DR. WALLACE: I have a hard time getting my homework done, and my parents made me promise to make a New Year's resolution to work harder at my homework.

I'm trying hard here in the new year of 2025, but so far, I feel I've only made a small bit of positive progress.

What are some good ways to make my resolution work? — Struggling With Homework, via email

STRUGGLING WITH HOMEWORK: Homework is generally assigned by teachers to teach responsibility and to help you review things you have already learned.

One of the best things to do to make new progress is to set up a new study pattern that you feel will work for you and then stick with it. To start with, be sure you have everything ready all in one place. Find a comfortable, quiet place to do your work, and make sure your books, pencils, paper and other supplies are all there.

Be sure to stay away from television, cellphones and any other distractions. Do your best to stay focused and grind right through your work with only short breaks as needed.

You may also want to keep notes on which strategies work and which ones don't seem to help. By being able to read back your notes, you may make some adjustments to your routine that will make you even more productive going forward.

Finally, if you know a certain part of your homework is going to be the most difficult section, be disciplined and start with that first. You can attack it when you have the most energy and focus, and you'll feel a sense of relief and satisfaction when you get that portion finished. From there, you can tell yourself that the rest of the homework is going to be a bit easier, like walking downhill. This will make you feel better and help you see the finish line!

I HAVE THE WINTER BLUES

DR. WALLACE: I'm a junior in high school, and this time of year always makes me feel like I have a case of the blues. I'm not depressed or anything close to that, but I have this "blah" feeling that permeates most of my days.

School is often a dull routine. It's just boring to do the same thing over and over and sit and work on homework for a couple of hours a night.

What can I do to spice up my life a bit or just get me out of the melancholy feelings I've been having lately? I'm sure the fact that we are in the darkest part of the year isn't helping much either. — Feeling Mildly Blue, via email

FEELING MILDLY BLUE: Get out and use what daylight you can, even at this time of year.

As strange as it sounds, being kind to strangers tends to lift one's own spirits. Always seek to smile at strangers when you pass them by at a mall, walking along the sidewalk or wherever appropriate.

There may be a children's hospital in your area where you could spend your time to uplift others. They might need volunteers to read to kids or do any number of tasks.

You can visit a senior center and say hello to the residents there, as they always enjoy visitors. Also, take inventory around your neighborhood and see if there are any elderly residents who live alone. You could check in on them, bring them a small treat or simply walk your family dog over there for a quick visit. You may be surprised to find how appreciated you'll be, and this will organically lift your spirits.

Also think about doing a few things for yourself. A bit of light exercise, enjoying a favorite treat or a hot cup of cocoa or tea on a cold day can sometimes warm you up inside and out.

Seek to socialize when you feel melancholy as interacting with other people, especially those outside your normal routines, are excellent ways to put an extra bounce in your step.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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