For many of us, organization is one of those virtues that we’ve given up on ever having. We reserve that quality for the perfectionists, those who have the time and maybe are a little OCD. But believe it or not, learning a few organizational skills might save you some time- and some of your sanity.
Sometimes High school can make us feel like our lives are whirling out of control. With homework, makeup tests, swim practice, club responsibilities, and a social life, high school can seem far too similar to a juggling act. With so much to keep track of, why aren’t we more organized? For starters, organization in itself can take up some time, which we already feel we don’t have enough of. Secondly, people are creatures of habit. New systems are difficult to start. However, changing a few small things can relieve plenty of stress and help you succeed.
Start by building the habit of writing things down- and not just on that slip of scrap paper lying on your desk. Use your student planner. Knowing that all your homework and commitments are inside that little book will save the mental energy of racking your brain for what you were supposed to do on Thursday afternoon. If you already do use a planner, go above and beyond. Decide on a realistic amount of time you want to spend on homework. Then make an estimate on what you will be able to get done in that time frame. Now your job is to use that time well. Turn off the computer (if you must use it, avoid Facebook and Tumblr at all costs), make sure you aren’t being distracted, and work straight through that time. When your done, you’ll feel accomplished and relieved. Plus, you can then do whatever you want without the looming feeling of having responsibilities to fulfill.
A planner isn’t any use if it’s constantly lost. Those who often misplace things could benefit from a clean space. Teenagers are notorious for their messy rooms. Luckily, to become a bit more organized, your space doesn’t have to be spotless. Try spending a few minutes a day tidying. Wake up 2-5 minutes earlier, time yourself, and see how much you can get done. Once you get used to the routine, add on a few minutes.
Finally, find a system of reminding yourself of those little jobs that just don’t get prioritized. They’re the ones like babysitting, packing for a trip, or even working out. One suggestion is to make reminders on you phone or iPod. Decide when your going to accomplish your chore or goal, and make an alarm. After that, you only have to follow through when your phone starts to buzz.
There are a plenty of ways to stay organized; these tips are only the basics. If you find that these ideas work, start building your own systems. Ultimately, you will feel less stressed, more on top of your life, and have time to sit back and enjoy high school.
