Whether you’re headed back to college or just starting elementary school, back-to-school season is in full swing. We want to make sure you’re starting off on the right foot so that you can have the best school year yet! Here are some tips to make sure you start off strong and stay motivated for the coming year.
Get Organized
Everyone gets organized in different ways. Find the way that works for you. Just remember, learning to be organized can take some time and practice. If a system doesn’t work at first, you might just need some time to become accustomed to it. One way you can try to stay organized is by using an academic planner- your school may even provide one for you at the beginning of the year. Writing down when your assignments are due can help keep you on track.
Make a Routine
Getting organized can be just one way of developing a routine. When all of your materials are organized, it can be easier to know what subjects you need to be focusing on and what projects need to be your priority. When studying, it has been found that it is most effective to study in 30-45 minute blocks with 3-5 minute breaks in between. This will give you times of focus and times to relax. Once you get into a routine, it will be easier to avoid your short breaks accidentally turning into longer, procrastination breaks.
Reward Yourself
Rewards- even small ones- can help keep you motivated all year long. Whether you’re taking a slightly longer break between study sessions or watching a movie after finishing a particularly large project, positive reinforcement can be an amazing thing. These small rewards can also help you to avoid procrastination and putting off those assignments you may be dreading.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
Mornings can be stressful, and they’ll be even more stressful if you’re sleep deprived. Make sure you’re going to bed early enough to get the recommended amount of sleep. This can be anywhere from 8 to 12 hours depending on your age. Getting enough sleep is also critical for you to be successful in school. You’ll be able to concentrate better and therefore learn better.
Before going to bed, you can also prepare things for the next morning. This way, you may even be able to sleep in a little more if you have less things to do. You can pick out your outfit, make sure everything is in your backpack that you’ll need, and even prepare your lunch if you bring a bagged lunch to school.
Eat Breakfast
Eating breakfast in the morning will give you the energy and focus you need to make it through your day. You don’t necessarily need to eat breakfast at home. Many schools have breakfast programs now as well as lunch. If you were able to pick out your outfit and make sure your backpack was packed the night before, this can leave more time in the morning for you to eat breakfast as well.