As the final months of this school year approach, it is easy to say that focusing and doing your school work always seems to become harder, especially as the weather begins to warm up. However, as a school, we need to work together and find ways to finish the school year off strong and to try our hardest to stay focused in class, along with making sure our homework gets done as well. So, what can we do to accomplish this, you may ask. Well, here are a few tips to find ways to do just this.

1. Get plenty of sleep.

It has been said that students need at least nine hours of sleep a night to be able to say they’ve had a good night’s rest. According to apa.org, “Insufficient sleep has also been shown to cause difficulties in school, including disciplinary problems, sleepiness in class and poor concentration.” Your brain needs a breather, considering it’s thinking and going non-stop all day long.

2.    Be sure to eat a good and healthy breakfast.

When you eat good foods in the morning, you will start the day off with plenty of energy and will be ready to tackle your day with confidence. This will also help in regards to paying attention better. Try to eat good things for breakfast such as oatmeal or fruits.

3.     Make sure you know what to expect in class for the day.

When you enter the classroom, it could be very beneficial to figure out what the main objective is for the day and to write it down. This way, you will be more likely to get what the teacher wants you to get out of the class and be sure of what you’re learning.

4.     Maintain a positive attitude, though it may be difficult at times.

Try going into class with a positive attitude and an open mind; doing this might just surprise you. This can be especially helpful when it comes to classes that aren’t your favorite (yes, I’m talking about you, Algebra). Just try to remember that if you use the tips listed, this one will be particularly helpful. Now, I know that having a good attitude isn’t always the easiest thing in the world to do, but it certainly won’t hurt you to try to do this. Keep your mind open and you might be surprised with how this idea treats you.

5.     Take notes.

If you are to take notes while in class, you will be more likely to remember what you’ve heard and what you’ve learned in the class for that day. Another reason this is a good tip is because this way you can look back at what you did in that class for homework help or for future help on tests.

6.     Ask questions

One of the most important things in a classroom is to ask as many questions as needed to make sure you clearly understand what you are being taught. Don’t be afraid to ask anything; there is no such thing as a stupid question. This way you are sure to know what you’re doing and will be more likely to remember.

7.     Listen to music

Music is a good way to help keep a clear mind during the school day, and it will also help alleviate stress. Music is a great escape and is also a helpful study helper. As said by uncc49er.com, “Studies have shown that the right kind of music can help you relax your mind which enables you to concentrate better. Perfect to studying, doing homework or studying for a test or exam. It cuts down on distractions and helps you focus on your work.”

8.    Eliminate distractions (mainly the electronic ones)

• You should wear headphones when working around other people to help drown them out and to keep them from becoming another distraction. This will also help keep you from wanting to talk to the people around you.
• Don’t hesitate to shut off any and all electronics that can or you know will become an immediate distraction.
• Then, if all else fails and shutting things off doesn’t keep you from checking them, put them away where you won’t be tempted to look at them.

9.     Take a break or two

It can also be helpful to take a break here and there when working on a bigger project or even when sitting and doing homework. Don’t feel like just because you sit down you have to get all of what you’re working on done right then and there. Don’t give up and let your break become the biggest distraction of all, but don’t stress yourself out too much by giving yourself too much to do at once.

All of these things are helpful tools in being a success whether it being the classroom or at home when working on homework or projects. Doing these things will help you now and in the future with always trying to get the best out of your school experiences. It will also help to get you where you want to be in the future.

Do yourself a favor and use these things to help make you the best that you can be and to help you get the best you can out of things. School doesn’t always have to feel like a chore and be a drag, you just have to know how to make it so that you get the best and what you want to get out of it.