward fosters a positive attitude towards homework, steering you towards a path of homework success.

Prioritize and Chunk Your Tasks

Start by listing all your assignments and categorize them based on their due dates and importance. Tackle the most urgent and challenging tasks first. This approach not only helps you meet deadlines but also allows you to focus on complex tasks while your energy levels are high.

Once you've prioritized your assignments, break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. For example, if you have a 10-page essay to write, aim to complete two pages a day instead of cramming it all into one night. This method makes the work less daunting and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you tick off each mini-goal.

By combining prioritization with task chunking, you'll find that your homework becomes much more manageable. You'll reduce stress, improve your focus, and, most importantly, you'll get your homework done more efficiently.

Conclusion:

The voyage through piles of homework need not be solitary or dreary. Armed with these 10 insightful tips, navigating through the homework landscape can be a more organized, less stressful endeavor. Implementing these strategies can usher in a transformative approach towards homework, morphing it from a dreaded task to a manageable, even enjoyable endeavor. Embrace these hacks, seek homework help when needed, and stride confidently on the path of academic success. Your journey towards achieving homework success just got a lot smoother!

Q: How can I enjoy doing homework?

A: To enjoy doing homework, try to make it more engaging. Use colorful notes, listen to calming music, or turn it into a game. The key is to find what makes the task enjoyable for you.

Q: What's the best time of day to do homework for maximum efficiency?

A: The best time to do homework varies from person to person. Some people are more productive in the morning, while others find their focus in the evening. Experiment to find your peak productivity hours.

Q: How long does it take to receive scores?

A: The time it takes to receive scores can vary depending on the type of assignment and the grading process. For most regular homework assignments, you can expect feedback within a week.

Q: Is multitasking an effective way to get homework done faster?

A: Multitasking might seem like a good idea, but it often leads to decreased focus and quality. It's generally more effective to concentrate on one task at a time.

Q: How can I minimize distractions while doing homework?

A: To minimize distractions, create a dedicated, clutter-free workspace. Use apps or techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to manage your time and take short, scheduled breaks to recharge.

Share with friends

You may also like.

Why STEM Education is Important

Introduction STEM is more than just an acronym; it's a passport to the future. Standing for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, STEM education is the cornerstone of innovation in our rapidly evolving world. With the increasing reliance on technology and data-driven decision-making, STEM skills have never been more crucial. Understanding STEM Education So, what exactly is STEM education? STEM isn't just about learning facts and theories. It's an interdisciplinary approach integrating

How to Improve Test Scores?

Discover essential tips on improving test scores, from effective study habits to utilizing school resources. Perfect your test-taking strategy for better academic performance.

Best Tips on How to Be a Great Online Tutor

Explore essential qualities, skills, and strategies for effective online tutoring. Gain valuable tips for new tutors to enhance student learning.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Cookie Policy

• Setups & Tech
• iOS & Mac

Here’s the Best Study Routine (Day & Night with Sample Schedule)

Let’s face it: your search history is probably filled with queries like “best study techniques” or “how to focus better.” Most of what you find is either too generic or not tailored to your learning style. We’re here to offer something more substantial — a scientifically-backed guide to crafting the best study routine. Let’s dive in!

Looking for more study and focus tips? Subscribe to The Flow — our free quick, snappy, value-packed focus and recharge newsletter:

• First Name First

Table of Contents

How to Make a Study Routine

• Sample Study Routines (Day & Night)

Best Techniques for Your Study Routine

Creating an effective study routine isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Here’s a breakdown to help you tailor a study routine to your unique schedule and academic needs.

• Evaluate your schedule: Before building your study routine, closely examine your daily schedule and commitments. When do your classes start and end? Do you have any extracurricular activities? Do you have to work after class? By understanding your daily schedule, you can create a more personalized study routine.
• Set realistic goals: Have you ever told yourself that you’d finish reading 10 chapters of your textbook in a single all-nighter? You’re not alone in falling into this lie countless times. That’s why breaking down larger academic goals into smaller, achievable tasks is a must. You need to be able to set specific and realistic goals for each study session.
• Plan study blocks: After being honest with yourself about your goals, decide how many hours a day you would dedicate to studying. It could be as short or as long as you want — as long as you guarantee that you can maximize your study time. The quality of your learning is more important than the quantity or amount of hours you put into studying!
• Create a distraction-free environment: Spending 10 hours studying is useless if it’s broken up scrolling through social media. Because of this, it is important to minimize distractions during your study sessions. You can do this by finding a quiet, clutter-free space where you can concentrate fully. Turn off your phone and use website blockers like Cold Turkey to maximize productivity.
• Organize your study materials : A well-organized set of resources can save you time and stress. Check out our post on the best Notion templates for students for some inspiration.
• Prioritize sleep and schedule: Studying is important, but so is your physical health! Your cognitive abilities are directly linked to your wellbeing. Make sure you get enough sleep and fit in some physical activity to keep your mind sharp.
• Stay consistent: If you start committing to your planned study schedule as much as possible, it’ll eventually become second nature and make it quicker to dive into a state of deep focus every time.
• Be flexible: Life happens, and things don’t always go as planned — and that’s okay! It just means that your routine might need adjustments from time to time. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and learn to adapt to changes in your schedule. If you accidentally missed a study session, relax and just pick up where you left off.

Sample Study Routines to Follow

Morning & afternoon study routine.

If you’re an early riser who enjoys soaking up the morning sun, a daytime study routine is perfect for you. Studying in the morning has the added advantage of being in line with our natural body clock since alertness is at its peak in the morning and early afternoon.

Here’s a sample schedule that you can follow:

• 5:30 AM – 6:15 AM: Rise and shine! Kick-start your day with a healthy breakfast. You can also try to engage in a short meditation or stretching session to feel more awake.
• 6:15 AM – 6:30 AM: Grab a pen and paper or your digital notepad so that you can set your study goals for the day and specific tasks you need to accomplish.
• 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM: Time to exercise! You can do any form of physical activity, from light cardio (like walking) to lifting weights in the gym.
• 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM: First study block (or attend your classes). Start your timer: 25-minute study with a 5-minute break, repeat 4x, then a long break — or use a timer that automatically does it for you .
• 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Take an extended break. Stretch, grab a snack, and breathe some fresh air. Look away from your screen to minimize eye strain.
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Second study block (or attend your classes). Start your timer and finish another full Pomodoro session (25-minute study with a 5-minute break, repeat 4x, then a long break).
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break! This is the perfect time to refuel your body with nourishing food and prep for your afternoon study session.
• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM : Third study block (or attend your classes). Don’t forget to use techniques like active recall and mind mapping (more on that below) to reinforce the concepts you learned in the morning.
• 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Time for another extended break. Why not walk to a nearby café for a change of scenery, or go to a virtual café ?
• 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Final study block (or attend your classes). Use this final session to consolidate your learning and list areas requiring further attention.
• 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Free time! Reward yourself by unwinding and relaxing after a productive day. Pursue your hobbies, spend time with friends and family, or watch a movie .
• 9:30 PM – 5:30 AM: Get a good night’s rest to feel fully recharged the next day!

Nighttime Study Routine

Not everyone is made for a daytime study routine. You might just feel more productive at night, or maybe you’ve got daytime commitments like a job or other extracurricular activities. If you’re a night owl and not an early riser, give this sample nighttime study routine a whirl:

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Boost your energy with a late-day workout. This will help set your mood for your upcoming study session.
• 6:00 PM – 6:15 PM: Grab a pen and paper or your digital notepad to set your study goals for the night and specific tasks you need to accomplish.
• 6:15 PM – 8:15 PM: First study block. Start your timer and finish a full Pomodoro session (25-minute study with a 5-minute break, repeat 4x, then a long break). Try starting with lighter subjects first to ease yourself into the night.
• 8:15 PM – 9:00 PM: Dinner time! Have a nutritious meal to fuel yourself for the long night ahead.
• 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Second study block. Start your timer and finish another full Pomodoro session.
• 11:00 PM – 11:30 PM: Take an extended break. You can even take a power nap if you want to. Just make sure to set an alarm to avoid oversleeping!
• 11:30 PM – 1:30 AM: Third study block. Start your timer and finish another full Pomodoro session. Try switching to a different subject to keep things interesting!
• 1:30 AM – 2:00 AM: Relax and recharge for a while. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and have a light snack if you want to.
• 2:00 AM – 4:00 AM: Final study block. Review the material you studied during the whole night. Why not try to use the Feynman technique to test your learning? (check it out below)
• 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Go to bed and make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep. Make sure to turn off your devices and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Time to wake up! Sustain your body’s needs by eating your first meal of the day.
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Free time! Ideally, you should engage in activities to help unwind and clear your mind. You should also eat your second meal of the day during this period.

With a general framework in place and some sample routines to try, let’s explore some scientifically-backed techniques to enhance your study routine.

Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time-tested and community favorite strategy that breaks your study time into 25 minute intervals, followed by short breaks. It helps your brain stay focused and reduces fatigue.

Luckily, you can use dedicated free Pomodoro-focused tools like Flocus to automatically switch between study and break periods instead of winding up a manual timer for each interval.

Don’t know what to do during your study breaks? Here are some Pomodoro break ideas . Also, if you think that the Pomodoro technique isn’t for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best Pomodoro alternatives to try.

Active Recall

Active recall beats passive learning hands down. Instead of simply reading through material, this method challenges you to recall information from memory. In fact, passive learning is considered one of the least effective study methods. Active recall may be challenging to get used to at first, but the amount of retained information you’ll get will make the process worth it! When it comes to active recall, nothing beats the use of flashcards — whether handwritten or created using digital apps such as Anki .

