All of us have gone through the pressure and anxiety of meeting assignment deadlines and stuck with university assignments. The independence of higher-level education also brings its own set of challenges. Especially when you feel unprepared to tackle them head-on.

It most often happens during the initial years when you are unused to the added burden and multi-tasking. But with the right guidance, you can overcome the overwhelming fear and give your best performance. Here are some easy-to-follow practices which can help you move forward from the horrors of a blank page.

So, how do I handle it?

The first thing you must avoid at all costs is procrastination. It is tempting, especially when you have no clue how to begin. But leaving it till the last minute can only end up in a negative outcome. As soon as you receive an assignment, start planning and working upon it. That will also give you enough time to have breaks between the process to refresh your mind.

You are able to approach everything with relaxed and calm thoughts which ensures good writing. While hurried and hasty submissions are likely to be sprinkled with errors as you never get time for reviewing. Start at the earliest opportunity so you can wrap up everything before the deadline.

Ask for assistance

Have a detailed meeting with your lecturer to overcome any confusions. Email them, make a call, or talk in person and clearly communicate your problem. Often enough you will find them eager to talk with students and pass on knowledge apart from class lectures. Do not hesitate and be embarrassed at your predicament. Even at university level, it is the instructor’s responsibility to support and aid a student whenever needed.

You can also discuss the assignment and any issues related to it with your classmates if you are stuck with your university assignments. Creating a group chat and sharing ideas and resources on it can dispel confusions for many. Forming or participating in a study group is also a lively way to get out of a rut. Brainstorming and exchanging points with each other can be intellectually stimulating. But make sure everyone understands and respects academic boundaries so there is no danger of cheating.

Persistence is your best friend

Working with patience and determination can ensure rewarding outcomes. Focus on each section of your assignment separately instead of hastening. Break the University assignment writing into phases. There are several elements which come together to form an assignment. The introduction, body, conclusion, references are some standard structural sections every assignment comprises of. Create an outline to define which points each of these sections will hold. Keep working to refine your argument and ideas so they are genuinely impact your reader.

How to get past if you are experiencing writer’s block

Not knowing at all what to write is one thing. But there are also occasions when you have both the skill and knowledge, yet you are unable to write. This is called writer’s block. Getting over a writer’s block can be tricky but not impossible. Following are some surefire solutions to wish your writer’s block farewell:

1. Write the introduction in the end

It is best to skip the introductory paragraph because the hardest part is thinking how to start. Get straight into the body paragraphs and discuss your argument and supporting evidence. Once you have these sorted out you can return and write a much better introduction.

2. Focus on what you know

Make a list of the basic points which you are well-informed about from your studies. Perceiving the extent of your familiarity with the topic can restore your confidence. The list can serve as a checklist for the research and outlining stages of the assignment.

3. Take exercise breaks

A good workout increases the blood flow to your brain and heightens your energy and alertness level. Exercising can bring a marked difference in spurring on your creativity. You can swim, run, walk, do yoga, or play a quick round of your favorite sport. All have the same influence.

4. Listening to music

Similar to exercise, music is scientifically proven to have intellectual benefits. It opens the clogged parts of your mind and allows expressive thinking. It is easier to come up with a good idea if you have some Mozart playing in the background.

5. Realize the value of annotation

Annotate everything from your textbooks to lecture notes and every useful source in between. When reading for research purposes, always highlight the quotes and sections you find useful. Make certain not to do that with a library book though. Just use a sticky note or bookmark when you find the material you need.

Following these simple words of wisdom can give you the tools to fight off any assignment related blocks. Keep in mind that your mental well being is directly related to your academic performance. Hence, let yourself have a break when things seem too overwhelming. Sometimes that is all your mind needs to come back into form.