Come On, Get Happy!

8 surefire ways to feel good doing homework

Does it feel like that school assignment is going to take FOREVER to complete? Looking for some inspiration? Here's a list of quick tips to give you the extra push you need to finish that pesky paper…and put a smile on your face!

Make a List, Check it Twice

If you have assignments flying at you from all different subjects, create a priority list that starts with what's due soonest as number one. Chances are the due dates will be spread out over time, so what you thought was a gigantic load of work won't actually be that overwhelming. Rate all the assignments based on how long you think they'll take, which ones seem like the hardest, or by subject. No matter how you rank them, you can start methodically working through them, and once you finish an assignment, go ahead and check it off your list!

Get it Over With

If you only have one project to complete, JUST DO IT. Imagine how it's going to feel when that one essay is complete. You're free! You can play basketball! You can ride your bike! You can hang out with friends (assuming all their homework is done too)!

Work With Study Buddies

Bond over textbooks with your friends. As long as you guys keep focused on studying, working in a group may indeed increase your productivity. You're all working towards a common goal of completing your assignments and when it's time for a break, you're already together!

Take a Break

There's nothing wrong with taking a 15-minute break if you feel like you need to rejuvenate yourself. Get up, stretch, make a snack, IM friends, hop in the shower, call your grandma, write a letter — do something completely unrelated to homework. Once you're refreshed, you'll be ready to concentrate again.

Reward Yourself

Make a deal with yourself before you begin to make a sizable dent in your workload. It can be anything from "If I finish this paper a day early, I'll buy that new DVD I've wanted," to "When I finish 20 math problems, I get to watch the game on TV tonight."

Tap Your Feet

Understandably, some people can't concentrate with music playing. But if putting tunes on helps you plow through assignments, slip your favorite CD in the stereo or turn the radio on, and do your work to the flow of the melody. And consider this: studies have shown that the part of the brain that is used to solve mathematical problems is stimulated by classical music. So crank up the Mozart when you're multiplying fractions!

Show the Teacher What You Can Do

Maybe you're not looking forward to doing a paper because you got a bad grade on the last one. Well, take this as an opportunity to show the teacher what you've got! If you feel like the situation is hopeless, just imagine the look on your teacher's face when you blow him away with your brilliance.

Pump Yourself Up

Sometimes it's hard to settle down and do homework because you've been sitting in class all day and need to burn off some excess energy. Do some jumping jacks or sit-ups, run a mile, or just dance around like crazy in your room. It'll get the adrenaline going, and you'll feel like homework is just a little hurdle to jump over. So get to it!

Teacher Store

The Teacher Store

Clifford Phonics Fun Pack #4

Each book in these boxed sets follows clifford and friends while pointing out featured letters and sounds, along with "words to learn" and "words to sound out."

$12.99
Boxed Set | Grades 2-3

Clifford Phonics Fun Pack #4

Grades 2-3 $12.99

Teacher Store

The Teacher Store

Clifford's Phonics Fun Box Set #3

Designed to reinforce crucial reading concepts, this boxed set includes 12 tales that teach Clifford's trademark values of friendship and sharing. Each book highlights specific letters and sounds and includes "words to learn" and "words to sound out" sections. The third Clifford Phonics Fun Pack in a six-set series.

Educational Edge
Beyond teaching your child letter sounds and consonant blends, these stories will also help him learn key social and emotion

$12.99
Boxed Set | Grade K

Clifford's Phonics Fun Box Set #3

Grade K $12.99

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