Mind Mapping

If you are visual person, then this strategy is perfect for you. Mind mapping is a visual technique that helps you organize and understand complex information. Basically, it’s creating a map of your thoughts! Start with a central idea and then let it branch out by adding related subtopics and ideas. Feel free to add colors and images to make it even more memorable and effective. Just the process of creating the mind map itself already helps you solidify your understanding of the topic.

Feynman Technique

This technique, inspired by the learning approach of renowned physicist Richard Feynman, involves breaking down complex ideas into simpler terms — as if you’re teaching a concept to a total beginner. While doing this, you’ll probably identify gaps in your knowledge and better understand the topic. Generally, if you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.

Ultimately, the best study routine is the one that fits your unique lifestyle. Experiment with different schedules and see what works best for you. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, consistency and dedication are the keys to academic success. Take time to craft your best study routine, and you’ll be acing your exams in no time!

What is the best study routine and schedule for you? Any other study techniques you want to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Gridfiti is supported by its audience – when you buy something using the retail links in our posts, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Read more  about our affiliate disclaimer.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• 3rd Party Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

This website uses Google Analytics and BuySellAds to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

Ages & Stages

Developing Good Homework Habits Some children get right down to work without much encouragement. Others need help making the transition from playing to a homework frame of mind. Sometimes providing a ten-minute warning is all it takes to help a child get ready mentally as well as to move to the place she intends to work. There is no universally right time to do homework. In some families, children do best if they tackle their homework shortly after returning home from school in the mid afternoon; other youngsters may do best if they devote the after-school hours to unwinding and playing, leaving their homework until the evening, when they may feel a renewed sense of vigor. Let your child have some say in the decision making. Homework can often become a source of conflict between parent and child—"Johnny, why can't you just do your homework with­out arguing about it?"—but if you agree on a regular time and place, you can eliminate two of the most frequent causes of homework-related dissension. Some parents have found that their children respond poorly to a dictated study time (such as four o'clock every afternoon). Instead, youngsters are given guidelines ("No video games until your homework is done"). Find out what works best for both your child and the family as a whole. Once this is de­termined, stick with it. Some youngsters prefer that a parent sit with them as they do their home­work. You may find this an acceptable request, particularly if you have your own reading or paperwork to complete. However, do not actually do the homework for your child. She may need some assistance getting focused and started and organizing her approach to the assignment. Occasionally, you may need to ex­plain a math problem; in those cases, let your child try a couple of problems first before offering to help. But if she routinely requires your active participation to get her everyday homework done, then talk to her teacher. Your child may need stronger direction in the classroom so that she is able to complete the assign­ments on her own or with less parental involvement. One area where children may need parental help is in organizing how much work will have to be done daily to finish a long assignment, such as a term paper or a science project. If your child or her teacher asks you to review her homework, you may want to look it over before she takes it to school the next morning. Usually it is best if homework remains the exclusive domain of the child and the teacher. However, your input may vary depending on the teacher's philosophy and the purpose of homework. If the teacher is using homework to check your child's understand­ing of the material—thus giving the teacher an idea of what needs to be empha­sized in subsequent classroom teaching sessions—your suggestions for changes and improvements on your child's paper could prove misleading. On the other hand, if the teacher assigns homework to give your child practice in a particular subject area and to reinforce what has already been taught in class, then your participation can be valuable. Some teachers use homework to help children develop self-discipline and organizational and study skills. Be sure to praise your youngster for her efforts and success in doing her homework well. In general, support your child in her homework, but do not act as a taskmas­ter. Provide her with a quiet place, supplies, encouragement, and occasional help—but it is her job to do the work. Homework is your youngster's respon­sibility, not yours. As the weeks pass, keep in touch with your child's teacher regarding home­work assignments. If your youngster is having ongoing problems—difficulty understanding what the assignments are and how to complete them—or if she breezes through them as though they were no challenge at all, let the teacher know. The teacher may adjust the assignments so they are more in sync with your youngster's capabilities. Whether or not your child has homework on a particular night, consider reading aloud with her after school or at night. This type of shared experience can help interest your child in reading, as well as give you some personal time with her. Also, on days when your child does not have any assigned home­work, this shared reading time will reinforce the habit of a work time each evening. To further nurture your child's love of reading, set a good example by spend­ing time reading on your own, and by taking your youngster to the library and/or bookstore to select books she would like to read. Some families turn off the TV each night for at least thirty minutes, and everyone spends the time reading. As children get older, one to two hours may be a more desirable length of time each day to set aside for reading and other constructive activities. As important as it is for your child to develop good study habits, play is also important for healthy social, emotional, and physical growth and develop­ment. While encouraging your child to complete her assignments or do some additional reading, keep in mind that she has already had a lengthy and per haps tiring day of learning at school and needs some free time. Help her find the play activities that best fit her temperament and personality—whether it is organized school sports or music lessons, free-play situations (riding her bike, playing with friends), or a combination of these. The Smartest Time For Homework As many students start their second semester, it's important that they finish the school year on a high note. This may mean studying more and altering their homework routine . While some kids work best after school, others may have more focus after a playdate. Here, real moms share their opinion on the optimal homework time. Right After School Many moms find that the best time for kids to do homework is directly after school, before distractions set in. As Lori C. shares, " It's a lot easier than pulling them away from the TV or a video game once they've started playing. " Janet T. also recommends this routine: "I have my kids do it directly after school. I feel that by doing this I am instilling the 'work first, play second' mentality . I also believe that I am teaching them to be responsible and not procrastinate." After a Play Break Other moms find that allowing kids a postschool break for a little play before settling them down to do homework works well, as it helps them burn off bottled-up energy. As Pam C. notes, the wane of daylight may be another reason to consider a play break before homework time. "Once it starts getting dark early, I do let her go out to play first, only because there is limited daylight playtime, and she's not allowed out after dark." Around Dinner Time Many moms find that a before-dinner homework routine is best. "We tried waiting until after dinner, but then the homework seems to take twice as long , thus bedtime gets later and later," says Kim H. But not everyone finds this to be an issue, and many have their kids buckle down for homework right after eating. " What works best for us is to do it later ," Theresa P. says. "After getting off the bus, none are ready to sit down and concentrate. I let them have a snack, then go play to burn off their energy, have dinner, then it's homework time." Diane D. agrees. " It's just like when an adult gets home from work , they want to unwind a bit before going out to mow the lawn. Let 'em relax a bit too! School is work as well, they just do not get paid. Their brains needs to reboot, and a snack and play time will help. I say after dinner is the best bet." Thinking of changing your child's routine? Test out each method for a few days, then switch to something new. Once your child finds a time that works best for them, make sure they stick to it! What's your child's homework routine? Child Behavior The Best Time to Study: Morning, Afternoon, or Night! Link Copied Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Timing is Everything! Ever wondered when is the best time to study? We all desire to enhance our productivity as learners and accomplish our academic objectives. The schedule of our study sessions is a critical thing to consider that can have a consequential influence on our capacity to acquire knowledge, and we all want to get the hang of the best time to study. You need to put it together for maximum optimisation carefully. This blog will focus on finding the best hour to study for you. Regardless of whether you are a night owl or a morning person, you will definitely find your peak hours! Now, let's get started and discover the best time to study and memorise! As Geroge Bernard Shaw wisely said, "Don't wait for the opportunity. Create it."  What is the Best Time to Study? According to research and scientists the best time to study is 10:00 am and 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm as the brain is most awake and teachable. However, for deep focus and concentration, one must study between 4:00 am and 7:00 am , so if you're looking for some tips to balance work while studying , it would be best if you time it correctly. Young adults might be a little bit of an exception to this guideline, so it's important to keep a few things in mind. According to scientists, young adults between the ages of 14 and 24 have circadian rhythms behind either young children or mature adults by roughly 2-3 hours . In this age bracket, the best times to study can be a little later.  How Time of Day Affects Students' Brains The time of day can affect students' brains in simple ways. Students are mostly more focused in the morning, which makes it the best learning time. However, it might be more difficult to focus in the afternoon due to a possible decline in energy and all the distractions along the way. Some pupils may feel more creative and capable of tackling problems in the evening. When arranging your work or study schedule and finding the best time for study, keep these patterns in mind for optimal learning and performance. Should I Study at Night or During the Day? In reality, there is no such thing as the best time to study; it differs from person to person when they can be more productive, have the most energy, know their surroundings, and so on. Some are early risers, some work best in the afternoon, and some are night owls; depending on this, we have a breakdown of the benefits of studying at that time and also what is the best time to study and memorise.  1. Morning Learners Does your brain function at its optimal level in the morning? If so, you are definitely a morning learner. Many students can focus well early morning after a good night's sleep. They can grasp concepts better, solve math problems more effectively, and remember things well. They also feel more energetic and refreshed in the morning, making it the best study time for students. Benefits of Studying in the Morning Most people would think that morning is the best time to study, as our brains tend to be the sharpest in the morning after a pleasant night's sleep and breakfast. Explore below why one must pick mornings as the best time to study and memorise: It's said that exposure to sunlight, as opposed to darkness, keeps the intellect sharper. The light in the early morning hours is also very good for your eyes; it strengthens your retinas and your eye muscles. Maintaining your sleep cycle might be facilitated by implementing a morning study routine that aligns with your circadian rhythm. 