No more sleeping in. No more late nights. No more eating whatever you want. Why? Because school is back in session. Spring break always seems to fly by, so it is always difficult to get back into the swing of things. But if you think ahead of time and decide to be motivated from the start, life won't come back and hit you as harshly. Here are some tips and tricks on how to come back to school with less stress:
1. Check your calendar.
The last thing we want to do is think about assignments and obligations, but if you want to stay on top of things it's time to face reality. Over my spring break I bought the a planner called The Happiness Planner that gives room for reflection at the end of each week. So if you're feeling like you're in a slump, switch it up and try to make writing dates more fun.
2. Unpack immediately.
It's the worst part about coming home but if it's the first thing you do once you get back your life will be so organized. Separate your clothes into dirty and clean. And while you're at it go ahead and start a load of laundry.
3. Do not lie on your bed.
"But J.J., she looks so happy..." I repeat, do not lie on your bed. If you lie down you will never get up. Do yourself a favor and finish your to-do list before letting yourself relax. Trust me, it will feel more worth it.
4. Get your groceries.
Getting back in your car may be dreadful but food is important. After binging on your favorite foods all week, go out to the closest grocery store and begin the cleansing. But don't forget to make a list and you may lose yourself in the chaos of everyone trying to get their groceries too.
5. Start your readings.
Professors tend to give assignments as soon as we come back so if you have some reading to catch up on, go ahead and start. It will be the perfect wind-down from all the crazy spring break shenanigans. Play your favorite Netflix episodes in the background, don't forget to take small breaks in between, and it will be a breeze.
6. Catch up on social media.
Spring break can be crazy, so go ahead and catch up on all your social media. See what everyone did during their break, but also make to check back and see what you posted. College is the prime time to do crazy stuff but future employers do not need to see EVERYTHING. So double check to see if you posted anything that could hurt you in the future.
7. Do your homework.
God forbid your professor gave you homework over the break, but we all know by now that we will have one that will. You may have brought it on your trip thinking you would do it but, jokes on you, you probably didn't even touch it. So do it now! Don't wait until late at night because then you will be even less motivated. Take your time and do your best.
8. Catch up with friends.
With the whirlwind of everyone coming back to school, don't let stress keep you from catching up with friends. Go to dinner together and share stories. It's always good to take the time to spend some quality time with good company. You can even swap phones and check out each others' photos.
9. Check your email.
If you check your email before going to class the next day you will feel so much better/prepared. Most professors will probably give you a heads up or a reminder about what will be happening so don't be the student who isn't in the know. Also it's a good idea to read all the important information and to trash the rest because it has probably been a while since you last checked it.
10. Pack your backpack.
The chances of waking up on time for class tomorrow are very slim, so go ahead and save time by packing your backpack the night before. It is going to take some time to get back into your routine, so help yourself by making life a little easier. This is also a perfect time to clean out your backpack with what you've collected over the semester.
11. Go to bed.
Whatever you did over spring break, I'm sure it always ended with a late night out. But heading back to school means you can't sleep in, so do yourself a favor and go to sleep early. It's going to make going to your 8 a.m. a little more bearable. It's also going to help you focus and improve your overall health/recovery.
These tips are just some of the things you can do to help yourself adjust back to school, but honestly, you know what to do. Just keep yourself motivated and don't ignore the little voice in your head telling you what you need to do. Spring break was a time to relax and have fun, but now it's time to finish the semester strong and make more lasting memories with friends.
