How to Turn off “Summer Mode” and hop back into school.

A week of school has already passed by, and we’re all already extremely exhausted and ready to give up. Getting back into school mode after a restful summer break can be challenging, but using these tips will help you get back into school mode in no time. 

Start Small

According to an article in The Princeton Review, you should split up big assignments so you don’t lose motivation. Although it’s the beginning of the semester, many of us already have papers due and enough homework to last us through winter break. Splitting up big assignments helps you meet deadlines and lowers stress levels. For example, if you have an essay due Friday and you write a paragraph a night starting the prior Monday, you can finish this big assignment one small step at a time. 

Get good sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is imperative. An article written in Seventeen addresses a serious temptation we all have before bed. It suggests that,“as fun as it seems to scroll through Instagram at all hours of the night, you’re going to regret it the next morning.” Although it seems like we have no time in the world and that there is always an assignment that needs to be done, you still need to make time for sleep. The time you spend on social media could potentially be an extra fifteen minutes of rest. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, your grades, attendance and mental health will start to suffer. Shoot for 7-9 hours of rest a night. 

Have a positive attitude

During school, we all have tons of things to do. As college students, we balance class time, homework, part-time jobs, a good sleep schedule and our social lives. Intertwined in all of that is life. Ameritech College of Healthcare has good advice on the subject saying that while, “you might have to force a smile at times,” make sure to also  “take time to look on the bright side and keep your eye on the prize. A positive attitude will go a long way towards having an outstanding college experience.” Going to school can be tough and at times, it can be too much. However, remember to have a good attitude. It will get you through those tough days. 

Relax when you get the chance

The beginning of the semester is always the hardest (except for finals week). It is very important that you find time to relax. We have long days that can range from anywhere between four to 12 hours, and maybe even longer. Find some time where you can pick up a book, watch your favorite TV show, play a video game or spend some time with God. This time will allow you to recharge your batteries and get you ready to tackle the rest of the day. 

Get a planner

As previously mentioned, we have a lot to balance. One of the best tools to help you organize your life is a planner. Most students have around five classes we have to balance and it’s hard to keep track of which classes have assignments or tests on any given day. Writing down your workload can help you keep track of what needs to be done. Also, checking a task off in your planner after you have completed it is one of the best feelings in the world. 

Keep in touch with your family

I always enjoy it when anyone in my family calls me. I’m more than 100 miles away from home and I feel like school would be a lot easier if my family was nearby. However, hearing from them once or twice a week helps me feel connected to them, even though I’m a two hour drive away. 

***

Implementing these tips (among others) can really help you improve your school habits. These are small steps students can take to reach our ultimate goal: graduation. Do yourself a favor and start to implement these routines into your life.