2. Afternoon Learners Yes, some students are the most active during the day, unlike most of us who feel tired and sleepy after a good afternoon lunch. Many students can easily integrate information they have learned before during this hour. Many studies suggest that 2 pm to 5 pm are the most effective hours for studying. Their critical thinking and analytical skills also work best during this time. Benefits of Studying During the Afternoon For some, the best time of day to study is the afternoon. Let's now look at a few benefits of studying during the daytime. Afternoons are usually quieter, and students can focus better without any distractions. Students can read in the library after class or study in groups. Students might also have access to tutors and teachers to clear any doubts. 3. Nighttime Learners These are the night owls who are the most productive during the nighttime. Like the afternoon, the nighttime is also quieter, enabling students to focus and recall all they have learned during the day. Also, it is believed that sleeping after studying helps retain information. Benefits of Studying During Nighttime Later in the day, some students have greater energy. As a result, reading and studying for them is more productive in the evening or at night. This is the best time to study and memorise as there are fewer distractions, and everyone is in bed now. Below are a few brief points to support the topic: Studying also helps to increase your focus and creativity.  After studying, some claim that getting some sleep will help you retain what you learned.  You need to ensure that you are still getting an average sleep of 8 to 9 hours each night.  Since you prefer studying at night, you can also try a few tips to stay awake at night , which can help you figure out which is the best time to study and memorise for you! However, one must remember to stay hydrated and don't overdo the coffee. How to Decide the Best Time to Study?  Everyone has a preference for when they'd like to sit and dedicate enough time to studying. Now that you know the benefits of studying both during the night and day, you can also read up on how to decide the best time to study, keeping these factors in mind. Different study schedules can be the best time to study and memorise for different students. If you take the following elements into account, you may determine when you learn best.  1. Diversion If your preferred hour is prone to interruptions, such as dinnertime, which can mess up your pattern, it's ideal to choose another time. That will be your best time to study and memorise. You have to choose when any kind of hindrance can't hamper your flow. 2. Attention When are you at your sharpest? Consider that various people tend to have superior recollections and alertness at different times of the day. For instance, your visual memory may be greater in the morning, but your capacity for critical thought is at its highest in the afternoon. You need to understand when your mind is in the most alert state . To help you increase your attention span, you can learn the Top 10 Ways to Increase Attention Span . 3. Regularity Choose a time that you can consistently adhere to, at least for a few days each week. You need to prepare a proper schedule to keep your mind prepared about what is coming, and slowly and gradually, it will automatically fall into the cycle. Also, don't forget to take breaks to refresh your mind and get mental health support for students if needed. Find the best place to study, just like you found the right time! Book through amber today! Find Out When You Are Most Productive There are plenty of studies conducted on human psychology that can tell us about how our biorhythms affect our sleep schedules and energy levels. As such, we have come to learn that people may have special times of peak productivity as well. So how do we know what is the best time to studying for students? Here are a few ways that can help: 1. Don't Assume Just because your peers prefer staying up all night to study, that doesn't mean that would work for you, either. For all you know, studying in the morning is when you're most predictive. Figure it out by trying both! 2. Learn About Biorhythms You can teach your brain to work effectively when you need it, for example, in class, instead of being productive and energised when it's time to go to bed. A consistent schedule that repeats every day can help you find your peak productivity time.  3. Keep an Eye on Your Circadian Rhythm Your circadian rhythm is your body's internal clock. It runs on a roughly 24-hour cycle and dictates when you feel awake, sleepy, and hungry and when your body produces certain hormones. It even affects your mental performance throughout the day.  4. Analyse Your Typical Day Once you start paying attention to how you feel throughout the day and tracking your daily activities, you can see a pattern: You'll find one long peak of productivity or a few shorter ones instead. Once you know this, you can find out when you are most productive.  Best Time to Study: Things to Keep in Mind Once you've decided which time frame works best for you and what is the best learning time for students, you can start making time for it. In addition, we have offered a few things to remember. You can keep these things in mind while planning your session to make it more effective and to get the most out of your learning time. 1. Morning Focus Many students find the best time to study in the morning when they are more alert and focused. 2. Avoid the Afternoon During the afternoon, energy and concentration levels may dip, making it harder to study effectively (unless you're an afternoon learner). Take short breaks or engage in light physical activity to refresh your mind. 3. Evening Creativity Some students experience enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills in the evening. Use this time for creative tasks or self-examination. 4. Find your Peak Time Pay attention to your own body and brain patterns to decide your peak times for studying. Everyone is different, so find the time that works best for you. 5. Plan Breaks Include short breaks into your study routine to control burnout and maintain focus. 6. Consider Circadian Rhythms Remember that our bodies have natural rhythms, so try to align your study schedule with your circadian rhythm for optimal productivity. 7. Sleep Well Prioritise good sleep habits as they directly impact cognitive functioning and memory retention. Ensure you have enough restful sleep to support your learning. 8. Stay Hydrated and Nourished Proper hydration and nutrition are essential for optimal brain function. Drink water and eat nutritious meals to fuel your study sessions. Tips to Study More Efficiently Besides knowing the best time to study, you can also follow certain tips to study more efficiently. These include the following: 1. Make Notes Taking notes will help you summarise key points, organise information, and retain memories. Focus on the most important concepts and ideas while making notes. 2. Use charts & diagrams Visual aids like charts, graphs, and diagrams make complex ideas easier to understand. When using charts and diagrams, ensure that they are clear, concise, and relevant. 3. Create a Productive Space Your study space greatly impacts your productivity. Make sure to choose a quiet, clutter-free place, free of distractions. You can also personalise your space with the items that inspire and motivate you. 4. Get Proper Sleep Sleep is vital for optimal cognitive function. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep at night will help you retain information and learn better. 5. Stick to a Study Plan Why a study plan? Because this can help you organise your study sessions and manage time effectively. Break down your study material into small chunks. Be realistic with your schedule and take breaks in between.     Finding the best time for study according to science is essential for maximising our learning and output. No one solution works for everyone, but we can use the knowledge and advice shared in this blog to choose the best time for students to study. There are various methods we might use to increase our learning capacity. It's also critical to remember that our lives influence our study, so we should experiment to see what methods work for us. We may be successful in our learning journeys by prioritising our study time and utilising these techniques. Frequently Asked Questions Is morning or evening the best time to study, is 3 am the best hour to study, how can i focus 100% on studying, does music help in studying better, what is the best time to study and memorise. Your ideal student home & a flight ticket awaits Follow us on : Related Posts Top 10 Branches of Philosophy: Meta Physics, Epistiomology & More Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World 10 Hardest Engineering Degrees In the World In 2024 amber © 2024. All rights reserved. 4.8/5 on Trustpilot Rated as "Excellent" • 4800+ Reviews by students Rated as "Excellent" • 4800+ Reviews by Students This site uses various technologies, as described in our Privacy Policy, for personalization, measuring website use/performance, and targeted advertising, which may include storing and sharing information about your site visit with third parties. By continuing to use this website you consent to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . We are experiencing sporadically slow performance in our online tools, which you may notice when working in your dashboard. Our team is fully engaged and actively working to improve your online experience. If you are experiencing a connectivity issue, we recommend you try again in 10-15 minutes. We will update this space when the issue is resolved. Enter your email to unlock an extra $25 off an SAT or ACT program! By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., 8 easy ways to finish your homework faster. How many times have you found yourself still staring at your textbook around midnight (or later!) even when you started your homework hours earlier? Those lost hours could be explained by Parkinson’s Law, which states, “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” In other words, if you give yourself all night to memorize those geometry formulas for your quiz tomorrow, you’ll inevitably find that a 30 minute task has somehow filled your entire evening. We know that you have more homework than ever. But even with lots and lots to do, a few tweaks to your study routine could help you spend less time getting more accomplished. Here are 8 steps to make Parkinson’s Law work to your advantage: 1. Make a list This should be a list of everything that has to be done that evening. And we mean, everything—from re-reading notes from this morning’s history class to quizzing yourself on Spanish vocabulary. 2. Estimate the time needed for each item on your list You can be a little ruthless here. However long you think a task will take, try shaving off 5 or 10 minutes. But, be realistic. You won’t magically become a speed reader. Free SAT Practice Tests & Events Evaluate and improve your SAT score. 3. Gather all your gear Collect EVERYTHING you will need for the homework you are working on (like your laptop for writing assignments and pencils for problem sets). Getting up for supplies takes you off course and makes it that much harder to get back to your homework. The constant blings and beeps from your devices can make it impossible to focus on what you are working on. Switch off or silence your phones and tablets, or leave them in another room until it’s time to take a tech break. Read More: How to Calculate Your GPA 5. Time yourself Noting how much time something actually takes will help you estimate better and plan your next study session. 6. Stay on task If you’re fact checking online, it can be so easy to surf on over to a completely unrelated site. A better strategy is to note what information you need to find online, and do it all at once at the end of the study session. 7. Take plenty of breaks Most of us need a break between subjects or to break up long stretches of studying. Active breaks are a great way to keep your energy up. Tech breaks can be an awesome way to combat the fear of missing out that might strike while you are buried in your work, but they also tend to stretch much longer than originally intended. Stick to a break schedule of 10 minutes or so. 8. Reward yourself!  