As you complete each task, cross it off on the list so that you remember that you don’t have to do it anymore. Create your list on a piece of paper or your cellphone. Storing lists mentally leaves room for you to forget what you need to do. During the day you may get additional chores or homework assignments. When you do, make sure to add them to your list.

Your schedule doesn’t need to be as specific as an hour-by-hour schedule, but the more specific you are the better. A day-to-day schedule will allow you to plot out important chores per day so that by the end of the week you’ll have completed all of them. A good list will have each chore listed with how long it will take. A good schedule would have this information: 4:00 p. m.

  • 5:30 p. m.
  • Homework 5:45 p. m.
  • 6:15 p. m.
  • Vacuum Dining Room 6:30 p. m.
  • 7:00 p. m.
  • Clean Room 7:00 p. m.
  • 9:00 p. m.
  • Socialize!

Throw things away like empty bottles of water or loose pieces of paper as soon as you don’t need them anymore. The more you stay on top of your clutter, the less work you have to do all at once.

Keeping a binder or trapper keeper with separate compartments can help you keep any important homework. Make sure to keep things you don’t need anymore in a separate place. You don’t want your folders to become cluttered and unorganized. Be careful when you throw away things you get in class. You may need it for a quiz or test in the future.

Reading assignments can take a long time if you wait to read the material. By using your free time to read, you can start working on the essay portion of the assignment quickly.

If you like playing video or computer games, save it for after your homework. You want to keep your mind sharp so you can get good grades and still get it done as fast as possible. Social texting is pretty normal, but every time you break your concentration and do something else you’re making the time you have to spend on homework longer. Text the person back and let them know that you’ll get back to them when you’re done.

The more you procrastinate the more that you’ll be stressed about not having enough time to finish all of your chores and your homework. Do it early so you can sit back, relax, and have a good time with your friends.

Even though chores are important, education comes first. Do your homework before you do your chores when you get home.

Don’t be rude. Explain to the person that you need to get your homework done or else it will affect your grades. You aren’t trying to be mean, you just want to stay on task. If you’re not used to telling people “no,” the only way to get used to it is to practice. Your friends will understand.

Offer something in return for fewer chores, like better grades or A’s on your report card. If you have siblings try to trade chores with them. Don’t get mad at your parents if you realize that you have too many chores to get everything done. Simply explain to them first and then negotiate the alternatives.

Exercising can also be a hobby, like a sport that you enjoy. As long as you are getting out there and moving, it’s better than sitting around! Gym isn’t enough exercise for most people. Make sure that you take up another physical hobby like basketball, hockey, martial arts, tennis, dance, or something else that’s challenging. Try out different things to see what you like best. [5] X Research source

Going outside and taking a 10-minute walk to get fresh air is a great thing to do when you take a break.

If you are between the ages of 14 to 17 you’ll need around 8 to 10 hours of sleep to feel fully rested. If you are over 17 you’ll need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep to feel good.