I have trouble with my school work due to procrastinating. And my anxiety always gets in the way. How do I get things done?
225 Answers
Last Updated: 04/22/2020 at 3:39am
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Ken Thom, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
I believe that emotional dys-regulation is the underlying cause of all mental health challenges. I help people regulate their emotions and then begin their healing journey
Top Rated Answers
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 :)
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.
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. :)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you make use of online services, try using paper books, it's less distracting and lets you focus more.
you need to prioritise, whats important and what isnt..plan your time wisely and set a time for everything.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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!
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.
Anonymous
May 30th, 2018 12:45am
i have the same problem- eventually i said enough and told myself id feel much more relaxed if i got things done. i got extra help, asked questions, and pushed through the difficulties. before i knew it, my grades skyrocketed back up and i was on my way to graduation! breathe, ask for help, and even stay after if needed. make a plan beforehand- what do you need done first? how can you get it done? who can help?
Anonymous
June 6th, 2018 1:50pm
Set a goal for yourself. Get positive support around you and maybe ask teachers to help keep you on task. An RSP service is a good help as well. They help with your work and anxiety at the same time.
To get things done, I capitalize on the burst of anxiety that comes right as an assignment is first mentioned instead of procrastinating and waiting until the last-minute anxiety to motivate me. I learned that it was that initial anxiety that caused me to avoid it and put it off. So by using the initial anxiety, I am able to get a good jump start on am assignment with time to spare to actually do a good job. I realized that getting started on a challenging assignment is the hardest step, so once the ball is rolling it is easier to keep going. Other strategies include putting on upbeat instrumental music and setting a 30 minute timer. Then I earn a break.
I would take 15 minutes do some work. Take a break watch a video or draw a bit anything you like to do and then go back to your work after 10 minutes and continue to do that. Eventually you will get into a routine and it will be effortless.
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