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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
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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
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.
CreativListener
June 7th, 2018 5:13am
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.
coldfaithful
June 10th, 2018 6:08pm
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.
nerdylistener
June 14th, 2018 2:53pm
Take one step at a time. Make a list of everything that needs to get done, then start with the most important one.
Anonymous
June 16th, 2018 8:55am
Try not to look at things as a whole! Try to prioritise things taking small steps and being more organised.
silverSnow56
June 17th, 2018 1:17am
I have found that having a planner has helped me with this. If this isn’t your cup of tea, try blocking certain times each day to get a few things done. In my experience this has left me feeling less anxious and more accomplished.
RoseLiP
June 17th, 2018 9:37pm
Make lists and charts of what you have to do and when you want to achieve these tasks. If you miss the time you wanted to get something done, rewrite a new time
eliza1616
June 20th, 2018 6:25pm
You can get things done by making a to do list, or scheduling when to get things done. When you have a to do list, it makes you feel productive so you’ll get stuff done more.
BeHappy8888
June 22nd, 2018 8:03pm
Put away all distraction. I find it also helps to make a comfy and happy place for you to study or works. Maybe try studying with a parent or a friend to keep you on track to!
Anonymous
June 27th, 2018 10:34am
1st fix your problem with anxiety 2nd think of what you need to do is important like a goal or somthing
Anonymous
June 27th, 2018 11:35pm
Maybe try setting a goal for yourself, try not to procrastinate because if you procrastinate, then when the assignment is due the next day or it's already midnight, your anxiety will kick in and it's hard to get things done by that time.
ListenerforYou518
June 30th, 2018 1:24am
Hi! Thanks so much for reaching out! Procrastion is a tricky one to deal with. Sometimes the best thing to do is just get the hard stuff done before you move on to something you like doing. In regards to the anxiety part, I would need to know a little bit more about your anxiety before I could answer that part. Please feel free to message me at your convenience so that I could fully answer your question.
abbiehoney
July 7th, 2018 8:50pm
Have you tried creating a schedule/timetable for yourself? It is important to be able to work efficiently but also know your limits. For example; you could focus on a piece of schoolwork for 15 minutes then take a break and see if you are feeling confident enough to continue with it. If your anxiety is a big problem, perhaps you could attend a study group to receive extra help or even meet with a group of friends to feel supported. If you are still struggling, it may be wise to talk to a teacher you can trust and let them know how you’re feeling and if there is anything that could be done to reduce your anxiety and help you feel more motivated. (A great tip for motivation is creating a bullet journal!)
Diya83
July 13th, 2018 5:01pm
Make sure that you reward yourself for doing even the slightest of things, like completing one paragraph of an essay, so that you won’t feel like giving up. Make sure that you take breaks, but if you need to, time them and make sure you get back to it so that you don’t procrastinate more. Remind yourself what this is doing for you and how well you’re going to do in the future
Anonymous
July 18th, 2018 9:01pm
It is nice to count the number of days until the day of your assignment/test, and then break up your studies to fit all of those days. That way you should have light work to do everyday, while reducing your own anxiety about studies, because you are actually preparing for tests and getting your assignments done in a timely fashion. Making this a habit will not only help your school performance, but also alleviate your feelings of anxiety.
ElaineSaysHello
July 19th, 2018 5:31am
Try to write your tasks out on a list, and cross them out as you complete each task. In the end, it's super satisfying to have completed the list :)
Anonymous
July 20th, 2018 1:13am
Take things one step at a time. It is easier to tackle anxiety when you make the problem or project smaller. It's important to reward yourself for the work you do get done and it makes it that little bit easier to keep going.
Anonymous
July 23rd, 2018 6:41am
Try breaking down your schoolwork in smaller parts, get a calendar to write when you'd do all your tasks, and get someone to get you to be committed to doing your tasks on a regular basis.
resourcefulFreedom38
July 25th, 2018 3:17am
You could try setting a schedule and breaking down the work into small sections. If an assignment is due on Friday, try working on it for 30 minutes each day. It will also be helpful to join a study group or study with a friend. Perhaps, ask yourself why you allow procrastination to get in the way. If you can answer that question it will be easier to manage.
felixthecat
July 25th, 2018 12:59pm
Many people have the same struggle. Sometimes creating a strict schedule can help, or having a friend or family member make sure you get done what you need to do.
RumpleSteeleSkin
July 25th, 2018 10:33pm
Make a written plan. For example start studying at 3 pm. Take a break at 3:30 get a snack. Study more break and so on. If you take small breaks while studying maybe the anxiety will lower. Good luck with this.
Anonymous
July 26th, 2018 6:52am
Relax and try again later! Don't wait so last minute to do your homework, do it the same day you get it and take breaks in between!
Asame
July 26th, 2018 1:46pm
I suggest you to look for a psychologist who is specialized in procrastination because they will teach you (in a personalalized way) a schedule and how you can improve your way of doing things. Being followed in this case by a professional is what will show you the best immediate improvement.
Anonymous
July 27th, 2018 2:34pm
By keeping a diary of when specific work is due can help you identify all work that is needed to be done. By taking things step-by-step you can allow yourself to break down the activity into bits and slowly but surely complete the task.
FindAReasonTooKeepGoing
July 27th, 2018 4:52pm
You can try by doing a little bit at a time, it could be one question or one chore. Don’t try to push yourself over the edge by trying to finish everything at once if your anxiety is bad.
Nansidrew
July 27th, 2018 6:07pm
I was reading a book recently and it told me something along the lines of "Just get up, and your mood will follow." What this means is that you just have to pick yourself up and get the task done, and you'll feel better as you go!
justjack2001
August 1st, 2018 12:41am
I would recommend setting yourself targets on your school work to give yourself a sense of achievement, also i would suggest getting yourself into a routine (For example set times throughout the day where you focus on school work) Also if you're needing extra help don't be afraid to ask for it
NaomiK
August 1st, 2018 5:01am
Try to recognize what you do that allows you to procrastinate and work on slowly eliminating those factors
MissSheMercury
September 13th, 2018 6:38pm
Take baby steps. Don't be hard on yourself. Divide school work in smaller portions. Start with the portion that comes easily to you, the one that you like. This helps in getting momentum. Also it saves the anxiety, for you know that at least a chunk of the school work is now completed. Also, implement award strategy. For an x amount of work done, award yourself with whatever you like the most. It can also be 30 minutes of daydreaming. But reward yourself only when you have attained a portion of target set for you. Also, remember, if anxiety is too much of a hurdle, you can choose to seek help from therapists. It is okay, to ask for help.