ISABEL MARZULLO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Some students may struggle with getting back into a schooling mindset after the winter break. For some students, getting back into a schooling mindset may mean finding a new routine; for others, it may mean finding a space to study. Regardless, this article provides five tips to get back into the swing of school.
One: Find a routine. Having an established routine will not only help you feel and be organized but also help you get used to a new schedule. For some people, an established routine might be waking up at 8 a.m., setting aside an hour each day for homework, or going to the gym every afternoon. Whatever your routine is, it will help you to feel more acquainted with the new semester.
Two: Find a study space. Often, feeling distracted is due to not having a good study space. A good study space can be anywhere quiet with minimum distractions, making the Friedsam Memorial Library a great option. In theory, a good study space will improve your learning, creativity and motivation. If you want to take it up a notch, try turning off your phone.
Three: Make a to-do list. Going into a new semester can be challenging, so creating a to-do list will help you feel less overwhelmed. The list can be what you need to get done for the day. Or, it can be what you need to do for the week. If you want to be bold, you can make a list for the entire semester. Either way, having a list will remove any stress you might feel.
Four: Organization is key. Take a moment each day to tidy your workspace. Many people find that having a clean, organized space will help their minds feel less cluttered. You can do this by throwing out any papers you no longer need, wiping down your desk and cleaning inside your drawers. If you want to take it further, you can set out everything you need to pack the night before class; this way, everything is ready to go when you wake up.
Five: Take care of yourself. It’s not unusual to feel homesick when returning from a long break. Make sure you are gentle with yourself. Take a mental health day if you are feeling sad or need a small break. You should also watch out for your physical health as well. Take trips to the gym so you can work out, go on walks or take a jog. Maintaining mental and physical health is a big way to help you feel better about the new semester.
marzulig22@bonaventure.edu
