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Tackling Homework Anxiety: Your Guide to a Calmer Study Life

• Published April 3, 2024

Navigating schoolwork can sometimes feel like you’re trying to sail through a storm. With assignments, projects, and revision piling up, it’s no surprise that many of us end up feeling a tad overwhelmed. This isn’t just about the usual stress of meeting deadlines; it’s about that extra layer of worry that can throw us off balance – something you might have heard referred to as homework anxiety. But fear not! Understanding what it is and learning some clever ways to manage it can really make a difference in how we handle our school workload.

So, What Exactly is Homework Anxiety?

Imagine your homework as a giant wave coming right at you. Homework anxiety is the feeling you get right before it crashes over you – a mix of worry, stress, and fear that can really shake you up emotionally and physically. It might come from the sheer volume of work, a fear of not doing well, putting too much pressure on yourself to be perfect, not quite getting the hang of the material, or just feeling swamped with managing your time. Symptoms can range from simply putting things off to feeling physically unwell or struggling to focus.

Spotting the Signs

Knowing the signs of homework anxiety can help you notice early and do something about it. These signs can include:

• Feeling constantly worried or filled with dread about homework.
• Physical issues like headaches or feeling run down.
• Finding it hard to concentrate or finish your homework.
• Avoiding your homework or finding any reason to do something else.
• Getting easily frustrated or feeling stuck.

How to Wave Goodbye to Homework Anxiety

1. Get Your Ducks in a Row: Keeping your work organised can help ease that feeling of being overwhelmed. Break your tasks down into smaller bits and give yourself clear deadlines.

2. Stick to a Study Schedule: Finding a routine that works for you and sticking to it can help keep the anxiety at bay. Work out when and where you study best and make it a habit.

3. Don’t Be Shy, Ask for Help: If you’re struggling with something, asking your teachers for a bit of clarity can go a long way in calming those nerves.

4. Pick Your Battles: Work out which tasks need your immediate attention and which ones can wait. Starting with the most urgent ones can make everything else feel more manageable.

5. Take a Deep Breath: Or several. Mixing in relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or a bit of exercise can help clear your head and improve your focus.

6. Balance is Key: Don’t forget to mix in things you enjoy alongside your study. Regular breaks and fun activities can be the perfect antidote to study stress.

7. Give Yourself a Pep-Talk: Swap out those nagging negative thoughts with some positivity! Reminding yourself of what you’ve already achieved can give you a nice confidence boost.

8. Lean on Your Squad: Talking things through with family, friends, or even teachers can give you a fresh perspective and some much-needed support. And sometimes, it might be worth chatting with a professional to find new ways to tackle your anxiety.

Final Notes:

Dealing with homework anxiety is definitely a challenge, but it’s one you can overcome with the right approach and support. Keeping an eye out for the warning signs and adopting some of these strategies can help you face your schoolwork with a bit more confidence and a lot less stress. Remember, it’s all about finding that sweet spot between doing your best and taking care of yourself. Here’s to smoother sailing ahead!

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How to Avoid Homework Stress

Last Updated: March 28, 2019 References

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA . Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 134,014 times.

Students of all kinds are often faced with what can seem like an overwhelming amount of homework. Although homework can be a source of stress, completing it can be a very rewarding and even relaxing experience if done in an organized and timely manner. Remember, homework is not intended as punishment, but is used to reinforce everything you’ve learned in class. Try to view it as a chance to sharpen your skills and understanding.

Managing Your Time

• Try to work earlier, rather than later, if possible. This way, you won’t be rushing to finish your work before bedtime.
• Find a time of day during which you can concentrate well. Some people work best in the afternoon, while others can concentrate better on a full stomach after dinner.
• Choose a time when you will have relatively few distractions. Mealtimes, times during which you have standing engagements, or periods usually used for socializing are not the best choices.
• Allow enough time to complete your work. Making sure the total time you allow yourself for homework is sufficient for you to complete all your assignments is crucial. [1] X Research source [2] X Research source

• Save an appropriate amount of time for projects considering your normal homework load.
• Estimate how much time you will need each day, week, and month depending on your usual workload. Allow yourself at least this much time in your schedule, and consider allotting a fair amount more to compensate for unexpected complications or additional assignments.
• Reserve plenty of time for bigger projects, as they are more involved, and it is harder to estimate how much time you might need to complete them.

• Get a day planner or a notebook to write down your homework assignments, and assign an estimated amount of time to each assignment. Make sure to always give yourself more time than you think you’ll need.
• Plan to finish daily homework every day, then divide up weekly homework over the course of the entire week.
• Rank assignments in due-date order. Begin on those assignments due first, and work your way though. Finishing assignments according to due-date will help you avoid having to hurry through homework the night before it must be handed in.
• Allow more time for more difficult subjects and difficult assignments. Each individual person will have their strong subjects—and those that come a little harder. Make sure you take into account which subjects are harder for you, and allow more time for them during your scheduling.

