Ever feel a bit overwhelmed? If you’re like many high school students, you probably are spending 6 or more hours a day studying or attending classes, nearly 2 hours working and maybe 3 hours socializing. That’s how the typical day of a high school student may stack up, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
No matter what type of student you are — an online high school or college student, a star athlete, or a working student, chances are you’re feeling the pressure to get your schedule under control.
If that’s you, read on for tips and apps for better time management.
Go for consistency. Whatever your situation, try to achieve some consistency. By doing so, you’re minimizing the time spent trying to figure out what you’re supposed to be doing each day. It also will eliminate some of those scattered feelings. If you’re working, ask your boss if you can have a consistent schedule. Also, plan study time at around the same time each day, if possible.
Boost your ability to focus. If you’re easily overwhelmed or tend to procrastinate, tap into the free Mind42 app to bring about clarity. Focus at Will claims to be able to increase attention spans by up to 400 percent using a combination of neuroscience and music. And if you’re easily distracted by the Internet, Google Chrome’s StayFocused extension can block the sites where you waste the most time.
Back up and sync your files. There is nothing worse than having spent hours on a project only to lose it to a glitch. Syncback Freeware allows users to restore files and use them between various devices.
Get started faster. The free Launchy app allows users to access documents, project files, folders, and bookmarks with just a few keystrokes by removing the need to go through a start menu.
Take advantage of the new shorthand. The Active Words app allows users to assign abbreviations to lengthy information, much like the autocorrect function on a smartphone.
Keep your notes organized. Use the OneNote app on any of your devices to file away the notes you collect as you research your assignments.
With these tips and tools, you just could free up a few hours each week to hang out at a park, do some yoga, or anything else that could help you recharge your brains.
