meaghan_louise said:
I've just finished my first week of year 11 and I am absolutely exhausted...I have no idea how I am going to cope for the rest of the year, not to mention year 12! Any of youse got any advice on how you handle the early starts and all the work load...any advice from pigging out on chocolate to studying would be appreciated.
I know exactly what you mean... I felt
exactly the same way after my first week of Year 11. I guess one of the most important things to remember is that you are NOT examined on Year 11 content in the HSC, with the exception of Maths courses and some others which I can't remember. So if you crash out on an asssessment or test, it's okay... it doesn't count.
Another thing to keep in mind (crazy as it sounds) is that the first few weeks seem so hard because they are a total shock to the system. After awhile, it seems like the workload is easing up on you, but actually it's you adapting and getting used to it! As for Year 12, many people take less units, which gives them more free periods to lighten the workload in the evening. Personally, I did 14 units in Year 11 (utter madness), which I reduced to 11 for Year 12, which made it feel less exhausting.
Advice on early starts and workloads... well, I can only tell you what I know from my own experience (and stupidity):
1. Don't abuse caffeine, and if you do, don't drink it at 11pm-midnight, coz after you've finished your work, you won't be able to get to sleep! Which obviously leaves you shattered the next day.
2. Get enough sleep. This is something I didn't do throughout Years 11 and 12, which meant I would doze off in Physics and English classes. 8 hours a night is good, but you can get away with 7-7 1/2. 6, I found, wasn't enough.
3. Have one work-free night. For me this was usually Friday night (and sometimes Saturday as well!) Nobody can study 24/7. So watch TV, play sport, go out, see a movie, whatever. It's important to keep a balance.
4. Don't leave things to the last minute, coz it usually means sitting up at your desk or in front of the computer waayyy too late. And it fries your brain for the next day.
5. Chocolate is good. There's nothing wrong with using chocolate as motivation, reward, self-bribe, etc;. I used to keep a Cherry Ripe in my desk for these purposes, which was fine until I completely forgot about it.
6. Never be afraid to ask for help.
That's all I can think of... hope it helps!