Working Hard at School and in Class

• If you’re too shy to ask questions, or don’t feel it’s appropriate to do so during class, write them down in your notebook and then ask the teacher or professor after class.
• If you don't understand a concept, ask your teacher to explain it again, with specifics.
• If you're having trouble with a math problem, ask the teacher to demonstrate it again using a different example.
• Remember, when it comes to learning and education, there are no bad questions.

• Pay attention to important terms and ideas. Make sure to note things your teacher stresses, key terms, and other important concepts.
• Write clearly and legibly. If you can’t read your handwriting, it’ll take you longer to reference your notes at home.
• Keep your notebook organized with dividers and labels. This way, you’ll be able to locate helpful information in a pinch and finish your homework quicker. [4] X Research source

• Get permission.
• Sit up front and close to the instructor.
• Make sure to label your recordings so you don't lose track of them.
• Try to listen to them that same day while everything is fresh in your mind.

• Work in class. If you finish a class assignment early, review your notes or start your homework.
• Study at lunch. If you have time at lunch, consider working on homework. You can do this leisurely by just reviewing what you’ll need to do at home, or you can just jump right into your work.
• Don't waste time. If you get to class early, use that time for homework. In addition, many schools let students go to the library during this unplanned time, and it's a great place to finish uncompleted assignments.

Doing Your Homework

• Get some fresh air
• Go for a short run
• Do push-ups
• Walk your dog
• Listen to music
• Have a snack

• Study groups break up the monotony of daily homework and make for a less stressful experience than trying to cram on your own.
• Note that each person should turn in individualized assignments rather than collaborating to find the answers.

Balancing Homework with Life

• AP or IB classes often have 2 or 3 times the amount of reading and homework as regular courses.
• Honors classes may have up to double the amount of work required as regular courses.
• College students need to consider whether they want to take the recommended course load (often 4 classes) or more. More classes might help you finish your degree sooner, but if you are juggling work and extracurricular activities, you might be overwhelmed. [8] X Research source [9] X Research source

• Rank your classes and activities in order of importance.
• Estimate (realistically) how long your academic and extracurricular activities will take.
• Figure out how much time you have overall.
• If you’ve over committed, you need to drop your lowest ranked class or activity.

• Make sure to reserve mealtimes for family, rather than working.
• Try to set aside the weekend for family, and work only if you need to catch up or get ahead.
• Don’t plan on working on holidays, even if you try, your productivity likely won’t be high.

• Pick a reasonable hour to go to sleep every night.
• Try to do your morning prep work like ironing clothes and making your lunch at night.
• Take a nap after school or after classes if you need. You’ll probably be able to do better work in less time if you are rested. [10] X Research source [11] X Research source
• If you’re in middle or high school, talk to your parents and your teachers about the issue and ask them to help you figure out a solution.
• If you’re a college student, reach out to your professors and advisor for help.
• If it takes you much longer to finish your homework than it takes other students, it may be due to a learning difference. Ask your parents to schedule a meeting with a learning specialist.

Community Q&A

• Ask for help when you need it. This is the biggest thing you should do. Don't worry if people think you're dumb, because chances are, you're making a higher grade than them. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 4
• Actually pay attention to the teacher and ask if you don't know how to do the work. The stress can go away if you know exactly what to do. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
• Recognize that some teachers get mad if you do separate homework assignments for different classes, so learn to be discreet about it. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/coping-school-stress
• ↑ http://www.kidzworld.com/article/24574-how-to-avoid-homework-stress
• ↑ http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/success/notes.html
• ↑ https://stressfreekids.com/10038/homework-stress
• ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-jackson/5-ways-to-relieve-homework-stress-in-5-minutes_b_6572786.html
• ↑ https://stressfreekids.com/11607/reduce-homework-stress
• ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/how-students-can-survive-the-ap-course-workload/2012/03/01/gIQA8u28qR_story.html
• ↑ http://www.usnews.com/education/high-schools/articles/2012/05/10/weigh-the-benefits-stress-of-ap-courses-for-your-student
• ↑ http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/sleep-in-adolescents
• ↑ https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=how+much+sleep+do+20+year+old+need

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Feeling overwhelmed by your nightly homework grind? You’re not alone. Our Student Life in America survey results show that teens spend a third of their study time feeling worried, stressed, or stuck. If you’re spending close to four hours a night on your homework (the national average), that’s over an hour spent spent feeling panicky and still not getting your work done. Homework anxiety can become a self-fulfilling prophecy: If you’re already convinced that calculus is unconquerable, that anxiety can actually block your ability to learn the material.

Whether your anxiety is related to handling your workload (we know you’re getting more homework than ever!), mastering a particular subject like statistics, or getting great grades for your college application, stress doesn’t have to go hand-in-hand with studying .

