College homework is a challenge for many students. Between going to class, studying for exams, and maintaining a social life, making time for homework can have you feeling as though you’re missing out. The stress of homework can cause many students to feel burnt out as they struggle to keep up with a heavy workload.

Read on for three signs you need to refine your approach to homework. We’ve also included some solutions you can implement right away to learn more.

You’re Frequently Distracted

Breaks are an important part of a healthy work ethic, but becoming distracted to the point where you’re not accomplishing anything is a major problem. If it’s been three hours and you haven’t even made a dent in the required reading, chances are that your brain is in desperate need of some focusing techniques. Consider your current homework environment. Do you study somewhere quiet, or are you frequently stopping your work to talk to others? Maybe you need to disconnect and head to the library so Netflix and social media aren’t readily accessible.

You’re Procrastinating

For students who get good grades even when they do their homework at the last minute, procrastination is common. While you may not be suffering according to your professors’ grade books, are you really learning as much as you could? Remember that college isn’t just about getting a good GPA; you’re there to lay the educational framework of your entire career. Completing your assignments just before they’re due probably isn’t the best work habit to pick up at university. This is the only time in your life that you’ll be able to prioritize learning exclusively, so make the most of it.

You’re Not Getting Homework Done at All

If it seems that you’re getting fewer assignments completed every week and your teachers have taken notice, check in with yourself and ask what’s wrong. Are you dealing with stress, depression or anxiety? Are you too tired, or have you taken on too many responsibilities and now homework is falling to the wayside?

Solutions to Fix Your Homework Routine

The good news is that even the biggest homework procrastinator can learn how to develop a routine that doesn’t feel like torture. You need to learn how to prioritize your assignments and make learning fun even when the assignments aren’t. Coworking spaces have pros and cons. While being in an academic environment can make you feel inspired to study, that setting can also be rife with distractions. You may find yourself having conversations with other students instead of getting anything accomplished. Make sure your homework routine has daily goals. Break it up by assignment, course difficulty, and deadlines so you’re able to effectively get your work done on time without becoming overwhelmed.

Follow these basic suggestions to improve your workflow. If you’re really struggling to stay on top of your coursework, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors. Most teachers are understanding and willing to offer extensions or extra credit while you develop a healthier homework routine.

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