Being a teen means having a lot of things going on at one time, or at least thinking about a lot of things at the same time. Being organized means finding tips that can help you stay that way, and get the most out of your time studying. You’ll see the results, too, because great grades will be the result. Check out the study guidelines to stay focused, and apply them every time you study, it’ll be worth it, and you’ll certainly feel a lot less stress all through the school year.

After your busy school day, it’s tempting to come in and throw the backpack down and chill, but rule one shouldn’t be ignored, that’s relaxing, and getting a bite to eat. The problem is, though, if you chill to long, your homework will get pushed to the side. You can take the time to cool off or warm up, and then eat a nutritious snack. An empty stomach is no way to begin studying for the next school day. Some students find that a power nap of 15-30 minutes help them concentrate after a long day at school, too. The point is to get yourself rested and your stomach full, so you can begin to work on your assignments.

Next, before you begin on your work, make sure that your space to study is clean and well organized. Get all of your materials together that you’ll need for all your subjects. This includes everything from pencils to flashcards, if you’re studying for a test. Look over your homework and prioritize. If a subject will take a long time, or if it’s one that’s really hard for you, then do it first. This is rule two.  If you delay working on it you’ll never get it done because you’ll drag out your easier homework, to avoid doing it. Rule three is simple. Read the chapter highlights, so you’ll understand the main ideas of the information, or the key points.

Remember that rule four is important, too. The earlier you start on working on your assignment the sooner you can get to bed. Medical studies have found that the later it gets in the night, the less you’ll be able to concentrate and study affectively. It’ll take you twice as long if you get started later, than it would be if you worked during the daylight hours, or very early evening. The body’s natural hormones for sleep kick in the later it is. Don’t think that pumping caffeine into your body will help because you’ll crash a lot sooner than you would, if you had only followed a routine for studying.

Finally, while you’re studying take ten-minute breaks. A lot of high school students will try to cram for an important quiz, test or finish a paper the night before it’s due. That’s not a way to study, or get good grades. Of course, this rule to help you stay focused will work only if you apply the other four for studying. When you take breaks from your study routine, don’t spend a long time doing it. Again, you’ll never get back to your homework. Don’t sit and gorge yourself on very sweet foods either. Just like with loads of caffeine, you’ll crash after the sugar high wears off. Eat a light snack full of protein, and walk around and stretch. Then go and study some more.

All of these techniques, if you apply them consistently, will help you make great grades, and more importantly, it’ll help you be stress free, too. Last minute studying or writing will show up in less than perfect marks, and it doesn’t have to be that way. Besides, it’ll give you extra time to do the things that you want to do, such as spend time with family and friends, or just talk on the phone or computer. Don’t get into the habit of having bad routines, start of the last four years of being in school with a positive attitude each year. You’ll love the routine after a while, and it’s a good way to transition from high school to college or a job. It’s just a matter of practice and commitment.

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