In fact, a study by Stanford University School of Medicine and published in The Journal of Neuroscience shows that a student’s fear of math (and, yes, this fear is completely real and can be detectable in scans of the brain) can be eased by a one-on-one math tutoring program. At The Princeton Review this wasn’t news to us! Our online tutors are on-call 24/7 for students working on everything from AP Chemistry to Pre-Calc. Here’s a roundup of what our students have to say about managing homework stress by working one-one-one with our expert tutors .

1. Work the Best Way for YOU

From the way you decorate your room to the way you like to study, you have a style all your own:

"I cannot thank Christopher enough! I felt so anxious and stressed trying to work on my personal statement, and he made every effort to help me realize my strengths and focus on writing in a way that honored my personality. I wanted to give up, but he was patient with me and it made the difference."

"[My] tutor was 1000000000000% great . . . He made me feel important and fixed all of my mistakes and adapted to my learning style . . . I have so much confidence for my midterms that I was so stressed out about."

"I liked how the tutor asked me how was I starting the problem and allowed me to share what I was doing and what I had. The tutor was able to guide me from there and break down the steps and I got the answer all on my own and the tutor double checked it... saved me from tears and stress."

2. Study Smarter, Not Harder

If you’ve read the chapter in your history textbook twice and aren’t retaining the material, don’t assume the third time will be the charm. Our tutors will help you break the pattern, and learn ways to study more efficiently:

"[My] tutor has given me an easier, less stressful way of seeing math problems. It is like my eyes have opened up."

"I was so lost in this part of math but within minutes the tutor had me at ease and I get it now. I wasn't even with her maybe 30 minutes or so, and she helped me figure out what I have been stressing over for the past almost two days."

"I can not stress how helpful it is to have a live tutor available. Math was never and still isn't my favorite subject, but I know I need to take it. Being able to talk to someone and have them walk you through the steps on how to solve a problem is a huge weight lifted off of my shoulder."

3. Get Help in a Pinch

Because sometimes you need a hand RIGHT NOW:

"I was lost and stressed because I have a test tomorrow and did not understand the problems. I fully get it now!"

"My tutor was great. I was freaking out and stressed out about the entire assignment, but she really helped me to pull it together. I am excited to turn my paper in tomorrow."

"This was so helpful to have a live person to validate my understanding of the formulas I need to use before actually submitting my homework and getting it incorrect. My stress level reduced greatly with a project deadline due date."

4. Benefit from a Calming Presence

From PhDs and Ivy Leaguers to doctors and teachers, our tutors are experts in their fields, and they know how to keep your anxiety at bay:

"I really like that the tutors are real people and some of them help lighten the stress by making jokes or having quirky/witty things to say. That helps when you think you're messing up! Gives you a reprieve from your brain jumbling everything together!"

"He seemed understanding and empathetic to my situation. That means a lot to a new student who is under stress."

"She was very thorough in explaining her suggestions as well as asking questions and leaving the changes up to me, which I really appreciated. She was very encouraging and motivating which helped with keeping me positive about my paper and knowing that I am not alone in my struggles. She definitely eased my worries and stress. She was wonderful!"

5. Practice Makes Perfect

The Stanford study shows that repeated exposure to math problems through one-on-one tutoring helped students relieve their math anxiety (the authors’ analogy was how a fear of spiders can be treated with repeated exposure to spiders in a safe environment). Find a tutor you love, and come back to keep practicing:

"Love this site once again. It’s so helpful and this is the first time in years when I don’t stress about my frustration with HW because I know this site will always be here to help me."

"I've been using this service since I was in seventh grade and now I am a Freshman in High School. School has just started and I am already using this site again! :) This site is so dependable. I love it so much and it’s a lot easier than having an actual teacher sitting there hovering over you, waiting for you to finish the problem."

"I can always rely on this site to help me when I'm confused, and it always makes me feel more confident in the work I'm doing in school."

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End Homework Anxiety: Stress-Busting Techniques for Your Child

Sometimes kids dread homework because they'd rather be outside playing when they're not at school. But, sometimes a child's resistance to homework is more intense than a typical desire to be having fun, and it can be actually be labeled as homework anxiety: a legitimate condition suffered by some students who feel intense feelings of fear and dread when it comes to doing homework. Read on to learn about what homework anxiety is and whether your child may be suffering from it.

What is Homework Anxiety?

Homework anxiety is a condition in which students stress about and fear homework, often causing them to put homework off until later . It is a self-exacerbating condition because the longer the student puts off the homework, the more anxiety they feel about it, and the more pressure they experience to finish the work with less time. Homework anxiety can cripple some kids who are perfectly capable of doing the work, causing unfinished assignments and grades that slip.

What Causes Homework Anxiety?

