Another Assignment? Don’t Fret - You’ve Got This!

We’ve all had that one week that becomes incredibly stressful thanks to after-school activities and time-consuming homework assignments. Sometimes, it’s hard to take a step back and break down what you really have to do. I talked to a few Wildwood students and asked how they stay organized.

Ethan Dumper, a 7th grader here at Wildwood, gave some great advice for when you need to relax and reset. He says that he likes to “Step away, get a snack, (and) Listen to music”. This is something I do myself. It takes your mind off of the task at hand so you can circle back and concentrate with a clear head - definitely a tactic to think about. Sometimes it’s hard to look at your weekly schedule and make a plan for what you need to get done - it could actually be the most stressful part of the process!

Ethan says,“​​I spread my work through the week, get some things done Monday, but if I want to chill, maybe I leave some things ’till the end of the week.” He likes to get the assignments done that are due soon first. Ethan adds that when his siblings have soccer practice and he has reading to get done, he can do it in the car. For those of you with bigger families, this can help too, though sometimes that car ride doesn’t work out or you make plans that clash with your homework schedule. This is when you can send an email and teachers will help you out!

When your day just doesn’t go your way and your after-school activities don’t quite work with your homework schedule, your teachers can assist you. Try to email your teacher (before 8:00 PM) and tell them your scheduling conflict and why you weren’t able to do your work. In most cases, your teachers will understand and help you figure out how to catch you up or give you an extension. So please don’t be afraid to reach out! This could relieve the stress around your week as well.

Another important thing is the location you complete your homework in. Laying down with a book in your lap won’t be as productive as sitting up with good lighting and a sharpened pencil. An anonymous source here at Wildwood said that they like to do their homework in the morning, with the wonderful light. They say, “It helps me stay motivated to keep waking up early. As long as I get to the morning sunrise everything is A-okay!” I love this method because entering the academic world with a clear mind can improve your productivity.

So remember, if you’re struggling with a stressful week, you’re probably not alone - everyone has a hard time at some point! Although the organization factor is important, make sure you use your free time. Taking well-timed breaks is part of the recipe for success! You can always seek help, re-organize your work, and take a deep breath. You’ve got this!