Your homework habits might be affecting your grades

Top 5 Healthy Homework Habits
Your homework habits might be affecting your grades. Are you feeling tired, achy, or bored when it comes to homework time? You can change your grades by practicing these healthy homework habits. Change the way you feel by taking better care of your mind and your body.
Studies show that teens' natural sleep patterns are different from those of adults. This often causes sleep deprivation among teens, since they tend to have trouble going to sleep at night, and have trouble waking in the mornings. You can avoid some of the problems that come with sleep deprivation by changing some of your nighttime habits.
Repetitive Stress Injury in Teens
Sometimes Homework Really Does Hurt
No question about it, technology has changed the way teens work and play. Today, the growing question is, will these changes prove detrimental to students' physical wellbeing?
Between text messaging, Sony PlayStations, Xbox, Internet surfing, and computer writing, students are using their hand muscles in all new ways, and they're growing increasingly susceptible to the hazards of Repetitive Stress Injuries <http://arthritis.about.com/od/arthritisbyanatomy/a/stressinjuries.htm?terms=repetitive+stress> (RSI). Research suggests that more and more teens are reporting pain and numbness in their fingers, necks, and shoulders. The problem is, nobody knows for sure how damaging RSI will prove to be in the future.
What is Repetitive Stress Injury?
Repetitive Stress Injury, sometimes referred to as overuse syndrome, is pain and swelling that results from performing a repetitive task, like text messaging and typing.
Researchers have recognized RSI symptoms in adults for quite some time, but lately there are growing concerns about teens, because so many students spend hours on end playing computer and handheld games on top of doing computer work.
Symptoms of Repetitive Stress Injury
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Pain at the base of the thumb
Tingling and numbness in hand
Pain in elbow
Shoulder, neck pain during computer use
Tired, achy fingers
There is some confusion about RSI, which is not the same as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. However, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, you should get a doctor's check-up and change your habits.
What Causes It?
Basically, RSI is just what the name suggests. It is pain that comes from repetitive movement in a way that your body isn't really designed to do. Some examples are:
Bad posture while sitting at desk
Repitions in a sport, typing, on a cell phone, or other handheld and hand-manipulated device
Long period spent doing the same movement
What Can I Do?
Proper posture can make a world of difference and reverse the pain and other symptoms that come from repetitive stress.
Avoid laptops. You're more likely to sit in an awkward position when using a laptop.
If you must use a laptop, use a mouse.
Arrange your computer so that the screen is at eye level.
Keep feet flat on the floor when typing.
Sit up straight when typing.
Adjust your chair so that knees are level with hips (or a little higher than hips).
Use a mouse with a rest space for the thumb. Roller balls are good, as well.
Take breaks: spend as much time doing some outdoor activity as you spend on the computer.
Exercise your fingers by wiggling and squeezing a ball every day.
Don't spend more than 30 minutes doing the same hand-use activity without breaking.
Do your own research about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of RSI.
While there is no solid evidence concerning long term effects of RSI, it is a good idea to take measures to avoid any possible damage that might result. If you feel any pain or tingling, make some changes in your work and play habits.
Teens and Sleep Deprivation
Making Time for Sleep and Homework
Studies suggest that teenagers often sacrifice their sleep time when it comes to making choices about time management. The problem is, studies also show that they need a lot more sleep than they probably get.
According to a study by sleep expert Mary Carskadon, PhD, teens should receive more than nine hours of sleep every night. That’s a great thought, but is it possible? Think about it-do you ever sleep that long?
Okay, maybe on the weekends. But very few teens receive sufficient sleep on school nights.
Dr. Carskadon’s study suggests biology might be the cause for sleep deprivation among teens. Their internal time clocks are just a little different during teenage years-and late nights and sleep-ins are a natural part of growing into adulthood.
Lack of sleep makes it more difficult for students to concentrate in school, especially during those early-morning classes.
Avoiding Sleep Deprivation
So what can you do if you know you aren't getting enough sleep?
Turn off the TV at night. Some teens fall asleep with the TV on, and some are so used to the noise they think they can’t sleep without it. Not true! The TV noises and flashing lights will only keep you from getting a sound sleep. If you can remember things you heard during your sleep, you’re not sleeping well.
Try caffeine free drinks. Try reducing caffeine by switching to something healthier, like bottled water. Okay, okay, if that’s too much to ask, at least try a caffeine-free version of your favorite drink.
Limit after-school activities. It’s hard to do, but try to limit your extracurriculars. Sometimes you just have to make a hard choice and stick to it.
You may need to strike a balance between making time for homework and sleep and gaining valuable experience in an extracurricular activity that will help your chances of getting into a great college. Know your priorities.
Don’t think too hard right before bed time. If you have calculus homework, you might not want to put it off until night. It’s harder to relax and get to sleep when your mind is stuck in the deep-thinking mode. It takes awhile to unwind, so maybe you should tackle the hardest subject earlier.
Same for crazy video games. Video games may also cause your brain to enter the overdrive zone. If you play video games, don’t do them just before you go to bed.
Turn off the cell phone. What’s so important it can’t wait until morning? Unless you have a really good reason-like your parent works at night and might need to reach you, turn it off and get some rest.
Keep track of time. Often, students have great intentions, but other tasks seem to keep them up late, time after time. That’s because teens have to develop an understanding of time management and task completion. It’s hard to put a timetable on things like running an errand or completing a science experiment.
Start keeping track of things you do routinely and the amount of time needed to do certain tasks. Then plan ahead so you can get to bed on time.
Play music if you want, but not too loud. Many people play music at night. If it doesn’t bother you, go ahead. Don’t play it too loud, though, or it will disrupt your sleep.
Do you really need that after-school job? This might be a really tough decision, too. Some students need to work so they can pay for car insurance or save up for college. You’ll just have to decide on your own, what’s necessary and what’s not.