There are many causes of homework anxiety, and there can be multiple factors spurring feelings of fear and stress. Some common causes of homework anxiety include:

• Other anxiety issues: Students who tend to suffer anxiety and worry, in general, can begin to associate anxiety with their homework, as well.
• Fear of testing: Often, homework is associated with upcoming tests and quizzes, which affect grades. Students can feel pressure related to being "graded" and avoid homework since it feels weighty and important.
• General school struggle: When students are struggling in school or with grades, they may feel a sense of anxiety about learning and school in general.
• Lack of support: Without a parent, sibling, tutor, or other help at home, students may feel that they won't have the necessary support to complete an assignment.
• Perfectionism: Students who want to perform perfectly in school may get anxious about completing a homework assignment perfectly and, in turn, procrastinate.

Basic Tips for Helping with Homework Anxiety

To help your child with homework anxiety, there are a few basic tips to try. Set time limits for homework, so that students know there is a certain time of the day when they must start and finish assignments. This helps them avoid putting off homework until it feels too rushed and pressured. Make sure your student has support available when doing their work, so they know they'll be able to ask for help if needed. Teaching your child general tips to deal with anxiety can also help, like deep breathing, getting out to take a short walk, or quieting racing thoughts in their mind to help them focus.

How can the Brain Balance Program Help with Homework Anxiety?

Extensive scientific research demonstrates that the brain is malleable, allowing for brain connectivity change and development and creating an opportunity for improvement at any age. Brain Balance has applied this research to develop a program that focuses on building brain connectivity and improving the foundation of development, rather than masking or coping with symptoms.

If you have a child or a teenager who struggles with homework anxiety, an assessment can help to identify key areas for improvement and create an action plan for you and your child. To get started, take our quick, free online assessment by clicking the link below. 

Get started with a plan for your child today.

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10 Effective Tips on How to Reduce Homework Stress

Wondering how to reduce homework stress? You're not alone, as students of all ages and grades often grapple with this issue. 

The pressure to get good grades, finish homework on time, and keep up with different tasks can make you lose sleep, feel anxious, and even make you sick. This blog post is here to help you handle all that stress. 

We're going to explore ways to reduce homework stress, why taking notes can help, and answer some common questions about dealing with homework stress. So, let's get started on making schoolwork less stressful!

10 Ways to Deal With Homework Stress

Understanding how to deal with homework stress is key. Here are ten tried-and-true methods to help you cope effectively.

The first line of defense against homework stress is a well-thought-out plan. A homework schedule serves as your blueprint for academic success. It helps ensure that you're not cramming at the last minute and makes it easier to study . 

Use digital tools like Google Calendar or traditional planners to map out your study plan. The act of planning itself can alleviate stress by giving you a sense of control over your tasks.

1. Prioritize Tasks

Not all assignments are created equal. Some carry more weight in your grades, while others are crucial for mastering the subject matter. As a result, it’s important to prioritize these tasks to focus your energy where it counts the most. 

Use the Eisenhower Box technique to categorize tasks into urgent-important, important-not urgent, urgent-not important, and neither. This will help you allocate your time and resources more efficiently.

2. Take Short Breaks

It's a common misconception that working for extended periods without a break is a sign of dedication. In reality, it's a recipe for burnout. Short breaks can rejuvenate your mind, improving focus and productivity. 

Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique , which involves 25-minute work intervals followed by five-minute breaks, can be particularly effective.

3. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is not just good for your body; it's excellent for your mind too. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural stress relievers. Even a brisk 15-minute walk can significantly reduce stress and improve your mood. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to keep stress at bay.

4. Reach Out for Help

There's no shame in seeking assistance when you're grappling with a tough issue. Whether it's from a teacher, a peer, or an online educational platform, outside viewpoints can offer invaluable guidance. Overall, there are a ton of advantages of tutoring . 

In fact, our tutoring services specialize in providing personalized, one-on-one support to help you overcome academic challenges. By turning to our team of experts, you not only save time but also alleviate the stress that comes with feeling stuck.

5. Use Technology Wisely

In this digital age, technology can be a double-edged sword. While it can be a source of distraction, it can also be a valuable ally in your academic journey. 

Educational platforms, both apps and websites, provide a wide array of resources to aid your learning journey. For instance, you can find apps that help you solve complex math equations or websites that assist you in refining your grammar. While these tools can be incredibly beneficial, it's important to strike a balance and not become too dependent on them. 

For example, you might use a math app to understand the steps of solving a quadratic equation but try to practice solving some on your own afterward. Similarly, a grammar checker can help you identify errors in your writing, but you should also make an effort to understand the rules behind those corrections.

6. Create a Study Environment

Your study environment plays a pivotal role in your academic performance. A clutter-free, quiet space can significantly enhance your focus and efficiency. Invest time in creating a study sanctuary equipped with all the supplies you'll need. This preparation can go a long way in reducing stress.

7. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises, can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This heightened awareness makes it easier to control your stress levels. Even a few minutes of mindfulness practice can make a world of difference.

8. Stay Organized

Being organized goes beyond just maintaining a clean study area; it also involves systematically managing your study materials. Utilize physical folders and binders or opt for digital solutions like note-taking apps to keep your notes, assignments, and resources well-arranged. 

