High school is a transformative period in a student's life. Freshman year, students are concerned about finding their crowd and transitioning into becoming a more independent individual. By Senior year, students are expected to choose a major that relates to their career and ultimately may decide the trajectory of their life. All this goes to say that high school students are expected to complete their homework, ace their tests, while also living up to the societal expectations of a classic high school experience. Sounds like a lot, right? Finding the balance between academics, extracurriculars, and a social life can be extremely difficult, especially as an upperclassman. As an underclassman, students typically hear from upperclassmen about how hard school gets. As an upperclassman myself, though it is true classes get more difficult, that is not the hardest part of Junior year. The hardest part is finding a good balance. With Junior year comes talk of the SATs, ACTs, College applications, sports, clubs, and part-time jobs. Though there is pressure among peers to be the busiest, most productive student, it all comes down to the individual. Everyone has different experiences dealing with stress, meaning everyone must find the right balance for themselves. 

 

Though everyone’s process in finding the right balance for them is different, here are a few tips and tricks that you may want to keep in mind during this academically busy time of the year.

 

1. Create a schedule daily, mapping out how to spend your after-school hours in a productive yet also fun way.

Having an hourly plan can be very helpful when wanting to stay on task, and can also help students schedule beneficial breaks from work to be their most productive versions of themselves. 

 

1. Set realistic goals.

Goal setting can be a great way to motivate students to get work done, but unrealistic goals can cause more harm than good. Realistic goals are attainable, yet challenging goals that should push you to be your best self without straining yourself. 

 

1. Take breaks

Despite common belief, taking breaks from studying can increase your productivity. In a study done at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, it was found that taking breaks allows your brain to recharge and work at its highest potential. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for concentration, and long periods of concentration become increasingly difficult due to the expenditure of the brain's energy. 

 

1. Accept Imperfection

Some days may lean towards hours of work, while others you spend the afternoon hanging out with friends. The most toxic behavior when learning to maintain a good life balance is guilt. If you feel guilty for hanging out with friends, dedicate time to coming home to work instead of writing off that day as unproductive. 

 

1. Reward yourself 

Motivation to do tasks that you don't want to complete can be difficult. This is especially true for homework assignments. One way to trick yourself into having motivation to do your homework is to reward yourself after finishing a task that you need to complete. For example, when making plans with friends, tell yourself you can only go hang out once you finish that one assignment that you have been procrastinating. Rewarding yourself can even be as simple as having a treat after finishing that tedious math worksheet. 

 

Overall, everyone has their own struggles with motivation, and these tips are just a few of the many ways for someone to improve their productivity. The most important thing to remember is that not all days have to be devoted to studying, and you shouldn't feel guilty for not being the most productive version of yourself all the time. It is natural for everyone to need breaks, and the most important thing is to learn your perfect balance. 

 

Sources: https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/taking-breaks/