Winter break was nice right? It is a much-needed break from the busy days of college, but now we are back and it’s time to get back on a schedule. Lucky for us, it is easier to get into a routine when you have a little help! Here is a list of seven tips to help you get back into the groove.
- GO. TO. CLASS!
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I know you are tired and not exactly ecstatic to be back at school, but the easiest way to get back into a normal routine is to attend classes. If you create the habit right away it is easier to commit to continuing to go in the future.
- Make a plan or a schedule
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Not everyone likes using academic calendars or planners, and that is completely okay. But, if you find yourself struggling to stay on task or establish priorities it might be helpful to schedule times to study, exercise, and rest. Those very important things tend to be put on the back burner since they don’t seem like priorities.
- Take a break from Netflix *figuratively speaking*
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We all love our shows, and if you are one of the few that hasn’t watched “You” I know you are finding the time to binge-watch it. Having some relaxation is a healthy way to reduce stress, but Netflix gets its profits from our relaxation gone wrong. One episode can turn into three, then four, and then five. Next thing you know it’s 1 a.m. and you still have a homework assignment to do. A pro tip that we have heard many times is to take a break from the binge-watching and be disciplined about watching just one episode at a time.
- What did you do last semester?
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Although your class schedule is different, you still have practices that are the same as last semester. For example; eating, exercising, sleeping, and others. A great way to ensure your sanity is to remember to make time for those things. If you developed an exercise schedule that worked for you, try and pick that up again. If you don’t have a set time for lunch, make sure you pack some snacks for between classes. If you forgot to reset your sleep schedule the week before school started, there’s no better time than now to get back on track.
- Find a healthy balance
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School is important but so is a social life, and part of the college experience is to find that balance. Now that you are scheduling in study times, sleep, and office hours, don’t forget to schedule in time for your friends. Spending time with your friends can be therapeutic, and they are also struggling with switching back to an academic schedule.
- Sleep, sleep, sleep
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Whoever invented napping needs an award. Even better, whoever came up with the idea to hide in bed for eight hours deserves all the praise in the world. That being said, make sure to do that homework during daylight hours and not at 1 a.m.! Napping after class is great, but just like binge-watching Netflix, it is not something you should do for three hours when you have other important things to do. Many scientists, doctors, and mothers have said that getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night is important, so make sure you try to fit that in.
- Reach out if you need help
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College campuses tend to be great with resources. If you find yourself struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Most professors want to ensure student success and colleges provide counseling in order to help keep great students around. School is important, but even more so is your mental and physical health.
Hopefully, a few of these tips can help you get back into the college groove. I know many of you go-getters already implement these in your life, so this can serve as a helpful reminder. Best of luck this semester!