For example, apps like Evernote and Microsoft OneNote can be excellent tools for getting organized. They allow you to create different notebooks for various subjects, attach files, and even collaborate with others. Having a well-organized system helps you locate what you need effortlessly, saving you time and reducing stress.

9. Learn From Your Mistakes

Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. They signal areas where you might need more practice or a different approach. Instead of getting frustrated, take a moment to understand why you made a mistake. Was it a lack of understanding, a misinterpretation, or simply a slip-up? 

Once you identify the root cause, you can work on strengthening that particular skill or concept. Over time, you'll notice that your homework becomes less stressful because you're not just completing it; you're also learning from it. So, don't fear mistakes – embrace them as your homework allies.

10. Reward Yourself

Positive reinforcement can be a powerful motivator. Treat yourself to small rewards after completing challenging tasks or reaching milestones. Whether it's a favorite snack, a short gaming session, or a walk in the park, these rewards can make the study process less daunting.

Why Are Note-Taking Techniques Important?

Note-taking is often misunderstood as a mere transcription activity where students jot down whatever the teacher is saying. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Effective note-taking is an intricate skill that serves multiple functions, from aiding in comprehension to serving as a reliable study aid for future exams. 

It's not just about capturing information; it's about processing that information in a way that makes it easier to understand, remember, and apply.

The Science Behind Effective Note-Taking

When you engage in effective note-taking, you're actually participating in "active learning." This means you're not just passively absorbing information but actively processing it. This active engagement triggers cognitive functions that help in better retention and understanding. 

According to research , students who take notes perform better in exams compared to those who don't. The act of writing or typing out notes forces you to think critically about the material, thereby enhancing your understanding and ability to recall it later.

FAQs: How to Reduce Homework Stress

Discover practical tips and strategies to ease the burden of homework and make your academic journey less stressful.

1. How Can I Relieve Stress From Homework?

Stress relief comes in many forms. Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and even short physical exercises can help. Consider incorporating these into your study routine.

2. What Causes Homework Stress?

Homework stress can arise from various factors, including tight deadlines, high academic expectations, and a lack of understanding of the subject matter. Identifying the root cause can help you address it more effectively.

3. How Can I Help My Child With Homework Anxiety?

Supporting your child emotionally is crucial. Create a conducive study environment, establish a regular study routine, and consider seeking professional help like tutors or counselors if the anxiety persists.

Final Thoughts

Homework stress may seem like a hurdle, but it's one you can clear. Learning how to reduce homework stress is essential. With the right approaches and a positive mindset, you can not only handle this stress but also excel in your studies. 

Keep in mind that achieving academic success is more of a long-term race than a quick dash. By arming yourself with these proven strategies, you can make your educational journey much less stressful.

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What Is Homework Phobia (Devwahrphobia)? 5 Ways To Overcome it !!

The phobia of doing homework is called  Devwahrphobia.  Such fear is common among kids in school. Children with this fear/Phobia tend to get anxious when the teachers inform them that they will have to do the homework.

Homework phobia is a real thing. It’s when children fear doing homework because they think that they will fail at school. They also feel anxious about being tested on their knowledge.

Table of Contents

Why Does Homework Phobia Exist?

There are several reasons why people develop homework phobias. One reason is that they were never taught how to do the homework properly. Another reason is that they didn’t receive enough practice with homework.

The fear of homework can also be related to fear of a teacher or the outcome of not doing the home assignment. These psychological factors create a fear of homework in students, leading to Phobia.

How Can I Overcome This Condition?

You might have a phobia if you feel overwhelmed by the thought of doing homework. However, there are things you can do to help yourself. First, make sure you understand what homework is. Then, set aside some time each night to complete your assignments. Finally, ask for help when you need it.

What Are Some Common Causes Of Homework Phobia?

There are several reasons why people struggle with homework phobia. One reason is that they don’t enjoy schoolwork. Another reason is that they have trouble focusing on the tasks at hand. Still, another reason is that they lack the skills to complete homework successfully.

Fear of teachers can also be a cause. Parents must try to find out the root cause of this fear. Once you know the cause, the solution will become easier.

What Should I Do When My Child Has Homework Phobia?

If you suspect your child has a homework phobia, start by talking to them about it. Ask them what’s going on. Explain that you understand how difficult it can be to do homework when you don’t feel well. Remind them that doing homework helps them succeed in life. Tell them that you love them no matter what.

The most significant change is understanding the fact that this fear is normal and then finding solutions on how to overcome it.

Why Does Homework Stress Me Out?

There are several reasons why kids might have homework stress. One reason is that they don’t enjoy schoolwork. Another reason is that they don’t see the point of doing homework. They think that learning should come naturally. A third reason is that they don’t understand the material.

5 Ways to Overcome Homework Phobia

Homework can be an intimidating task for many students. It can also cause stress and anxiety in those who struggle with it. Here are some helpful strategies that will help you tackle this challenge.

