Summer has unfortunately come to an end, and it’s time for Redhawks to get back into the swing of things.
Although it may seem overwhelming at first, with the right strategies, you can make the transition much smoother.
Here’s a quick guide to help you get back on track:
- Re-establish a Routine
Set a schedule. To ease into a routine, start by waking up and going to bed at the same time each day. Be mindful of the specific time you need to wake up for school, which depends on when school starts, your morning routine, and how long it takes you to get ready and commute. Remember that most teens need about 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night to function at their best. Adjust your sleep schedule as soon as possible (taking advantage of the reduced workload usually associated with the first week of school), gradually shifting your bedtime earlier so that your internal clock can adapt. This consistency will make it easier to wake up refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
- Organize your space
You’ve probably heard it a million times, “the environment where you study significantly impacts how well you learn and retain information.” But what does this environment look like?
First, if you haven’t already, designate a specific area in your home as your study space. This place should be quiet, comfortable, and free from distractions like TV or loud noises. According to UCAS, students should consider other factors like lighting, and color when choosing their study area.
Once you have a study area, it is important to keep it neat. This is perfectly depicted by a Harvard University study in which students were tasked to work in environments with different levels of clutter. Researchers found that students who worked in clutter-free zones worked for 7.5 minutes longer than those who worked in cluttered areas. It was also found that a messy study space could undermine people’s persistence in completing tasks. To fully benefit from a clutter-free environment, start by organizing your school supplies, thoroughly cleaning your workspace, and tidying up your bag.
- Set goals
Something that has always helped me get into the “scholarly mood” is to set goals for myself. Establishing academic goals is crucial for staying motivated. Make sure to set both short-term goals (like completing a homework assignment) and long-term goals (like reaching a specific average before the end of the semester). Writing these goals down and talking to people about them is the best way I’ve found to stick to them and stay motivated!
- Prioritize Tasks
Hopefully, your first week back won’t be too stressful, but even if it is, there’s no need to worry! The key is learning how to prioritize your work. What has worked for me is making a to-do list and breaking down large tasks into smaller steps.
A to-do list can help you keep track of tasks and prioritize them. Before stressing out over your workload, sit down for five minutes and write down everything you need to do, from small tasks like homework assignments to daunting ones like studying for tests. Then, attach a deadline to them and organize them by urgency and importance.
The second method I use to not feel overwhelmed is to break down large tasks. Large projects or assignments can be intimidating (especially when you try to tackle them all at once). For this reason, it is best to break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. While breaking it down, make sure to add deadlines to each part to stay consistent and add rewards for yourself!
- Seek Support
Whether Monday is your first day of high school or your first last day, everyone deserves to feel supported (especially when it comes to school). If you’re ever feeling anxious or overwhelmed make sure you talk to someone you trust. Just remember, the people around you can offer guidance, help you manage stress, and provide resources to help you succeed.
Alternatively, joining school activities or clubs can help you reconnect with your school community!
Remember, the start of a new school year is a fresh opportunity to grow and succeed. With these strategies, I know you’re well on your way to making this your best year yet!
