Getting Back on Track: Returning to School with a Positive Mindset

By: Polina Kogan

Coming back to school after two weeks of sleeping in, binge-watching your favorite programs, and overindulging in holiday delicacies, winter vacation may be a nice retreat, but it might feel like a shock to the system. I know it can be tough to get back into the groove of things; I've been there. The following are some tips that will assist you in starting the new semester on the right foot.

For starters, get your sleep cycle readjusted before classes begin. It's so easy to get into the mode of sleeping late and then sleeping in during breaks, but it doesn't work during classes. Begin getting into the routine of going to bed earlier and awaken about the time you would have to get up for school, a few days before returning. Your body will get used to it that way, so you won't be some kind of zombie during the first period, I can assure you. You don't want to be that person sleeping through classes because of not being prepared.

Next, organize all your stuff, and review your notes. I'm pretty sure during break time, your desk or rucksack became a mountain of papers and junk. Take some time to organize everything and get your materials ready for the upcoming school year. Rather than waiting until the night before classes start, immediately start working on any overdue assignments or tasks. Also, it's a good idea to glance over your class notes or textbooks briefly simply so that all of the content isn't completely foreign to you when you return.

Finally, in order to keep one's self motivated, set small goals for yourself. Having something to strive for, whether it's an A in math, joining a group, or simply finishing your assignments on time, setting goals ultimately makes school easier to handle. Put your objectives in writing and keep them visible, such as on your phone or calendar. Enjoy the small victories as well, such as surviving the first week of classes! While returning to school after a break may be challenging, you can succeed by following these recommendations.