Finish early? If you had allocated 30 minutes for reading a biology chapter and it only took 20, you can apply those extra 10 minutes to a short break—or just move on to your next task. If you stay on track, you might breeze through your work quickly enough to catch up on some Netflix. Our best piece of advice? Keep at it. The more you use this system, the easier it will become. You’ll be surprised by how much time you can shave off homework just by focusing and committing to a distraction-free study plan. Stuck on homework? Try an online tutoring session with one of our experts, and get homework help in 40+ subjects. Try a Free Session Explore Colleges For You Connect with our featured colleges to find schools that both match your interests and are looking for students like you. Career Quiz Take our short quiz to learn which is the right career for you. Get Started on Athletic Scholarships & Recruiting! Join athletes who were discovered, recruited & often received scholarships after connecting with NCSA's 42,000 strong network of coaches. Best 389 Colleges 165,000 students rate everything from their professors to their campus social scene. SAT Prep Courses 1400+ course, act prep courses, free sat practice test & events,  1-800-2review, free digital sat prep try our self-paced plus program - for free, get a 14 day trial. Free MCAT Practice Test I already know my score. MCAT Self-Paced 14-Day Free Trial Enrollment Advisor 1-800-2REVIEW (800-273-8439) ext. 1 1-877-LEARN-30 Mon-Fri 9AM-10PM ET Sat-Sun 9AM-8PM ET Student Support 1-800-2REVIEW (800-273-8439) ext. 2 Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM ET Sat-Sun 8:30AM-5PM ET Partnerships Teach or Tutor for Us College Readiness International Advertising Affiliate/Other Enrollment Terms & Conditions Accessibility Cigna Medical Transparency in Coverage Register Book Local Offices: Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM SAT Subject Tests Academic Subjects Social Studies Find the Right College College Rankings College Advice Applying to College Financial Aid School & District Partnerships Professional Development Advice Articles Private Tutoring Mobile Apps International Offices Work for Us Affiliate Program Partner with Us Advertise with Us International Partnerships Our Guarantees Accessibility – Canada Privacy Policy | CA Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information | Your Opt-Out Rights | Terms of Use | Site Map ©2024 TPR Education IP Holdings, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University TPR Education, LLC (doing business as “The Princeton Review”) is controlled by Primavera Holdings Limited, a firm owned by Chinese nationals with a principal place of business in Hong Kong, China. August 15 Mighty Cardinal Band attends summer camp to practice show July 17 International Thespian Festival June 15 Future Problem Solvers place second in Texas with community project May 28 Engi-near the finish line May 17 Love is in the air Three Penny Press Students spend three times longer on homework than average, survey reveals Sonya Kulkarni and Pallavi Gorantla | Jan 9, 2022 Graphic by Sonya Kulkarni The National Education Association and the National Parent Teacher Association have suggested that a healthy number of hours that students should be spending can be determined by the “10-minute rule.” This means that each grade level should have a maximum homework time incrementing by 10 minutes depending on their grade level (for instance, ninth-graders would have 90 minutes of homework, 10th-graders should have 100 minutes, and so on). As ‘finals week’ rapidly approaches, students not only devote effort to attaining their desired exam scores but make a last attempt to keep or change the grade they have for semester one by making up homework assignments. High schoolers reported doing an average of 2.7 hours of homework per weeknight, according to a study by the Washington Post from 2018 to 2020 of over 50,000 individuals. A survey of approximately 200 Bellaire High School students revealed that some students spend over three times this number. The demographics of this survey included 34 freshmen, 43 sophomores, 54 juniors and 54 seniors on average. When asked how many hours students spent on homework in a day on average, answers ranged from zero to more than nine with an average of about four hours. In contrast, polled students said that about one hour of homework would constitute a healthy number of hours. Junior Claire Zhang said she feels academically pressured in her AP schedule, but not necessarily by the classes. “The class environment in AP classes can feel pressuring because everyone is always working hard and it makes it difficult to keep up sometimes.” Zhang said. A total of 93 students reported that the minimum grade they would be satisfied with receiving in a class would be an A. This was followed by 81 students, who responded that a B would be the minimum acceptable grade. 19 students responded with a C and four responded with a D. “I am happy with the classes I take, but sometimes it can be very stressful to try to keep up,” freshman Allyson Nguyen said. “I feel academically pressured to keep an A in my classes.” Up to 152 students said that grades are extremely important to them, while 32 said they generally are more apathetic about their academic performance. Last year, nine valedictorians graduated from Bellaire. They each achieved a grade point average of 5.0. HISD has never seen this amount of valedictorians in one school, and as of now there are 14 valedictorians. “I feel that it does degrade the title of valedictorian because as long as a student knows how to plan their schedule accordingly and make good grades in the classes, then anyone can be valedictorian,” Zhang said. Bellaire offers classes like physical education and health in the summer. These summer classes allow students to skip the 4.0 class and not put it on their transcript. Some electives also have a 5.0 grade point average like debate. Close to 200 students were polled about Bellaire having multiple valedictorians. They primarily answered that they were in favor of Bellaire having multiple valedictorians, which has recently attracted significant acclaim . Senior Katherine Chen is one of the 14 valedictorians graduating this year and said that she views the class of 2022 as having an extraordinary amount of extremely hardworking individuals. “I think it was expected since freshman year since most of us knew about the others and were just focused on doing our personal best,” Chen said. Chen said that each valedictorian achieved the honor on their own and deserves it. “I’m honestly very happy for the other valedictorians and happy that Bellaire is such a good school,” Chen said. “I don’t feel any less special with 13 other valedictorians.” Nguyen said that having multiple valedictorians shows just how competitive the school is. “It’s impressive, yet scary to think about competing against my classmates,” Nguyen said. Offering 30 AP classes and boasting a significant number of merit-based scholars Bellaire can be considered a competitive school. “I feel academically challenged but not pressured,” Chen said. “Every class I take helps push me beyond my comfort zone but is not too much to handle.” Students have the opportunity to have off-periods if they’ve met all their credits and are able to maintain a high level of academic performance. But for freshmen like Nguyen, off periods are considered a privilege. Nguyen said she usually has an hour to five hours worth of work everyday. “Depending on the day, there can be a lot of work, especially with extra curriculars,” Nguyen said. “Although, I am a freshman, so I feel like it’s not as bad in comparison to higher grades.” According to the survey of Bellaire students, when asked to evaluate their agreement with the statement “students who get better grades tend to be smarter overall than students who get worse grades,” responders largely disagreed. Zhang said that for students on the cusp of applying to college, it can sometimes be hard to ignore the mental pressure to attain good grades. “As a junior, it’s really easy to get extremely anxious about your GPA,” Zhang said. “It’s also a very common but toxic practice to determine your self-worth through your grades but I think that we just need to remember that our mental health should also come first. Sometimes, it’s just not the right day for everyone and one test doesn’t determine our smartness.” Your donation will support the student journalists of Bellaire High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs. HUMANS OF BELLAIRE – Lauren Ray-Hart HUMANS OF BELLAIRE – Aiden Gross HUMANS OF BELLAIRE – Gary Johnson From a spark to an Edaburn Lifelong friends Mighty Cardinal Band attends summer camp to practice show International Thespian Festival Future Problem Solvers place second in Texas with community project Engi-near the finish line Love is in the air Comments (8). Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Anonymous • Jul 16, 2024 at 3:27 pm didnt realy help Anonymous • Nov 21, 2023 at 10:32 am It’s not really helping me understand how much. josh • May 9, 2023 at 9:58 am Kassie • May 6, 2022 at 12:29 pm Im using this for an English report. This is great because on of my sources needed to be from another student. Homework drives me insane. Im glad this is very updated too!! Kaylee Swaim • Jan 25, 2023 at 9:21 pm I am also using this for an English report. I have to do an argumentative essay about banning homework in schools and this helps sooo much! Izzy McAvaney • Mar 15, 2023 at 6:43 pm I am ALSO using this for an English report on cutting down school days, homework drives me insane!! E. Elliott • Apr 25, 2022 at 6:42 pm I’m from Louisiana and am actually using this for an English Essay thanks for the information it was very informative. Nabila Wilson • Jan 10, 2022 at 6:56 pm Interesting with the polls! I didn’t realize about 14 valedictorians, that’s crazy. How and when to take study breaks for optimal learning Study breaks are essential. Here's how and when to take them so that you power-up your studying and avoid getting distracted. Getting into the swing of studying is a bit like pushing an apple cart along a road. The hardest part is getting it going. You have to heave against its inertia, and then gradually you get some forward momentum. A bit more pushing, and finally, you’re rumbling happily along the road. It’s right there in Newton’s laws: “every object in a state of uniform motion will remain in that state of motion unless an external force acts on it.” It’s the same with studying. The hardest part is getting going. You gather some motivation to study , power through the first couple of minutes of resistance, and once you have momentum, things get easier. After forty minutes, or an hour, you find your attention flagging. You want to take a break but this can be dangerous. At Brainscape, we know there are two types of study breaks. You can either: Take the right kind of break, and get back to studying with more energy and a sharper brain, or, Get sidetracked, realizing four hours later that it’s 11:30 pm, and you’ve wasted most of your study time Googling cat memes. Here’s the important bit: there are good ways to take study breaks. And there are not-so-good ways (see option B above.) Check out Brainscape's complete guide on how to study efficiently to learn the good ways to study, and also the bad ways (so you can avoid them Or recommend them to your class rivals, though that’s morally questionable.) How to take study breaks—the right way Tip 1. set your boundaries. Like tequila, all-you-can-eat buffets, and Vegas, the most important thing to understand about study breaks isn’t when to start, but when to stop . So before you start your break, decide how long it will be, and set a timer. The length of your break should depend on how long you’ve been working, and therefore how long you need to recharge. If you’re using the Pomodoro method , take a 5-minute break every 25 minutes. However, if you’ve just spent the last two hours working through difficult math theorems, then a 20-30 minute break is fine. Set an alarm on your phone or watch to go off when your time’s up. And as soon as you hear the alarm, don’t mess about: get back to studying . This is important. The willpower needed to get you back into the study groove is considerable, so keeping to a very exact time will prevent a 10-minute study break turning into an hour of procrastination. It can also be helpful to decide how long you’re going to study before you take a break. This will help you stay focused while studying , and give your willpower that boost to save making an origami chimpanzee for your study break. Tip 2. Exercise Exercise is perhaps the most effective way to restore mind and body, with the added advantage of improving concentration . (Pink leg warmers and leotards optional.) Even a short exercise session of 5 to 10 minutes (a quick walk or set of push-ups) will get your blood flowing and oxygenate your