1. Set up a study area with a timer

If you find yourself procrastinating when it comes to studying, try setting aside a designated space where you won’t be interrupted.

You might even consider getting a timer to set a time limit for each assignment. This will help you focus on what you need to do without being distracted by other things.

2. Create an environment where you feel comfortable studying

Another tip is to make sure you have everything you need before starting. Ensure you have enough pencils, paper, books, and other supplies. Also, make sure you have a quiet place where you can study.

You can set up a designated place with a table chair and other settings to ensure a perfect environment to concentrate on studying without getting disturbed or distracted.

3. Find out what works best for you

If you find yourself struggling with homework, there are things you can do to help. First, try to relax. Take deep breaths and focus on your breathing.

Next, think about why you are doing the work. What will happen if you fail? How will you feel if you succeed? Finally, ask yourself whether you need to do the work. You might not need to do it at all.

4. Don’t procrastinate.

Procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles to completing assignments. It’s also one of the easiest ones to avoid.

Instead of waiting until the last minute to start an assignment, take some time to plan out what you’re going to do. This will make it easier to complete the task and give you more time to review and revise as needed.

5. Take breaks when needed

If you procrastinate on assignments, try taking a break every hour. You’ll feel better after a short walk or stretch, and you’ll be able to return to work with a clear mind.

What are the symptoms of Homework Phobia?

Symptoms of homework phobia include avoidance of homework, panic attacks when faced with homework, physical symptoms such as sweating and shaking, and difficulty sleeping.

How is Homework Phobia treated?

Homework phobia can be treated with therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help individuals learn coping strategies for managing their fear and anxiety. Medication may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms.

Can Homework Phobia be prevented?

There is no sure way to prevent homework phobia, but reducing stress, building resilience, and seeking help early on can reduce the risk of developing this disorder.

What is the impact of Homework Phobia on a person’s life?

Homework phobia can significantly impact a person’s life, affecting academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being. Individuals with this disorder may struggle to complete their homework, leading to lower grades and decreased confidence. They may also avoid social situations that could trigger their anxiety, causing them to feel isolated and alone.

Can Homework Phobia be cured?

Homework phobia can be effectively managed and treated, but it may not be completely cured. However, with proper therapy and treatment, individuals can learn to manage their fear and anxiety, significantly improving their quality of life.

Can Homework Phobia be treated without medication?

Yes, homework phobia can be treated without medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of therapy, such as exposure therapy and relaxation techniques, can effectively manage the symptoms of homework phobia. However, medication may be prescribed in conjunction with therapy to help manage symptoms.

What can I do if I think I have a Homework Phobia?

If you think you have a homework phobia, it is essential to seek help from a mental health professional. They can diagnose and treat the condition, helping you to manage your fear and anxiety and improve your quality of life.

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Emotional Effects

Feeling scared all the time here’s what to do..

• Anxiety is the activation of the fight or flight system – a system designed to help you in dangerous situations.
• It is not uncommon to feel fear as a result of the activation of this system.
• Trauma and other life experiences can also contribute to a sense of feeling scared.
• Sometimes confronting that “scared” feeling head on is the best way to remove it at the time.
• Eliminating anxiety overall will decrease the frequency and severity of unexplained scared feelings.

Fact Checked

Micah Abraham, BSc

Last updated March 1, 2021

If one were to simplify what anxiety is, it would best be described as your fear response being overactive. For example, have you ever had a smoke alarm that sounded even when no smoke was around? That's what living with anxiety is like - your body and mind feel terrified, even though often there isn't anything happening to warrant that level of fear.

So, what can you do when you feel afraid all the time - physically, mentally, or both? We'll explore some solutions in this article.

Anxiety and Fear

It's not entirely clear why those with anxiety have a fear response that's malfunctioning. In general, it's believed to be a coping problem that is either learned (through life situations) or genetic (in your DNA), or both. There’s also an evolutionary reason for anxiety: it helps us to respond to and survive physical threats. 

This fear response is what kept our early ancestors safe when they roamed amongst saber-toothed tigers and other predators. Today, we face different dangers, but our brains are still wired in much the same way. In other words, if you have anxiety, this is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it’s a sign that you’re fine-tuned to surviving danger in your environment - a trait that would have been vital further back in human history. 

Symptoms of Fear Expressed Physically 

Even though anxiety may involve a lot of "scary" thoughts, the basic signs of anxiety are often physical. Why? When you have anxiety, your body activates the fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline and causing a host of changes to your body that are all designed to keep you safe from harm. 

Now, if you’re facing an actual predator, your anxiety may save your life. But the same fear response gets activated when you’re facing a threat that’s not actually going to cause you direct, physical harm. This might be a simple stressor like a looming deadline or conflict with a friend, for example. 

Because these sorts of stressors don’t disappear overnight, you're likely to experience more and more physical anxiety symptoms without much relief. This is why anxiety can be described as an overactive fear response.

