Student Question: What are strategies to avoid procrastinating?

Abby’s Answer: I need to take my own advice on this—to be honest, I’ve been releasing these on the last day of the month for a reason. The senioritis is real. I do have a suggestion, though: it helps to have a specific action that you associate with doing your work, like making a cup of tea (as I’ve been doing recently) or putting on music in the background. Once you’ve established a routine, your “trigger action” can help you get momentum going when you’re feeling stuck.

Q: Could I ask you a question?

A: Don’t you mean “May I ask you a question?”

Q: I need ideas for some good school lunches to pack.

A: Since someone has broken the student microwave (again), we are limited to two choices for packed lunches: cold food or a thermos. I highly recommend using a thermos; I got one this year, and it’s been much easier now that I can microwave some leftovers before school instead of spending time making a sandwich. Things I’ve brought in my thermos include pasta, chicken piccata, pierogies, and mashed potatoes. You can also save time while keeping your lunch balanced if you bring whole fruits instead of prepared ones, or pack plain salad and then add dressing from the cafeteria cart.