brain. In addition to the physical benefits, exercise aids your memory . Tip 3. Have something to eat The best foods to eat during your study break are healthy , like fruit, nuts, lean proteins, and slow-release carbohydrates, which are shown to enhance brainpower . Unfortunately, sugary drinks, chips, and highly processed junk foods just aren’t on this list . Sugar may spike your energy at first but it’s pretty soon followed by a crash in energy levels , thanks to increased production of insulin. This has the effect of making your head feel as heavy as a cannonball, compelling you to rest it on your books and nap the next hour away. If fighting off sleep is something you often face, here are some other tips to stop being tired when you need to study . The other danger of snacking on MSG-laced junk food is it’s hard to stop. Even if you get back to study, you may find yourself snacking on it for the rest of your study time. Mixing study with continual snacking isn’t a good option, as you’re diverting energy from your brain to your digestive system. And you’ll end up with MSG poisoning from eating far too many Cheetos. Tip 4. Read something This may not seem like a proper break at first if you’ve been reading as part of your study. But the key is to read something fun, and wholly unrelated to what you’ve been working on. It could be an interesting magazine article, a graphic novel, or a fiction book. Non-fiction is all right, but fiction or humor will give your brain a chance to change gears from analytical to creative mode. Just remember that if your book’s a real page-turner, set your timer to “obnoxiously loud” to shatter your reverie and signal the end of your study break. Tip 5. Have a nap Napping can be a great way to recharge, provided you keep to certain guidelines. Famous nappers include Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Napoleon, Albert Einstein, and Thomas Edison. They certainly got a few things done in between their naps. As with some of the other options, successful napping comes down to knowing yourself . Some people are world-class nappers. They can close their eyes, fall asleep, and wake up five minutes later feeling thoroughly refreshed. Other people try to have a nap and come out of it feeling groggy and awful. If that’s you, then this type of study break may not be your cup of tea. When planning your nap, it’s important to set a timer so you don’t nap longer than twenty minutes . This should give you enough time to fall into the shallow stages of sleep, but not into the deeper stages, from which you can awaken feeling like you’ve been run over by an 18-wheeler truck. A short nap also shouldn’t interfere with your sleep at night, while a long nap can. Tip 6. Make a quick phone call This one can be a great way to catch up with friends and put your mind into a completely different state so it can recharge. Just don’t call that friend whose life is an endless series of dramas and likes to tell you about them in exhausting detail. In other words, if you’re the kind of person who can’t interrupt and say ‘Thanks, that’s really interesting, but I have to go now,” then this tactic isn’t for you. Otherwise, calling a friend is a nice way to break things up. And you can complain about having to study as well. Tip 7. Check your text messages This would be a great place to have a rant about how modern human beings need validation from mobile devices instead of you just loving your own true beautiful self ... but meh . If you really must make sure the world outside still exists, go ahead and check your text messages. Texting falls into the "handle with caution, and we’d rather you didn’t" category. So there are a few caveats. Only check text messages if: You’re planning something time sensitive (like a surprise birthday party or bank robbery) You solemnly swear not to stray outside text-world into other apps. This is important. Thus far, we’ve covered the good ways to take study breaks in order to recharge your brain, study efficiently, and ace your exams. It’s now time to cross over to the dark side … How to take study breaks—the wrong way Below is a list of the "that’s-a-bad-idea" study break options. They’re in order of truly terrible to merely bad. Time to let the procrastination monkeys out of their cage ... Tip 8. Avoid social media Yes, the rumors are true: Mark Zuckerberg has engaged hordes of MIT engineers to ensure that Facebook will derail your study break . Well ... not quite. But it’s not far off either . Social media of every description—Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Pinterest, et al.—are incredibly distracting and attention-hungry platforms. The infinitely extendable scroll bar means you never get to the end of that colorful feed. It’s a bottomless ocean of attention-grabbing, socially-reinforced content designed to draw you in, waste your time, and prevent you from achieving your goals. And the worst thing is, we do it to ourselves. That’s not to say all social media is bad . What’s not to like about Nicholas Cage memes? It’s just that if learning is a flame, social media is a bag of wet sand. Tip 9. Avoid TV and streaming services Netflix is not a good study buddy. Like social media, good movies and TV series are designed to grab and hold your attention. Midway through a murder mystery, with the killer stalking through the single mom’s house, are you really going to hit pause to get back to accounting 101? Didn’t think so. (To be fair, we wouldn’t either.) As Oscar Wilde said: “I can resist anything except temptation.” So, don’t tempt yourself. Tip 10. Avoid long naps As we mentioned before, a nap longer than 20-minutes is counter productive. If you’re constantly tired while studying, you’re better off taking a good look at your daily schedule and developing good sleep habits . A healthy amount of restorative sleep is vital for your brain to work properly. While caffeine can get you going again after an all-nighter, it’s no substitute for a good night’s sleep. Tip 11. Avoid junk food We talked before about the sugar-high / energy-low phenomenon. Even though cookie dough may seem a good idea at the time, you’re far better off going with an apple. There’s even some science behind why a nice fresh apple can give you a boost similar to coffee . If you want to make things easy for yourself (and we recommend you do) the best way to avoid junk food snacks is to control your environment. Make sure you don’t have this type of food handy when you sit down for a study session. It’s highly unlikely your willpower will triumph if you’re three steps away from a pack of salted caramel cronuts—especially if you’re already tired from studying all afternoon. You can go out and get some as a reward once you’re finished. The inverse strategy for taking study breaks The last way to think about study breaks is to switch everything on its head. Sometimes, doing the opposite of what you’d normally do is the best way to get things done in half the time it usually takes you, and that’s where Brainscape comes in. Brainscape is an online flashcard study tool that breaks complex, knowledge-intensive subjects down into bite-sized pieces of information. Students using it can halve the time it takes them to learn difficult information, due to Brainscape’s adaptive spaced repetition algorithm . Here’s how it works. Instead of studying and taking study breaks, think of life as one big study session, and you’re taking ‘life breaks’ to go study. This means breaking your study into many small bite-sized portions you can scatter throughout your day. When you use a study app like Brainscape, it’s easy to do this in short 5-10 minute rounds. With the mobile app, you can use those in-between times to learn what you need to in order to pass your tests. You can study: On public transportation. While drinking your morning cup of joe. On the treadmill (yes, it is possible to study while exercising (NNL)). Waiting for your girlfriend/boyfriend to finish doing his/her makeup/piano lesson/kung fu session. You get the picture. The most successful people are good at managing their work-life balance. When you have big goals, it doesn’t always have to be a tradeoff between Study Now vs. Live Later. Especially if you have the right tools to study productively, anywhere, at any time. Taking good study breaks: the summary If you’re studying for any decent length of time, you’ll need to take breaks to recharge and refocus. But like all things in life (including SNL skits and NYC taxis) not all study breaks are created equal. Knowing how to take study breaks so that you summon study motivation and crank up concentration—and not get distracted—is critical. Some will return you on time to your study schedule, refreshed and ready to go. And others will lead you down a dark alley, knock you over the head, and steal your sneakers. Now you know what these two kinds of study breaks look like, the choice, as always, is yours. Altenburg, T. M., Chinapaw, M. J., & Singh, A. S. (2016). Effects of one versus two bouts of moderate intensity physical activity on selective attention during a school morning in Dutch primary schoolchildren: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport , 19 (10), 820-824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2015.12.003 Dhand, R. & Sohal, H. (2006). Good sleep, bad sleep! The role of daytime naps in healthy adults. Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine , 12 (6), 379-382. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.mcp.0000245703.92311.d0 Mantantzis, K., Schlaghecken, F., Sünram-Lea, S. I., & Maylor, E. A. (2019). Sugar rush or sugar crash? A meta-analysis of carbohydrate effects on mood. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews , 101 , 45-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.03.016 Flashcards for serious learners . Best Time for Homework As a general rule, most children need a break when they first get home from school. Fifteen to 20 minutes for a snack and a talk about their day can help them to unwind from the hectic pace of school, and then they'll feel rested and ready for homework. The break can be extended if they need a little more down time, but if you wait too long to get started, homework can move into dinner and bath time. For most children, the ideal is to have a break when they get home, do homework, then have some time to relax before and after dinner. As the new school year starts, you can try different schedules for a week at a time until you find one that meets the needs of your children. Join the Family Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning. Essay Editor How to Focus on Homework: Good Ways to Beat Procrastination Dealing with homework doesn't have to be an uphill battle. The tips in this article will help you avoid distractions and stop procrastinating, making your study time more useful. You'll be better able to finish homework and do better in school, no matter if you're working on homework for math, science, or any other class. Tips to Focus on Homework and Stop Procrastinating Doing homework can be tough when there are a million things that can distract us. But learning to focus and not procrastinate is really important for doing well in school. Let's look at some helpful tips to stay on track and finish homework without too much trouble. How to Focus on Homework Focusing on schoolwork isn't always easy, but if you try the right things, you can do it. These tips will help you make a good place to study and get in the right mindset so you can focus on school work better: Tip 1: Exercise First Before you start studying, try to move your body a bit. Research shows that exercises that get your heart pumping help your memory and thinking. A short 15-minute run, bike ride, or even dancing can wake up your brain, making it easier to focus on school work. For example, Sarah, who's in 10th grade, found that doing jumping jacks for five minutes before studying helped her pay attention better to her math homework. Tip 2: Make a Schedule Having a regular schedule is really important when working on homework. Try to make a daily plan that sets aside specific times for each subject. This helps train your brain to know when it's time to study, making it easier to focus. How to Make a Schedule: Use a planner or phone app to plan your week Include all your activities, not just school stuff Be honest about when you have energy and what you like Try to stick to your schedule as much as you can Change it when you need to Doing the same thing each day helps a lot. Try to do homework at the same time and place every day to make it a habit.  