Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
Here's a fun riddle: What two words induce dread in everyone?
Daylight Savings.
Well, not the one in fall. (Gotta love an extra hour of sleep.) But the spring version is another story. It's tough on us all, but especially teens, who are always hard pressed to get out of bed.
And when teens keep hitting snooze and end up late, it messes up everyone's day. But don't worry: here are some time management tips from teens who attend Mountain Heights Academy middle and high school. Here is what they had to say to their sleepy peers ahead of the "spring forward" this weekend:
Get pumped by crossing things off your list
Everyone loves the feeling of crossing something off their to-do list, and getting to cross off multiple items — now that's satisfying.
Elise, an eight-grader, suggested adding even simpler items to your list:
"Try to do small things that give you a sense of productivity. And no screens!"
Elise emphasized that satisfaction built through accomplishing little tasks can build momentum to take on the bigger things and provide an extra boost during a day or week when you're tired and it's not your fault.
Look out for your future self
Nicole, a 12th-grader, said that she practices several coping strategies to handle the disappointment that may come with less-productive times like Daylight Savings.
"I write a positive message at the bottom of my planner and my bathroom mirror. Seeing and repeating these affirmations every day helps me change my negative perspective to a positive perspective."
Build in breaks
Some people function best by hyper-focusing on a task for several hours at a time. Most people need to switch between tasks to feel productive, and this is especially important when your circadian rhythm has encountered a shock.
Matilda, a ninth-grader, said: "If you struggle with staying focused, then do a full, uninterrupted hour of schoolwork or a task and then switch to something you enjoy!"
Join the planner squad
Multiple students mentioned their planners. It's a little old-school, but don't knock it until you try it. Some students like physical planners and getting to see all their weekly tasks and assignments written out. Others use apps or digital tools, like Google Calendar.
If the day's schedule can be flexible you can take advantage of that the same way that Kimberly, a ninth-grader, suggests:
"Follow your body's natural rhythm! When you go to MHA, it's easy to do that because everything's so flexible and you can take a midday nap."
Mountain Heights Academy makes midday recharging possible, lets students participate fully in extracurriculars and produces self-motivated high schoolers that know how to manage their time.
Ready to test them out?
Part-time enrollment is open until March 21. Or, learn more during an information session or talk to an admissions counselor today.
Mountain Heights Academy is an accredited, tuition-free online school for Utah kids in grades 7-12. With its flexible curriculum, accessible teachers and college-preparatory classes, Mountain Heights Academy has been developing connected and successful learners since 2009. Learn more at https://mountainheightsacademy.org/.
