How to complete homework quickly

Doing homework can often be both dull and time-consuming. You likely have other things you'd like to do during your free time, rather than being bogged down with assignments. When faced with a pile of homework, you might feel unsure of how to work efficiently. Don't worry! By staying focused, organizing your tasks, planning ahead, and motivating yourself, you can complete your homework on time and enjoy your leisure activities afterward. However, it's crucial to start by eliminating distractions, such as unnecessary devices. These are often the main culprits behind your distractions. You should also work in a quiet space to avoid the temptation to do other things. For example, don't sit near the TV, as you’ll only want to stop studying to watch it.

Work in a comfortable and well-lit space. Try sitting at a study desk in a comfortable chair. Avoid sitting on the floor or in bed, as these places can make you sleepy and distracted. Furthermore, working in bed can interfere with your sleep, and sleep deprivation can reduce your productivity. Also, make sure your workspace is well-lit to avoid straining your eyes while reading.

Eliminate distractions by putting away all electronic devices and creating a personal barrier. Turn off your phone, log out of accounts on your computer (unless you need it for studying), turn off the TV, and close the door to your room. Let your family and friends know that you don't want to be disturbed while working so that they can respect your personal space.

• Install website-blocking apps like Freedom or SelfControl to help stay focused while using the computer for studying. Some apps, such as the Strict Workflow Chrome extension, even offer a feature that prevents you from disabling the time setting once it's started.

Set a timer. Whenever you begin a task or subject, set a timer for the estimated time needed to complete it. Occasionally glance at the clock to see how much time has passed and how much is left. This will help you realize if you're spending too much time on something and allow you to refocus when your mind starts to wander.

• If a particular subject or task is taking too long, you may want to ask your teacher or parents for extra help in that area.
• Don’t make excuses to get distracted and want to switch to something else (such as 'I can’t focus unless I finish this first' or 'This will only take a minute').

Keep your supplies organized. To avoid wasting time looking for things, keep your books, papers, pens, and other items tidy and easy to access. Clean out your backpack and file folders weekly or monthly to maintain order.

• Consider grouping the various subject folders and notebooks into a large folder with multiple sections. This way, all your materials will be in one place.

Create an evening homework schedule. Instead of randomly grabbing a book from your bag and starting your homework, take the time to plan ahead. You can follow these steps to organize your tasks:

• Determine the total time you'll spend on your homework.
• List all the tasks you need to complete.
• Estimate how long each task will take so you can finish your work on time.
• Work through the tasks in your list and cross off the completed ones.

Start your homework right after school. If you wait until the evening, you might end up studying late into the night, which isn't ideal as your mind may struggle to stay sharp when you're tired. Similarly, if you wait until the next morning, you might rush and either do a sloppy job or fail to finish at all.

Prioritize deadlines and the importance of tasks. When planning your assignments for the week, mark high-priority tasks with an 'A', lower-priority ones with a 'C', and tasks in between with a 'B'. Homework due the next day should obviously take precedence over tasks due next week. Larger tasks should also be prioritized over smaller ones.

• A 10-page essay due this week that you haven't started yet should be marked with an 'A' or 'B', while a short 5-question assignment due in three days can be marked 'C'.
• Remember, don’t wait until the last minute to start your work.

Take breaks. If you focus for several hours straight, your productivity will slow down. Every 25 minutes or so, take a 5-minute break to stretch and take a short walk, giving your brain and body a chance to rest.

Snack and hydrate. Drink plenty of water and enjoy light, healthy snacks while you work to keep your mind alert and energized. Avoid sugary sodas, junk food, and energy drinks to prevent burnout before you finish your tasks.

• Try some celery sticks and apple slices with peanut butter.

Reward yourself with a fun activity once you finish your homework. Plan to visit friends, play your favorite game, practice shooting hoops in the yard, or invite your siblings for a snack after finishing your homework. Just remember, knowing you’ll enjoy these activities soon will keep you motivated to focus and work effectively.