For example, Tom, who's in 11th grade, found that studying from 4-6 PM every day in his home office really helped him get more done. Tip 3: Be Prepared Get everything you need before you start. This means your textbooks, notebooks, water, and snacks. Having everything nearby stops you from having to get up and look for things, which can make you lose focus. Helpful tip: Make a homework kit with all your important stuff. This way, you can quickly grab it and start working, whether you're at home or the library. Tip 4: Have a Study Space Make a special place just for studying. It doesn't need to be fancy — a quiet corner with a comfortable chair and good light can work well. The important thing is to keep your study space separate from where you relax, which helps your brain know it's time for focusing on schoolwork when you're there. Emily, who's in 9th grade, turned a small closet into a cozy study spot. The small space helped her avoid distractions and focus better. Tip 5: Get Rid of Things That Distract You Find and remove things that might distract you. This often means putting your phone in another room or using apps that block social media when you're studying. Studies show that even when your phone is silent, notifications can make it hard to focus and cause you to make more mistakes in your work. A study by the University of California found that it usually takes about 23 minutes to fully focus again after you get distracted. That's a lot of time you can't waste when doing homework. Tip 6: Take Notes Writing notes by hand can help you remember things better. Use colorful pens, draw pictures, or make mind maps to use more of your senses while studying. This way of active learning can help you understand and remember information better when working on homework. Try the Cornell Note-Taking System: Split your page into three parts - a small left column for questions, a big right column for notes, and a bottom part for summaries. This method helps organize information and makes it easier to review later. Tip 7: Take Breaks Taking regular breaks is important to stay focused. Try the Pomodoro Technique: study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After doing this four times, take a longer 15-30 minute break. This method can help you stay fresh and not get too tired. Alex, a senior, really likes this technique. He found that his ability to focus on school work got much better when he started taking planned breaks instead of trying to study for hours without stopping. Tips to Stop Procrastinating Tip 1: give yourself rewards to stay motivated. Make a reward system for finishing tasks. For example, let yourself do 15 minutes of something you like after finishing an assignment. This positive reward can make working on homework more appealing. Jessica, a sophomore, made a "homework bingo" card. Each finished task got her a square, and when she filled a line, she got a special treat like watching an episode of her favorite show. Tip 2: When You Get Bored, Get Up and Move If you find your mind wandering, take a short active break. A quick stretch, a walk around the block, or even a short dance can give you new energy and help you focus on schoolwork again. Research done by the University of Illinois found that short breaks from a task can really help you focus on that task for longer periods. Tip 3: Talk to Your Guidance Counselor Don't be afraid to ask for help if you're having trouble focusing on school. Guidance counselors are trained to help students with school challenges and can give you personal tips to improve how you study. Many students find that regular talks with their counselor help them stay on track and motivated. The Bottom Line! Learning how to focus on homework and how to stop procrastinating homework takes time and practice. By using these tips, you can make a good study environment and develop habits that help you do well in school. Remember, everyone is different. Try different strategies to find what works best for you. If you keep trying and use the right approach, you'll be able to stop putting things off and do well in your studies. Aithor can be a helpful tool in your school journey, helping you organize your thoughts and make writing easier. Aithor can help you focus more on understanding ideas and less on the mechanics of writing, which can improve your ability to stay focused on school work. Related articles Top 5 creative book report ideas that guarantee success in class. Assigned reading helps students develop their critical analysis skill, and book reports test their progress. But it is not enough to simply analyze a literary work — you also need to express your creativity while presenting book report ideas. In this article, you will learn the definition of a literary report, its purpose, and five alternative book report ideas to show off your creativity in class. What is a book (literary) report? A book report is an overall summary and personal assessment o ... Top 10 Excuses for Not Doing Homework: How to Trick Your Teacher in 2024 Whether it’s because you’re buried in other commitments or just had a seriously off day, finding credible excuses for not doing homework can save your day. Here's a brief look at the top 10 homework excuses, with tips on making them sound as true as possible. Just remember, use these wisely and try to stay on top of your assignments! 1. “My computer crashed right before I finished” In today’s digital world, technology problems are a plausible justification. Claiming that your laptop glitched ... Top Proven Tips on How to Make Homework Fun Everyone agrees that school would be much cooler if there were no homework. Alas, this is an impossible wish. Luckily, no one stops us from making it fun! In this article, you will find some awesome tips on how to make homework fun. 1. Create a comfortable study space Having a separate place where you can study is very important. Sure, you might think sitting on a couch with a laptop in your lap is as fun as it can get, but in reality, it may hinder your progress. Your brain knows that the co ... Discussion Posts: Definition, Overview, Writing Tips Discussions are an important part of academic studies. They foster collaboration, raise student engagement, and help to better process new information. A common way to involve students in critical debate is through discussion posts. In this article, you will learn what a discussion post is and how to write it. Discussion post and open forum definition A discussion post is a written reply typically used in online forums – websites that encourage users to engage in a debate over various subject ... How to Write a History Essay: A Guideline for Non-Historians History is a difficult discipline, no one can argue with that. It is especially challenging to write a history essay when you have zero historian bone in your body. That’s why today our goal is to teach you how to write a history essay. What is history essay? A historical paper is a classic instance of a scholarly work that seeks to examine and give answers to questions about long-gone factual incidents and their consequences. Unlike a simple narrative or description, a history paper demands ... Best Places to Do Homework That Will Create a Perfect Study Heaven for You Are you wondering, ‘Where can I go to do homework?’ Finding the ideal spot for studying can significantly affect your productivity and overall study experience. Whether you're a student seeking solace or someone looking for a change of scenery, selecting the right environment is key to maximizing your efficiency and focus. In this guide, we’ll discover various places to do homework that can transform your study routine into a more engaging and effective experience. The Importance of Having a C ... Why Homework Is Good for Students: 20 No-Nonsense Reasons Is homework beneficial in education? It has long been a cornerstone, often sparking debates about its value. Some argue it creates unnecessary stress, while others assert it’s essential for reinforcing in-class learning. Why is homework important? The reality is, that homework is vital for students' personal and academic growth. It not only improves their grasp of the material but also develops crucial skills that extend well beyond the classroom. This review explores 20 reasons why homework is ... How to Write a Table of Contents for Research Paper: A Complete Guide After hundreds of hours of non-stop working, the research essay is finished! Unfortunately, it is not the time to celebrate. That’s when you must get down to one of the least pleasant things in professional college or high school writing – a table of contents. The following article will define table of contents, discuss its purpose, and provide guidance on how to make a table of contents for a research paper. What is a research paper table of contents? Academic essays can be from 2–3 to hundr ... PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In EDIT Edit this Article EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth Browse Articles Learn Something New Quizzes Hot Happiness Hub This Or That Game Train Your Brain Explore More Support wikiHow About wikiHow Log in / Sign up Education and Communications Study Skills Homework Skills How to Find Motivation to Do Homework Last Updated: January 31, 2023 Fact Checked This article was co-authored by Jake Adams and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,706,547 times. Even if you love school, it can be hard to stay excited about doing homework. Just like with any other kind of work, it’s important to set personal goals and find your own inspiration to keep going. You can also help yourself focus by minimizing distractions and caring for yourself while you work. Finally, organize your time wisely and break your homework up into manageable pieces so it doesn’t feel too overwhelming. Finding Your Drive and Inspiration Give yourself bigger rewards for bigger accomplishments. For example, you might go out for pizza with a friend after handing in an important paper. Just make sure you limit yourself to a specific amount of time (like 10 minutes, for example) so that you don’t end up getting totally distracted and wasting a few hours. Did you know? Researchers in Japan recently discovered that looking at pictures or videos of baby animals before you start working can make you much more productive. [3] X Trustworthy Source PLOS ONE Online peer-reviewed, open access scientific research journal Go to source So, go ahead and watch a couple of cute kitten videos on YouTube the next time you need to work on a boring assignment. It might help! Doing homework with a friend doesn’t necessarily mean collaborating on the same assignments. You can just spend time together while you each do your own work. Only get your parent to help you if you need help. Check with your teacher first before working together with a friend on an assignment. They may want you to do the work by yourself. For example, if you’re a morning person, try doing your homework right after you eat breakfast. If you tend to get distracted while working at your desk at home, experiment with doing your homework in the library or a coffee shop instead. Some people also find it helpful to change their routine from time to time. If you find yourself getting bored, try working at a different time from usual or finding a new study space. Setting vague goals can lead to frustration. Instead of saying, “I’m going to get all my homework done this week,” try something more specific—e.g., “I’m going to work on my English essay for 1 hour every day this week.” For example, maybe you want to get good grades so you can get into your dream college, or possibly you’re working towards an exciting career. Doing a good job in your classes can also be its own reward—knowing that you worked hard and did your best is a great self-esteem booster! Keeping Yourself Focused and Alert If you feel physically tense, do some yoga or light stretches before you begin to work. Doing breathing exercises can also help you feel more comfortable and alert. If you’re not already in comfy clothes, get changed before you start working. This may mean joggers, sweatpants, pjs, shorts, underwear, or even being completely naked. It's your choice. You’ll want a place where you can sit comfortably, but don’t get too comfortable. If you do homework in bed or on a cozy couch, you may be tempted to fall asleep! If you have to work at home, ask anyone who lives with you to give you a little quiet time while you do your homework. If you can’t resist messing around on your phone or visiting time-wasting websites on your computer, consider installing an app or a browser extension that blocks tempting apps and sites. Don’t try to work with a TV or radio on. If you listen to music while you do your homework, choose something that’s quiet and not too exciting, like some gentle classical music. Whole grains Healthy proteins, like fish, beans, or nuts Blueberries Leafy greens During your breaks, you can go for a walk, have a snack, do a little meditation , or even put your head down for a quick power nap . You can also use your breaks to reward yourself with a fun