Mental Anxiety Symptoms

Interestingly, however, anxiety can cause fear in our minds and not just our bodies. Some believe that fearful thoughts represent your mind’s response to what’s happening in your body. Since your body is nervous, your mind feels nervous. At times, your mind overreacts to what’s happening in your body, interpreting these physical sensations as being far more distressing than they need to be. 

While this all represents a slight oversimplification of what actually happens in terms of hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain, above we have described the basics of how fearful thoughts and bodily sensations interact in the case of anxiety. 

How to Stop the Fear

Of course, knowing why you’re feeling something isn't necessarily helpful. Chances are you're hoping to figure out how to get rid of that feeling of fear so that you can live with less anxiety.

We spoke about exercise earlier: physical activity is step one in managing feelings of fear. There are countless scientific studies that link regular exercise to reductions in anxiety and research shows that this has a calming effect on the brain and body.

It should also be noted that even though anxiety has a strong physical component, as mentioned above, there is considerable evidence suggesting that you can learn cognitive coping skills which are effective for reducing anxiety and fear. The mind and body are closely connected; and by training your brain to respond in a particular way, you can get real relief from your anxiety. 

What can you do to train your brain to limit your fear and anxiety? Here are some ideas: 

• Mental Distractions We mentioned earlier that your mind can sabotage you when you have anxiety. By distracting yourself at appropriate times, you can encourage your mind to focus on things which are less likely to trigger your anxiety. So, when you feel the anxiety coming on and you feel like you need to calm yourself, make a conscious choice to distract yourself with, for example, fun activities, phoning a friend, pleasant music, an enjoyable television show or any other activity that you can use to temporarily shift your thoughts in a more positive direction. 
• Walk Exercise is a valuable tool for coping with anxiety. Why? Even just a gentle stroll can help get your blood get flowing whilst also providing you with visual and mental stimulation. Also, walking can reduce some of the adrenaline in your bloodstream, which is important for keeping anxiety away.
• Write Out Your Thoughts When anxiety-related thoughts are bothering you, write them out. Your mind has a tendency to focus on thoughts that are passing through your mind; but the mind can relax a bit more when you record those thoughts on paper. 

These basic strategies, combined with a healthier and more relaxing lifestyle, can be used by anyone seeking to take control by reducing their fear and anxiety.   

Summary: Anxiety is a misfire of the system designed to save you when faced with danger. That same misfire can cause you to feel fear, even though nothing scary is present. Distractions and exercise can reduce the fear, but you may need to integrate other anxiety reduction approaches to keep it away.

Questions? Comments?

Do you have a specific question that this article didn’t answered? Send us a message and we’ll answer it for you!

Where can I go to learn more about Jacobson’s relaxation technique and other similar methods? – Anonymous patient

You can ask your doctor for a referral to a psychologist or other mental health professional who uses relaxation techniques to help patients. Not all psychologists or other mental health professionals are knowledgeable about these techniques, though. Therapists often add their own “twist” to the technqiues. Training varies by the type of technique that they use. Some people also buy CDs and DVDs on progressive muscle relaxation and allow the audio to guide them through the process. – Timothy J. Legg, PhD, CRNP

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Homework Struggles May Not Be a Behavior Problem

Exploring some options to understand and help..

Posted August 2, 2022 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

• What Is Anxiety?
• Take our Generalized Anxiety Disorder Test
• Find counselling to overcome anxiety
• Mental health challenges and neurodevelopmental differences directly affect children's ability to do homework.
• Understanding what difficulties are getting in the way—beyond the usual explanation of a behavior problem—is key.
• Sleep and mental health needs can take priority over homework completion.

Chelsea was in 10th grade the first time I told her directly to stop doing her homework and get some sleep. I had been working with her since she was in middle school, treating her anxiety disorder. She deeply feared disappointing anyone—especially her teachers—and spent hours trying to finish homework perfectly. The more tired and anxious she got, the harder it got for her to finish the assignments.

One night Chelsea called me in despair, feeling hopeless. She was exhausted and couldn’t think straight. She felt like a failure and that she was a burden to everyone because she couldn’t finish her homework.

She was shocked when I told her that my prescription for her was to go to sleep now—not to figure out how to finish her work. I told her to leave her homework incomplete and go to sleep. We briefly discussed how we would figure it out the next day, with her mom and her teachers. At that moment, it clicked for her that it was futile to keep working—because nothing was getting done.

This was an inflection point for her awareness of when she was emotionally over-cooked and when she needed to stop and take a break or get some sleep. We repeated versions of this phone call several times over the course of her high school and college years, but she got much better at being able to do this for herself most of the time.

