Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

I have trouble with my school work due to procrastinating. And my anxiety always gets in the way. How do I get things done?

300 Answers
Last Updated: 06/08/2022 at 4:36am
1 Tip to Feel Better
South Africa
Moderated by

Claudette Pretorius, MA Counselling Psychology

Licensed Professional Counselor

I know how overwhelming it can feel when you're having a tough time. I offer clients a space that is non-judgemental and empathetic whilst navigating these times together.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
December 23rd, 2017 7:15am
It can be tough to study when you are feeling anxious! The pressure to get things right in study can feel so overwhelming sometimes that it can feel just about impossible to even start! The more you tell yourself that you can't do it, or that you're not good enough, or that you'll do it another day, the more likely it is that you'll avoid doing your study. And of course, that then feeds into having more trouble with your school work. This is because our thoughts, feelings, behaviours and even how we feel physically are all connected! Sometimes changing just one of those things in this cycle can make a big difference! One good way to start working through is to set some small goals. Focus on spending 10 minutes on a study task. Can you concentrate for 10 minutes? Then in another 10 minutes, think about whether to try for another 10. It can help to break things down. The same is true of assignments. Sometimes an assignment can look pretty big and that's scary, but breaking it down into smaller pieces can make it much easier.
Easylistener
December 30th, 2017 7:08pm
It's all about taking a deep breath and taking things one step at a time. When you break things up into small chunks it's easier to tackle it. Set up a roster of what you have to do, and schedule it daily so you can tick things off when you're done.
annpaints
January 1st, 2018 4:37am
First things first: create a soothing playlist. Select a couple of your favorite songs or songs that describe your mood. Calm down. Give yourself ten minutes to just listen to songs. Then, create a schedule or a list of things you need to do. Underline the ones that need your attention the most. Start out slowly and move your way down the list. Always make sure that you get a little break in between work time. Focus on something that you can zero in on whenever you're feeling anxious - whether that be a particular person or a thing. It's hard concentrating when you're feeling anxious, but you have to put yourself first. Remember that you always have something to hold on to and that most importantly, you are in control of procrastination - procrastination doesn't control you.
anxiolysis
January 3rd, 2018 5:39am
Lower barriers that prevent you from starting on school work. Organize your workspace books, pencils ahead of time so that you can easily begin working on school work.
Anonymous
January 13th, 2018 3:31am
I would say do it a little bit at a time. When you see all of the work, it can seem overwhelming. But tackle it just one small task at a time. Then once you get started, it feels so good to see all the things you've accomplished :)
Dory2
January 14th, 2018 12:02am
I would start by splitting up the work into smaller portions and plan to do each portion on a specific day. You should also remember to reward yourself for the work that you get done. Sometimes by setting smaller, daily goals, it makes the work seem less big. Rewarding your self gives you more motivation to do the work.
MollyCule
January 17th, 2018 2:00pm
I do well when I set a timer. When a task seems overwhelming or unpleasant, I set a timer for some amount of time that seems managebale — five minutes, ten minutes, fifteen minutes, your call — and i simply focus on the task at hand for that time, knowing I can take a break soon. You can set timers for breaks as well to help prevent procrastination. During these breaks it may help reduce some anxiety to do something relaxing like breathing exercises. :)
Joye74
January 25th, 2018 11:00pm
Anxiety and proscrastination walks together. We procrastinate and carry the burden all the time which leads to anxiety. Less we procrastinate more we reduce burden on our brain.
Pipstery
February 10th, 2018 3:39pm
I often find procrastinating and anxiety go hand-in-hand with things like this, and I believe it's due to feeling overwhelmed by the scale of what lies before you. I try to break large tasks down into smaller chunks and write them down into a list, concentrating on one little step at a time, instead of thinking of the whole thing at once. In this way, it's a lot easier to get things done without feeling overburdened, and you get the added bonus of being able to congratulate yourself afterwards too! When I approach things this way, I'm always surprised by how much I manage to get finished. :) I hope that helps.
compassionateWaterfall12
February 14th, 2018 3:05pm
Break your work down into smaller more attainable goals, that do not seem so overwhelming. Pace yourself. Make your own deadlines, opposed to what your teacher have set out for you in a calendar. When anxiety kicks in try some breathing exercises. Also check out the Anxiety guide https://www.7cups.com/anxiety-help/
Anonymous
February 16th, 2018 6:32am
Set a time of the day where you turn all your devices away (at least two consecutive hours) and do your homework. I find that chewing the same flavor of gum helps with stress, because of the familiarity in a difficult situation.
KCGrace46
February 16th, 2018 7:41pm
Time Management; keeping track of daily things on a calander on your phone or even a planner can help manage schedule and keep track of what is due.
PipeOrgan
February 17th, 2018 2:57am