video or a quick game on your phone. Did you know? Walking can improve your thinking skills. If you’re feeling stuck on a problem, going for a quick walk or even hopping on a treadmill can help! [13] X Research source For example, if you’ve been working on an essay for an hour or two, take a break and then switch to doing some math problems. Don’t try to do more than one task at once, though. Trying to multitask will disrupt your focus and cause you to make more mistakes. Organizing Your Time Effectively Setting a schedule also makes it easier to avoid procrastinating . Make sure to schedule in time for breaks and relaxation, too! Tip: You can avoid unpleasant surprises by writing important dates and deadlines into your schedule. For example, make note of when you have tests or quizzes coming up or when different assignments are due. Make an ordered list of all your tasks. Try to prioritize ones that are due soon, count towards a major part of your grade, or seem like they will be the most complicated to complete. Put assignments that aren’t due for a while or that you know you can finish quickly and easily at the bottom. For example, if you’re writing a big paper, you might break it up into pieces like doing the research, composing a bibliography, writing an outline, drafting the introduction, and so on. Productivity apps are helpful for some people, but they’re not for everyone. Make sure you don’t spend so much time worrying about the app that it starts to cut into your homework time! [19] X Research source Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series Community Q&A Tips from our Readers Start your homework as soon as you get home from school (you may need a small snack first) instead of watching tv or using the computer. If you start another activity, it will be harder to stop it to switch to homework. Go straight to homework and think of TV and the computer as your reward for finishing. Sometimes I have a lot of work to do and it seems overwhelming, even if the work isn't hard. If I close my eyes and imagine myself doing my homework, it doesn't feel as intimidating and gives me the feeling that I can do it. Make a homework playlist in your music app and play every time you sit down to study. If music with lyrics distracts you, try looking up "study playlists" and "homework playlists," as they're usually just instrumentals. If you can, have your parents drop you off at the library after school for an hour (or however long your homework would take) so you can stay focused. There isn't much to do at the library and it's quiet. Take short breaks to rest your mind for a little while so that it is ready to get back to work. This works for a lot of people who just need to decompress after a long period of working and hard thinking! Think about having free time after the homework to do what you want. Also, think about having the homework done, being stress-free, and not getting in trouble because you didn't do your homework. Dedicate a space in your house to homework and decorate it. Make your homework space a place you like to be. Work with a buddy who doesn't get as distracted as you. This way, your buddy can help you stay focused. Chewing on gum can help you stay alert and focused if you're feeling tired or distracted. You Might Also Like ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020. ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/articles/tips-studying-motivation.html ↑ https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0046362 ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/how-should-students-study-tips-advice-and-pitfalls ↑ https://www.umassd.edu/fycm/goal-setting/resources/smartgoals/ ↑ https://allianzassistancehealth.com.au/en/living-in-australia/studying-motivation-tips-university/ ↑ https://www.wgu.edu/blog/improve-online-study-environment1712.html ↑ https://share.upmc.com/2019/08/healthy-snacks-to-power-studying/ ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html ↑ https://news.stanford.edu/2014/04/24/walking-vs-sitting-042414/ ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/ ↑ https://www.aiuniv.edu/blog/2016/april/4-steps-to-prioritize-tasks ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/aug/18/time-management-apps-work-life-balance-productivity About This Article To find the motivation to do your homework, give yourself small rewards after you accomplish a goal, like a 5 minute video after finishing a reading assignment. For larger accomplishments, like completing an important paper, give yourself a bigger reward, like going out for pizza with friends. You can also try giving yourself a treat, like a scoop of ice cream or 10 minutes to text your best friend, before you begin working to lift your mood and make you more productive. If you have a friend who won’t distract you, see if they want to do homework together so you can keep each other on track. To learn how to pick the best time and place to do your homework, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No Send fan mail to authors Reader Success Stories Nov 4, 2016 Did this article help you? Sarah Finley Sep 23, 2018 Kate ( Kaitlyn ) Stewart Apr 20, 2021 Mar 15, 2018 Taylor Hendrickson Dec 13, 2021 Featured Articles Trending Articles Watch Articles Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell or Share My Info Not Selling Info wikiHow Tech Help Pro: Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve Submit A Post EdTech Trainers and Consultants Your Campus EdTech Your EdTech Product Your Feedback Your Love for Us EdTech Product Reviews ETR Resources Mission/Vision Testimonials Our Clients Press Release 5 Ways to Complete Your Homework Faster Spending time on homework has numerous advantages, beyond earning high grades. It strengthens your education and enriches your understanding. The best way to become proficient in a concept is to solve related problems. But as a student, there are other aspects of life aside from homework. Finding a way to juggle school, work, hobbies , socializing, and volunteering is crucial. However, the good news is that several proven methods exist to increase productivity, quickly complete assignments, and maintain high standards. Let’s talk about it. Tip – 1: The Best Time to Complete Your Homework Completing your homework promptly is always the best option. Following your classes, the knowledge you acquire remains vivid in your mind. So it will be simpler to implement these ideas in your assignments. Having a schedule can be beneficial, such as beginning homework an hour before dinner each weekday. Determine the optimal time for you to study and organize your schedule accordingly. Suppose you consistently have the drive to finish your schoolwork quickly. If that’s the case, you can exploit this drive by starting on your assignments as soon as you arrive home. However, if you require a brief pause, you can establish a timer for 30 minutes to an hour once you arrive home to prompt you to begin working after taking a break. Tip – 2: Keeping Track of Your Homework One common error I notice is students assuming they will recall all their designated duties. I’ve no doubt that your memory is good. However, maintaining a record of your assignments through writing is significantly more effective. Maintain a record, either on paper or electronically, of all upcoming tasks and their due dates. By utilizing this list, you can continually monitor your tasks. A notepad or digital note-taking tool would be effective. When you need to do your work, refer to this list and begin with the most pressing assignment due as soon as possible. Keep progressing through the list depending on the level of urgency for each task. The list distinguishes between tasks needing immediate attention and those that can wait. This enables you to start your homework immediately and conserves valuable time. Creating lists can reduce the burden on your brain. It also aids in decreasing anxiety levels and enhancing productivity. Tip – 3: Get a Study Buddy Most people would likely concur that homework is often monotonous and uninteresting. Doing homework with a study partner is a great way to increase motivation and get started on tasks. Having a companion can help you remain focused and attentive. You will hold each other responsible and ensure that all tasks are finished punctually. Throughout these study sessions, you can collaborate to tackle tough problems and grasp complex ideas. Tip – 4: Avoid Distractions Putting off tasks and getting sidetracked can seriously hinder your ability to get things done efficiently. Below are a few tactics for studying that can assist you in overcoming procrastination and maximizing your time: Discover the perfect place for studying, whether at school or the library or create a suitable work atmosphere in your own home. Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to minimize outside disturbances. Only the necessary materials and stationery should be on your desk. You can also keep a water bottle and some snacks handy to avoid having to interrupt your study session by getting up halfway through. Switch off your mobile device. It is ideal to store all your gadgets in a separate room or far beyond your arm’s reach. If a thought or idea comes to mind, jot it down rather than immediately act. Perhaps it’s a task you must do or a friend you committed to contacting. Recognize these thoughts by jotting them down and addressing them once your homework is finished. Tip – 5: Reward Yourself Having a system of rewards boosts motivation by providing an incentive to anticipate, at least temporarily. It teaches your mind that putting in effort leads to a satisfying result. Furthermore, it creates a favourable connection with homework. Therefore, pinpoint some appropriate incentives that you would find enjoyable. Make a list of things or actions that align with your objectives and hold importance to you. The most effective approach is incorporating several useful incentives into your homework schedule. One possible way to reward yourself is by indulging in your favourite music following a 45-minute work session. Alternatively, you can have a nutritious snack once you finish every set of practice questions. Certainly, you can also utilize large rewards occasionally. For example, once you complete a challenging task or a lengthy practice test, reward yourself with a special treat, such as enjoying a movie with your friends. Bonus Tip: Have a Dedicated Workspace Having a designated study area at home will enable you to finish your homework more quickly. As there is no universal solution, it’s essential to customize your workspace according to what helps you concentrate effectively. For instance, an individual may enjoy having a variety of stationery, Post-it notes, and bright highlighters on their desk. However, these distractions may only be helpful for some people. Certain individuals may find that they are most productive when surrounded by white noise or a bit of background conversation. Conversely, certain individuals may find it easier to focus if they are in a noise-free setting. Therefore, do not hesitate to try different things to discover the most suitable option for you. Below are a few basic suggestions to help you begin: Ensure there is enough light and maintain a comfortable temperature in your area. Alleviate stress by choosing the appropriate scents, like using a fragrant room spray or dispersing an essential oil. Customize your workspace by adding a memo board, calendar, clock, or artwork. Ensure that your desk remains tidy and well-arranged. Make sure to spend money on a quality desk chair for your workspace. Finally: Have a Study Plan Having a study schedule helps you ensure you finish all your tasks on time. It also removes the need for guessing when assigning time. You can work and spend time efficiently throughout your study session. Latest EdTech News To Your Inbox Stay connected. Sign in to your account Username or Email Address Remember Me Get College Ready SM Guide Stepping Beyond College Sign up now Planning and paying for college Paying for college Planning for college Get College Ready SM Scholarship Resource Center Earning money Interning Getting a job and working Pursuing side gigs and passions Managing money Budgeting Saving money Investing and future goals Understanding credit Building credit Managing credit Resources Stepping Beyond College Commitment to students For Counselors Financial Foundations Webinars Welcome to CollegeSTEPS® Tell us about yourself for a custom experience (takes a few minutes). It’s science: The best times of day to do everything Be a time-management pro: Here are the best times of day to do seven things. A college schedule is a lot more flexible than your typical day was in high school. Now that time management is left more up to you each day, it’s a good idea to create a structure for getting things