When Mental Health Symptoms Interfere with Homework

Kids with mental health or neurodevelopmental challenges often struggle mightily with homework. Challenges can come up in every step of the homework process, including, but not limited to:

• Remembering and tracking assignments and materials
• Getting the mental energy/organization to start homework
• Filtering distractions enough to persist with assignments
• Understanding unspoken or implied parts of the homework
• Remembering to bring finished homework to class
• Being in class long enough to know the material
• Tolerating the fear of not knowing or failing
• Not giving up the assignment because of a panic attack
• Tolerating frustration—such as not understanding—without emotional dysregulation
• Being able to ask for help—from a peer or a teacher and not being afraid to reach out

This list is hardly comprehensive. ADHD , autism spectrum disorder, social anxiety , generalized anxiety, panic disorder, depression , dysregulation, and a range of other neurodevelopmental and mental health challenges cause numerous learning differences and symptoms that can specifically and frequently interfere with getting homework done.

The Usual Diagnosis for Homework Problems is "Not Trying Hard Enough"

Unfortunately, when kids frequently struggle to meet homework demands, teachers and parents typically default to one explanation of the problem: The child is making a choice not to do their homework. That is the default “diagnosis” in classrooms and living rooms. And once this framework is drawn, the student is often seen as not trying hard enough, disrespectful, manipulative, or just plain lazy.

The fundamental disconnect here is that the diagnosis of homework struggles as a behavioral choice is, in fact, only one explanation, while there are so many other diagnoses and differences that impair children's ability to consistently do their homework. If we are trying to create solutions based on only one understanding of the problem, the solutions will not work. More devastatingly, the wrong solutions can worsen the child’s mental health and their long-term engagement with school and learning.

To be clear, we aren’t talking about children who sometimes struggle with or skip homework—kids who can change and adapt their behaviors and patterns in response to the outcomes of that struggle. For this discussion, we are talking about children with mental health and/or neurodevelopmental symptoms and challenges that create chronic difficulties with meeting homework demands.

How Can You Help a Child Who Struggles with Homework?

How can you help your child who is struggling to meet homework demands because of their ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD , school avoidance, or any other neurodevelopmental or mental health differences? Let’s break this down into two broad areas—things you can do at home, and things you can do in communication with the school.

Helping at Home

The following suggestions for managing school demands at home can feel counterintuitive to parents—because we usually focus on helping our kids to complete their tasks. But mental health needs jump the line ahead of task completion. And starting at home will be key to developing an idea of what needs to change at school.

• Set an end time in the evening after which no more homework will be attempted. Kids need time to decompress and they need sleep—and pushing homework too close to or past bedtime doesn’t serve their educational needs. Even if your child hasn’t been able to approach the homework at all, even if they have avoided and argued the whole evening, it is still important for everyone to have a predictable time to shut down the whole process.
• If there are arguments almost every night about homework, if your child isn’t starting homework or finishing it, reframe it from failure into information. It’s data to put into problem-solving. We need to consider other possible explanations besides “behavioral choice” when trying to understand the problem and create effective solutions. What problems are getting in the way of our child’s meeting homework demands that their peers are meeting most of the time?
• Try not to argue about homework. If you can check your own anxiety and frustration, it can be more productive to ally with your child and be curious with them. Kids usually can’t tell you a clear “why” but maybe they can tell you how they are feeling and what they are thinking. And if your child can’t talk about it or just keeps saying “I don't know,” try not to push. Come back another time. Rushing, forcing, yelling, and threatening will predictably not help kids do homework.

Helping at School

The second area to explore when your neurodiverse child struggles frequently with homework is building communication and connections with school and teachers. Some places to focus on include the following.

• Label your child’s diagnoses and break down specific symptoms for the teachers and school team. Nonjudgmental, but specific language is essential for teachers to understand your child’s struggles. Breaking their challenges down into the problems specific to homework can help with building solutions. As your child gets older, help them identify their difficulties and communicate them to teachers.
• Let teachers and the school team know that your child’s mental health needs—including sleep—take priority over finishing homework. If your child is always struggling to complete homework and get enough sleep, or if completing homework is leading to emotional meltdowns every night, adjusting their homework demands will be more successful than continuing to push them into sleep deprivation or meltdowns.
• Request a child study team evaluation to determine if your child qualifies for services under special education law such as an IEP, or accommodations through section 504—and be sure that homework adjustments are included in any plan. Or if such a plan is already in place, be clear that modification of homework expectations needs to be part of it.

The Long-Term Story

I still work with Chelsea and she recently mentioned how those conversations so many years ago are still part of how she approaches work tasks or other demands that are spiking her anxiety when she finds herself in a vortex of distress. She stops what she is doing and prioritizes reducing her anxiety—whether it’s a break during her day or an ending to the task for the evening. She sees that this is crucial to managing her anxiety in her life and still succeeding at what she is doing.

Task completion at all costs is not a solution for kids with emotional needs. Her story (and the story of many of my patients) make this crystal clear.

Candida Fink, M.D. , is board certified in child/adolescent and general psychiatry. She practices in New York and has co-authored two books— The Ups and Downs of Raising a Bipolar Child and Bipolar Disorder for Dummies.

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