While many procrastinate, you have control in many ways. Have you considered writing a list of things you must do in the order of what's most important first?
shadeofblue741
February 28th, 2018 6:21pm
I still haven't figured out a foolproof method, but every situation is different and motivation isn't all you need at times. I try to get things done by dividing them into small tasks with breaks in between. Once I get going and feel motivated enough to work, I end up finishing things at a stretch. It's also okay if you don't always manage to get things done. Taking care of yourself can be a full time job at times and prioritizing self care over work is ultimately beneficial to you in the long run, even though there might be some immediate consequences. Remind yourself that you will deal with things, bit by bit.
Havingfuninthesnow
March 1st, 2018 5:29am
Can you get homework early and work on it during the weekend so you are working ahead? Study groups also help or homework club or study hall.
kindHand56
March 3rd, 2018 11:27am
You have to 5,4,3,2,1 GO, and power through, in order to beat your brain. If that doesn't work, then work in sessions, for example, you could work on a topic or whatever, in 20-minute intervals, should work. However, if this doesn't work either then please try motivational videos. Hope this helps :)
Anonymous
March 4th, 2018 12:54am
If you are having trouble getting your school work done due to procasination and high levels of anxiety than you can try breaking down the assignments you do each night and maximum time that you have worked on it and whichever you don't get done today you can resume the next day.
TeacupHedgehog
March 8th, 2018 8:49pm
School can be very stressful, especially when there are lots of assignments due around the same time. I find it helpful to make a to due list of everything that needs to be done. I include really big tasks as well as ones that are easy to complete. I then alternate between completing big and small/hard and easy tasks. That way I get the satisfaction of completing big assignments but also can feel like I'm completing lots of stuff when I do a bunch of easier things. Crossing stuff off the list is a visual representation of everything I have done and motivates me to do more. Having that list helps me feel in control of what I have to do.
Arrigo
March 28th, 2018 3:07pm
If you make use of online services, try using paper books, it's less distracting and lets you focus more.
WMM
April 7th, 2018 11:52am
you need to prioritise, whats important and what isnt..plan your time wisely and set a time for everything.
sillyseraph002
April 21st, 2018 3:39am
there are many time management techniques that tend to help people. making a to do list can make things easier to remember, and color coding the items can make the task of prioritization much more manageable. another method that often helps people is to break down each task into smaller tasks. the components are often less overwhelming than the whole, and reducing anxiety often wards of procrastination tendencies.
ShannonLstories1
April 21st, 2018 8:13pm
Make sure that after you do work you reward yourself even if it something small so you have motivation to do the work and know something good will come out of it.
December4k
April 25th, 2018 11:57pm
Maybe you should set a timer and that’s the time you must do any homework during school you should bring a fidget toy to help you focuse
incredibleEnergy81
May 4th, 2018 2:24am
try to sit down with someone and do the work together. You can also make restrictions and get your parents on board with it like you can have it so that you cant go out with friends until you have it all done just little things like that and remember to breath and take it one assignment at a time.
Anonymous
May 17th, 2018 10:29am
Sometimes the anxiety can come from thinking we won't succeed at the task at hand. Instead of taking a back seat, take a deep breath and view what is needed to complete the task and set a good timeline for completion once the task is assigned.
Zed17
May 18th, 2018 3:06pm
Set out a really good timetable, with lots of breaks factored in to do exercise/hobbies you love etc. Start with short periods of time and then extend them out as you get used to it. Try something like the forest app so you can't be distracted by your phone!
zazenlotus
May 19th, 2018 5:03am
When you catch yourself procrastinating, take a mental time-out, do something fun to clear your mind for a set amount of time, then when your time is up, set an intention to accomplish 1 task and set a time limit. Then, focus just on that task until it is done. Repeat.
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2018 1:03am
This all depends on how you learn and get work done. Some common approaches I have seen to this situation is to set aside some time (30 minutes, an hour, etc.) of distraction-free homework time. Also, incentives for getting things done can be helpful in motivating oneself. Lastly, just remember how amazing getting work done feels, and how awesome you are for getting started!
positiveForever73
May 23rd, 2018 5:33am
Multitasking isn't always easy, so set real time goals that work well for you. You can do it. Don't forget you are stronger than you know.
Anonymous
May 27th, 2018 8:31pm
-ALWAYS get rid of any distractions. Put your phone on a high shelf if you need to, install app/website blockers, turn off notifications, don't charge electronics used for entertainment purposes until you're finished with your homework, etc. -Work in a studious environment. Work on your desk, the library, study room, etc. Avoid your bed and getting too comfortable, which makes you prone to falling asleep or dozing off. -Take breaks. Really. Every 25 minutes, move on to another task or take a breather. If you overwhelm you do something continuously for hours, you will truly get more anxious and will overwhelm yourself.