done. Fortunately, science can help you determine the best times to do certain activities, from working out to prepping for a test to sending an email. Here’s a look at the best times to tackle seven common college activities. The best time to: Work out: 7:00 a.m.. Studies show that exercising at 7:00 a.m. can actually shift your body clock earlier, meaning you’ll be more alert and awake when you start your day. Earlier-morning sweats can also lead to better mental health and productivity throughout the day, so you’re more likely to finish that paper early or crank out an extra study session. Write a paper: 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. Creative ability is highest during and immediately after sleep. According to research, this is when the prefrontal cortex is most active. Additionally, says Daniel Pink, author of “When,” this is when your attention span is at its peak and when you are least likely to be distracted. Meanwhile, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. is what he calls the “trough period,” or the period of lowest performance, and it’s when our minds are likely to wander. Send an email: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Weekdays tend to be better than weekends for sending emails, and the middle of the day is the best time. Open rates peak then, which is helpful for emails to professors regarding questions about that assignment you’re working on or emails to employers about internship applications. Take a snack break: 10:30 a.m. Experts recommend keeping your snack habit relegated to between meals, as opposed to after your last meal of the day. So, if you typically eat breakfast at 7:00 a.m., and lunch at noon, have a snack somewhere in between. Bonus tip: Try snacking on foods with plenty of protein and fiber, which will help you feel satisfied until your next meal. Nap: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Aim to nap for only 10 to 30 minutes, or you’re likely to feel groggy instead of refreshed. Also, take your nap before 3:00 p.m. Naps later in the afternoon can affect your nighttime sleep schedule, and that will leave you feeling more tired than rested, in the long run. Tidy up: 4:00 p.m. Late afternoon is the best time of day to clean your room, organize your desk, or tidy up in general. Research shows that at 4:00 p.m., hand-eye coordination peaks, and mood levels are high, making it a great time to pick up around the house and get organized. Study: 4:00 – 9:30 p.m. Studies show that better learning happens later in the day. This is because the analytical parts of our brains, the parts that scrutinize data and memorize facts, become more active as the day goes on. 7 productivity tips Need more tips to help you stay productive and healthy? Find more articles about... Liz Olech is a writer and editor who covers topics ranging from career advice to searching for scholarships. Want to read more about handling day-to-day spending? You can customize your experience with a quick chat Related articles Should you consider freelancing after graduation? Freelancing can give you the flexibility to create the lifestyle you want, but it’s still hard work. Should you consider it? Where’s your money going? Make sure you know where every dollar is going with these helpful tips. Your 5 step guide to paying for college How to pay for college and what to expect along the way. The hidden costs of renting an apartment As you look for your next place to live, be aware of all the potential expenses. We are here to help For general banking questions: 1-800-869-3557 Find a Wells Fargo banking location Make an appointment Schedule an appointment online You are leaving the Wells Fargo website You are leaving wellsfargo.com and entering a website that Wells Fargo does not control. Wells Fargo has provided this link for your convenience, but does not endorse and is not responsible for the products, services, content, links, privacy policy, or security policy of this website. 456 COMMENTS Strategies to Make Homework Go More Smoothly Others need to have parents nearby to help keep them on task and to answer questions when problems arise. Ask your child where the best place is to work. Both you and your child need to discuss pros and cons of different settings to arrive at a mutually agreed upon location. Step 2. Set up a homework center. When is the best time to do homework? Option #3: Homework after dinner. Homework after dinner may work best for your family too if there are two parents working outside the house. Helping with difficult assignments or test prep (if you can handle the pressure!) can be a time for bonding between parent and child. Lessons learned from mom or dad (who are the first teachers, after all ... The Best Time Of The Day To Study Day or Night Find The Time Of Day That Works Best For Your Child. Remember, your child can use a combination of study techniques, including what time of day he or she schedules study sessions! Once you know what works best, your child can start studying more effectively. For more study tips, check out these resources: 10 Tips To Reduce Homework Stress Science Says These Are the Best Times to Learn and Create for Optimal The Best Time to Learn Something New. Learning is most effective when the brain is in acquisition mode, generally between 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. and then again from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Night ... What's the Right Amount of Homework? The National PTA and the National Education Association support the " 10-minute homework guideline "—a nightly 10 minutes of homework per grade level. But many teachers and parents are quick to point out that what matters is the quality of the homework assigned and how well it meets students' needs, not the amount of time spent on it. An Age-By-Age Guide to Helping Kids Manage Homework Third to fifth grades. Many children will be able to do homework independently in grades 3-5. Even then, their ability to focus and follow through may vary from day to day. "Most children are ... How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks Here's how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. How to Do Homework (with Pictures) Just make sure to save enough time to circle back and give it another shot. 4. Take a break every hour. Set a specific amount of time you will spend every hour doing something besides homework, and stick to it. Be sure you set how long after the start of the hour, and how long you will take. Homework: children and teenagers Key points. In general, homework can help children and teenagers practise skills, work on projects and learn time management. You can help children and teenagers by making time and space for homework, helping them get organised, and being positive. When children and teenagers are having homework troubles, it's best to speak to the teacher. Homework challenges and strategies Using a homework contract can help your child set realistic goals. Encourage "thinking out loud." Get tips for helping grade-schoolers do schoolwork on their own. Sometimes, homework challenges don't go away despite your best efforts. Look for signs that kids may have too much homework. And learn how to talk with teachers about concerns. 10 Proven Tips to Finish Your Homework Fast and Stress-Free A: The best time to do homework varies from person to person. Some people are more productive in the morning, while others find their focus in the evening. Experiment to find your peak productivity hours. Q: How long does it take to receive scores? A: The time it takes to receive scores can vary depending on the type of assignment and the ... Here's the Best Study Routine (Day & Night with Sample Schedule) 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Boost your energy with a late-day workout. This will help set your mood for your upcoming study session. 6:00 PM - 6:15 PM: Grab a pen and paper or your digital notepad to set your study goals for the night and specific tasks you need to accomplish. 6:15 PM - 8:15 PM: First study block. Developing Good Homework Habits Help your child develop good homework habits. That means designating a reg­ular location and time to work on daily assignments. She does not necessarily need a desk in her room; the kitchen table can work just as well. No matter what place you choose, it needs to be well lit and quiet, without the distrac­tions of the television set, other ... How to Plan a Homework Schedule (with Pictures) 1. Estimate how much time will be needed to complete each assignment. Be realistic. It is better to block out more time than less. If you finish early, you can use your bonus time for another subject. Remember that if you have extra time left over, you can reward yourself by doing something other than homework. 2. 3 Ways to Get Your Homework Done Fast Every 25 minutes or so, take about 5 minutes to stretch and walk around to give your brain and body a quick rest. [11] 2. Eat snacks and drink water. Drink plenty of water and eat light, healthy, tasty snacks while you work to enjoy foods that you like, enhance your memory, and revitalize your brain and body. When Is the Best Time to Do Homework? Right After School. Many moms find that the best time for kids to do homework is directly after school, before distractions set in. As Lori C. shares, "It's a lot easier than pulling them away ... The Best Time to Study: Morning, Afternoon, or Night! However, for deep focus and concentration, one must study between 4:00 am and 7:00 am, so if you're looking for some tips to balance work while studying, it would be best if you time it correctly. Young adults might be a little bit of an exception to this guideline, so it's important to keep a few things in mind. 8 Easy Ways to Finish Homework Faster Evaluate and improve your SAT score. 3. Gather all your gear. Collect EVERYTHING you will need for the homework you are working on (like your laptop for writing assignments and pencils for problem sets). Getting up for supplies takes you off course and makes it that much harder to get back to your homework. 4. Students spend three times longer on homework than average, survey High schoolers reported doing an average of 2.7 hours of homework per weeknight, according to a study by the Washington Post from 2018 to 2020 of over 50,000 individuals. A survey of approximately 200 Bellaire High School students revealed that some students spend over three times this number. The demographics of this survey included 34 ... How and when to take study breaks for optimal learning The length of your break should depend on how long you've been working, and therefore how long you need to recharge. If you're using the Pomodoro method, take a 5-minute break every 25 minutes. However, if you've just spent the last two hours working through difficult math theorems, then a 20-30 minute break is fine. Best Time for Homework As a general rule, most children need a break when they first get home from school. Fifteen to 20 minutes for a snack and a talk about their day can help them to unwind from the hectic pace of school, and then they'll feel rested and ready for homework. The break can be extended if they need a little more down time, but if you wait too long to ... How to Focus on Homework: Good Ways to Beat Procrastination Dealing with homework doesn't have to be an uphill battle. The tips in this article will help you avoid distractions and stop procrastinating, making your study time more useful. You'll be better able to finish homework and do better in school, no matter if you're working on homework for math, science, or any other class. Tips to Focus on Homework and Stop Procrastinating Doing homework can be ... 3 Ways to Find Motivation to Do Homework Doing homework with a friend doesn't necessarily mean collaborating on the same assignments. You can just spend time together while you each do your own work. Only get your parent to help you if you need help. Check with your teacher first before working together with a friend on an assignment. They may want you to do the work by yourself. 5 Ways to Complete Your Homework Faster Tip - 1: The Best Time to Complete Your Homework. Completing your homework promptly is always the best option. Following your classes, the knowledge you acquire remains vivid in your mind. So it will be simpler to implement these ideas in your assignments. Having a schedule can be beneficial, such as beginning homework an hour before dinner ... College time-management tips: Best time to do things 1 - Time: " This Is the Best Time of Day to Work Out, According to Science ". 2 - The Cut: " You Should Probably Do Your Writing in the Morning ". 3 - CoSchedule Blog: " What 14 Studies Say About The Best Time To Send Email ". 3 - CNBC Make It: " This is the best time to send an email ". 4 - Elite Daily: " The Best ... assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review thesis