By Jolene Nannette
The end of summer can bring mixed feelings. You might feel excited about the return to routine along with being reflective about the loss of the carefree days of no real set schedule. It can be a difficult jump to get back into the school year busyness and oftentimes the return gets off to a slow start. Here are some tips to help you organize your routine and make going back to school more efficient:
Create a schedule: This may seem obvious, but being mindful about how you will schedule your days in the weeks starting back to school can be extremely helpful. Make a daily or weekly schedule that includes your classes, study time, extracurricular activities, and any other commitments. This will help you stay organized and manage your time effectively.
Set goals: Think back on what you wished you had succeeded at when last year’s school curriculum came to an end. Determine what you want to achieve during the school year and set specific goals for yourself. Break down these goals into smaller tasks and prioritize them to stay focused and motivated. Come up with a simple reward system to accomplish the smaller tasks to keep you moving forward.
Prepare in advance: The sooner you get back into the routine of being prepared for the next day, the better. Get everything ready the night before, such as packing your backpack, preparing your lunch, and laying out your clothes. This will save you time in the morning and reduce stress.
Use a planner or digital tools: Use a physical calendar to take notes and have a visual outline of what your week entails. Make use of a planner or digital tools like calendars, task managers, or reminder apps to keep track of important dates, assignments, and deadlines. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don't miss anything.
Establish a study routine: Be aware of what setting makes you the most focused and productive. It can be as simple as turning on calming music, having a snack you can munch on, lighting a candle, and making sure you have all the writing utensils/paper close by to prevent distracting breaks. Set aside a specific time and place for studying each day. This will help you develop a routine and make studying a regular part of your schedule. Leave your phone in the other room to avoid distractions during this time and focus on your work.
Take regular breaks: Plan your breaks to do something that you really enjoy and that preferably takes place outside (shooting hoops, taking a walk, chatting with a neighbor or family member). It's important to give yourself regular breaks to rest and recharge and fresh air will revitalize you. Taking short breaks during study sessions can actually improve focus and productivity.
Stay organized: Get organized before your first day back to school. Clean up your desk or study area, clean out your backpack, throw away old pens/pencils, get rid of any study materials not relevant to the upcoming year. Use a bit of time during the weekend to do a quick sweep to keep your study area, backpack, and school materials organized. This will make it easier to find what you need and avoid wasting time searching for things.
Take care of yourself: Remember that weekends during the school year can feel like summer. Slow down and be purposeful about having non-scheduled time. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and exercise regularly. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will help you stay focused and perform better in school.
Remember, everyone's routine and organizational needs are different, so find what works best for you and adapt these things accordingly. Planning and being aware of what makes you the most productive will help you succeed. And don’t forget, the summer mentality does not have to disappear when school starts - just remember to plan some downtime. And enjoy a fresh start!
By, Jolene Nannette
Home by Jolene Specialist in Home Efficiency
Jolene Nannette Jolene Nannette
Commenti