Now that school has started and we are no longer able to stay up until three in the morning binge watching Netflix episodes, it can be tricky to jump head first into mounds of AP homework, after school practices and buckling stress. However, with these five ways, you can get over your summer hangover with minimal time and effort!
1. Set your supplies to fit your aesthetic values.
For those artsy perfectionists out there, this is a perfect way to jump back with a fresh start in style. Color coding your notebooks, binders, computer covers, phone cases and planners takes time — perhaps even some out of your last week of summer. However, this method will allow you to start thinking about what you need during the school year and how you are going to do so. Ultimately, when you finally have the perfect blend of supplies, that marble planner along with your marble patterned laptop will be so pristine that your time and effort would be a waste if you did not start using your supplies! Then, school will be already on your mind once the first day starts, and did I mention how great and aesthetic you'll look? I guarantee that you'll turn heads the moment you walk in!
2. Prepare your mentality by recalling your favorite summer memories.
To be honest, this method has helped me through many ups and downs during my school days, especially when the loneliness or nostalgia sets in. Whenever you feel yourself slipping and losing your concentration, transport yourself to your favorite summer memory when you were enjoying your life stress-free, without a care in the world. Briefly scrolling through your iPhone camera roll during lunch may also help or simply sharing such times with a close friend can help vent the emotions boiling within. Overall, though school is stressful, try not to overwhelm yourself. Take a deep breath and do your best.
3. Try to find upperclassmen friends.
Whether you're an incoming freshman or a graduating senior, having people who you can depend on to give you sound advice for your future can surely help boost your motivation to start and finish off your school year successfully. Not only will they provide you with similar personal experiences with school life, they can also give you hints about the exhilaration of finally throwing their graduation caps into the air and heading off to college with new people, new friends and new surroundings. Many times, after hearing such stories about senior trips, grad parties and a fun high school experience, students may suddenly be imbued with a passion to get their high school years over with, and dive right in, finishing with an outstanding GPA that will earn accolades from dozens of family and friends. How great does that sound?
4. Take classes that you will look forward to.
Though to succeed any class, hard work, dedication and motivation are all factors that must be used. However, nothing is worse then sitting in a class that you have absolutely no interest in. While most high schools require certain credits and core classes that must be taken, such as civics and government in order to graduate, having your friends by your side and a decent teacher can override the negative connotation associated with that certain class, making it more enjoyable. Electives and AP classes should be chosen with consideration of your interests, not just what your friends like or its notability of being an "easy" class. By choosing subjects you are interested in, you can easily catch the drift onto becoming the best "A" student in the class.
5. Compete with those of greater ambition.
Studies have shown that if you are surrounded by people who are better then you at certain subjects, you tend to work harder to be more like them to fit the so called "norm." Try putting yourself in the mind set of someone at a more challenging or rigorous course or school. Perhaps you may find that what you are putting your effort in is not as challenging enough or perhaps you may find yourself relieved that your class schedule may not be as hard as you think. Nonetheless, by "comparing" yourself to others who are working on different things then you are, not necessarily better, you are more likely to find yourself in a more comfortable position with newfound confidence and ambition to start the school year strong.
Ultimately, whatever grade you are entering, I bid you good luck and a great school year. Whether it's your first or last, work hard, have fun and try your best!
