Refocusing After a Long Summer Break
As the first month of the school year passes slowly, many students are finding it difficult to adjust to the more demanding school schedule. While last summer was a well-deserved break from online school, it also reintroduced some bad habits, such as procrastination and a lack of time management. To get back into the school routine, there are a couple of exercises that students can practice, including setting goals, being more organized, and remembering to have fun!
After coming back into the classroom, it’s easy to get lost in the monotonous routine of homework and stress. Setting goals, whether they are achievable in a week or over the course of the school year, will help with gaining motivation. Good goals or intentions can be anything that’s important to you, whether it’s creating a project you’re proud of or being an active participant in classes. Knowing a few specific things to focus on during the school year is a necessary step in re-centering and focusing on what’s important.
To be able to clear your mind, it’s also important to clear your workspace and have an organized schedule. Almost everyone has sat down at their desk intending to complete a 30 minute math assignment, and has ended up scrolling through their phone for the next hour. Accountability can help to avoid these situations. Many people find it helpful to delegate their time to specific tasks, such as setting a detailed schedule for their individual assignments. Even jumping around between a Spanish project and English homework can be distracting, as it causes students to lose focus, so stick to your schedule!
Most important, however, is setting aside some time for having fun! High school isn’t just about doing homework and getting high grades. To have an enjoyable and memorable high school experience, allow yourself to let loose and spend time with friends or even just by yourself. While school can be stressful at times, managing your mental health is essential. Find some time in your new schedule to listen to music in bed, think about nothing, play games with friends, or take walks outside.
Although summer may be over, hopefully these steps will help students regain their motivation for school. Good luck, and enjoy this new year of in-person school!
