8 ways to pretend you're doing work when your actually not doing anything

By Malleah H.

Let's face it, sometimes school can seem to drag on forever. Whether it's a boring class or group work you may feel left out from, or even your own job. We have all had moments where we don't feel like doing anything but want to look busy. So here's some 8 different strategies (and harmless) ways to pretend you're doing work when you're not, from the perspective of a student at AHS who is really good at the art of looking busy.

8. Play a typing game.

This will work if you're working on something online the teacher posted. If you're focused on your screen and typing away the teacher won't notice a thing and will definitely think you're busy. Just make sure she is not watching your screen or you will get caught or if she's walking by just switch tabs to the work.

7. Look at the book and make sure to flip pages.

If you're supposed to be reading a book but don't feel like reading it just switch the pages every 2-3 minutes it will seem like you're reading but you're not and the teacher won't notice a thing. If you're reading a book online then just look at your screen and scroll down.

6. Hold your pen like you're deep in thought.

This will work if you're writing an essay or any worksheet. If you're holding a pen and staring at the paper there's a chance that they will think you're just really deep in thought and they will leave you alone. Just don't stay like that for too long or they will definitely get suspicious.

5. Ask a question that sounds smart but doesn't require a follow-up.

If you think your going to get called out you could throw in a question like ‘’will this be on the test’’ or asking if they could explain a part again this can buy up some time while also making you seem engaged in the conversation. 

4. Nod every now and then like you understand everything.

If you're in class and don't want to pay attention just nod occasionally and jot down a few random words it can give the illusion that you're paying attention/following along.

3.click your mouse or scroll slowly.

If you're on your computer, scroll occasionally like you're reading and click randomly once in a while and others will think you're navigating through important work even if you're just reading the same paragraph.

2. Type random notes or doodles while listening to music.

If you're supposed to be taking notes you could type down random words, phrases or even song lyrics, and you can listen to music while you're doing it to pass time. It will seem like you're taking notes.

1.shuffle your papers dramatically. 

Move papers around or highlight random lines and look stressed teachers will assume your overwhelmed with work and probably won't bother you.

At AHS some students have even mastered the art of looking busy, when asked how they keep teachers convinced they are working hard when their really just chilling one student said ‘’keep looking at the paper or work and look focused’’ simple but surprisingly effective advice.

In the end, pretending to look busy is basically a survival skill every student picks up at some point. Whether it’s typing nonsense, flipping pages, or nodding like you understand everything, these little tricks can help you get through a long day without extra stress. Of course, it’s always better to actually get your work done, but when your brain just needs a break, these strategies can save you. At AHS, we’ve learned that sometimes it’s not about working harder; rather, it’s about looking like you are.