Gone are the days where you could stay longer in bed, binge-watch your favourite shows, and enjoy simple, stress-and-pressure-free days. A new school year is approaching, which means that sleepless nights, schoolwork-filled days, and early alarms are just around the corner.
But fret not; we’ve got you covered. We’re here to share with you some tips so you can have better study habits to make this school year less hectic and daunting:

Take it easy on yourself.

Sometimes you think that finishing all your tasks in one sitting will help you do more things. But guess what? Doing this will only increase your tendency to feel pressured and exhausted, then you may end up procrastinating on other things.
Here’s some advice: when you start to feel overwhelmed by your workload, take it easy, breathe in, and plan your next moves. Break the tasks in small chunks, and finish each task little by little, with breaks in between. This way, you will have accomplished more without feeling too exhausted. The same principle applies when you study your lessons!

Create a good study plan.

This may not sound fun, but creating a good study plan or your own study habits will help you. For example, reviewing your notes at the end of the day when you get home from school will help you retain the lessons you’ve learned that day. This is more helpful than cramming the night before to study for a major exam. Start studying earlier than usual. Remember, studying should be a jog, not a frantic sprint.

Write it down.

Writing is an effective learning tool that is widely neglected by students nowadays. Many students avoid taking down notes, making reviewers, or simply writing down tasks they need to accomplish.
Let’s face it. At the end of the day, the notes you write may come in handy when you need to remember something. Get a simple planner or a notebook where you can jot down reminders and tasks, or if you want to go digital, you can actually use your phone. Maximize your smartphone by making use of planner apps that can help you become more productive!

Develop focus and self-discipline!

Don’t let procrastination be your habit and lifestyle. Commit to discipline yourself in terms of managing your time, juggling responsibilities, and handling tasks. Whenever you study, keep your gadgets as far away from you as possible. Don’t let social media get even just a foothold of your time and attention. If possible, turn off the Wi-Fi so you can better focus on your school work.

Celebrate little victories!

The time you’ve all been waiting for! After a week of hard work and trying your best to be excellent in school, you deserve a pat on the back and a reward for your labor. Reward yourself with some rest and recreation! You’ve aced your quiz? Celebrate! Passed the exam? Go out and have fun! Finished your project? Celebrate with your friends! This will help refresh and energize you for upcoming tasks.

Don’t chase numbers!

Don’t measure your intelligence by the grades on your test paper. Instead, use your grades as a motivation to keep doing your best to improve and grow your skills. Remember: No amount of grades in school can ever define your worth and identity. Only God has the final say about our significance and identity.
Also, remember that school is not just about grades, ranking, or awards; it’s about teaching, molding, and developing you so you can be the person God created you to be.

These tips may not be comprehensive, but they can help you get a good head start if you apply them in your daily routine. Remember, these tips won’t work unless you do. There’s no shortcut or a magical life hack that can help you achieve excellence with ease. It boils down to self-discipline, diligence, and commitment to your own growth.

Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.

Proverbs 22:29 (NLT)

In the end, know that your efforts won’t ever be in vain. With much diligence, you will become competent in your craft. You will serve kings, not just ordinary people. So go, dear world-changer, and face your schoolwork with zeal. You’re changing the world even as you do your homework!