The end of the first quarter is here and beginning a new quarter is a clean slate. Making sure that you are able to stay on top of all the work being given during the break-filled months is important; here are some ways you can be sure to keep and stay on track. 

1. Write it down. Keeping track of your work and writing down what you have due is a way to make sure you don’t forget anything. Having a white board calendar or an agenda is a good way to mark down when things are due and when exams are. 
2. Don’t procrastinate it. We all struggle with this one, thinking we have the whole break to complete an assignment and leave it till the last minute. Try and start the assignment when its assigned so you have an understanding of what is being asked and if you have questions, you can get them answered. 
3. Put that phone down, TikTok and Snapchat can wait. When you have a couple minutes between running around and seeing family, try to sit down and work through a couple of questions. It is a good way to lessen the work if you do a little at a time. If your phone is down, you will also be less distracted and be able to finish faster than you expected. 
4. Manage your time. Try and spread the workload out so you aren’t doing seven hours of homework each day. Have a plan with how you want to budget your time and stick to it, your brain will be less crowded and it will be easier for you to focus on what task is at hand. 
5. Make a homework group. If you know you will struggle with getting your tasks done, find some friends to get together and work with. Beware that you may find them a distraction, but they can also push you to stay on task or even answer some of your questions. 
6. Ask for help. Make sure to ask your teachers when things are due and if the grade will change if it is turned in late. The teachers want to make sure you understand the work and how to complete it; it’s part of their job. 
7. Reward yourself. Find a way to treat yourself after you finish a task. Whether it’s going and getting ice cream or watching a show, give your brain a break. Not only will it help you stay focused for longer, but you will also find that you will complete the assignments faster by having an incentive. 
8. Turn the speakers up – but not too loud. A soft background music will help your brain feel more relaxed. It is in our human nature to want a background noise and the music fills that space instead of your brain filling it up with thoughts. A piano playlist or even a soft rock will motivate your brain.